2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Mason Gray, DB, Robert Morris University
StudentAthlete Profile:
- Mason Gray
- Robert Morris University
- DB
- 5’11”
- 195 LBS.
- Hometown: Washington, D.C.
- Twitter: @6_mg1
2019 Accolades & Statistics:
- 2019 AllNortheast Conference Football First Team.
- GP: 12
- Total Tackles: 100
- TFL: 4.5
- INTs: 2
- PBU: 10
- PD: 12
- FF: 2
- TD: 2
Congratulations on earning First Team Northeast Football Conference honors. What is the first emotion you felt when you received the news? Who is the first person you shared it with?
Thank you. The first emotion I felt was proud and excited. I am eager to see what is next because I am not done yet. The first person I told was my best friend Lexxis because when I felt I should have made all-conference at Albany she told me, “keep pushing and your hard work will pay off,” and it did.
You made quite an impact during your lone season at RMU after transferring from Albany. What was the transfer process like for you and what sort of adjustments did you make to get acclimated to RMU?
The transfer process is never easy and always stressful, but I am very happy with the decision that I made coming to Robert Morris and I thank all the coaches that reached out to me and recruited me. Coming from Albany it was not much of an adjustment because I already had a relationship with most of the coaches and the team was extremely welcoming.
What made Robert Morris the right destination for you to finish your Collegiate career?
The coaches and culture are what made RMU the right choice. I loved playing for coach Clark, he is like a second father to me. I know I can talk to him about anything and it is more than football when dealing with coach Clark. He truly makes his players better men.
What have you taken away the most from Coach Clark, Coach Tanski and the rest of the Robert Morris coaching staff?
The coaching staff really allowed me to lead the team this year, especially the defensive backs. They always stressed to never being complacent and continue to work. The coaching staff helped me better my leadership skills, so I will continue to build on that.
Give me your Mount Rushmore of all-time defensive backs, past and present. Two safeties and two cornerbacks. What made you choose these players?
Sean Taylor and the Honey Badger at safeties, Deion Sanders and Jalen Ramsey at cornerback. I like Sean and Tyrann because they are hard-hitting, ball-hawking, playmaking safeties. They bring energy with their play and I model my game after these two individuals. I chose Deion and Jalen Ramsey because they both talk a lot but also back it up at a high level every play. They are physical yet play with finesse at the same time and of course, they are ball hawks.
When football is over, what do you aspire to do in the professional world?
I aspire to be an actor, maybe be on a hit Netflix show, or the next Marvel superhero.
What separates you from other players at your position?
My aggression, instinct, speed, and eye discipline to diagnose plays, allows me to transition and make the correct play.
Who is the toughest player you’ve competed against during your collegiate career?
Kyle Lauletta at Richmond was a great quarterback that could complete almost any pass so he was pretty hard to compete against, but 1v1 a receiver that went to Stony Brook named Ray Bolden.
Is there a current or former NFL player you emulate your game after?
I tend to emulate my game after a couple people because I play multiple positions, but Karl Joseph, the Honey Badger, and Jalen Ramsey.
Let’s take a trip back to the first day of your freshman year at St. Johns College Prep. What advice would you give yourself then, knowing what you know now?
Be humble and do not let current success dictate your character and attitude.
If I’m in Moon Township on a Saturday night during the Fall, where is the one place I have to eat at?
YorkTown Hall Cafe, bomb Sundaes and wings!
You’re in front of all 32 NFL General Managers and have 15 words or less to give them your pitch on why Mason Gray will be an asset to their organization for years to come. What do you tell them?
I give my all for the name across my chest and back.
