2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Mason Kinsey, DL, McNeese State

• Name: Mason Kinsey
• Position: Defensive Line
• Height: 6’2″
• Weight: 240 lbs
• School: McNeese State University
• Level: Division I FCS – Southland Conference
• Twitter: mason_hollywood
• Instagram: mason6kinsey

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?

Major: General Studies (Bachelor)

Masters: Criminal Justice

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

My work ethic is my best quality – I don’t say a lot but if I say something it speaks volumes 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

I’m playing a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker. Learning more of the linebacker spot has prepared me for the long run in my opinion. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

Cole Kelley, QB, Southeastern Louisiana

Cameron Ward, QB, Incarnate Word (now at Washington State) 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Kordell Williams, shorter and not as big at linebacker but is the best tackler I have ever seen. He  

“brings a lot of juice”

What makes you different from others at your position? 

My ability to play multiple spots on the defensive line – right up front or further back. The defensive line work comes with a lot of discipline. 

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

I tore my meniscus clean in sophomore year of high school. After junior year I tore my other meniscus. Fortunately I was still able to play when a lot of others may have quit. I was in the weight room right after surgery. 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

I would probably try baseball – that’s what I did before high school. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

I’m proud to have my bachelor’s degree. I also got first team all-conference but I am working to be an All-American and champion. 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

Freshman year I was at The Citadel, we were playing Western Carolina. I ran the center over and jumped at the quarterback, knocking the ball clean from his hands. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

Favorite team: Pittsburgh Steelers

Favorite athlete: Ryan Shazier 

I model my game after Fred Warner and Bobby Wagner so I can try and play the run better. At the end of the day I still have my own style. 

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

Music and looking around the stadium at all of the fans – “living in the moment” with the crowd 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?

Playing video games on the XBox. I also do a bit of skating. 

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?

I play football to have fun and a good time. I want to make some money as well but ultimately I want to play the sport as long as I can. My teammates are usually my biggest motivation along with the feeling of winning. 

What do you want NFL teams to know about you? 

I’m going to do everything the correct way – on and off the field. 100% effort all of the time. 

Try to make the team better and help them win. 

Other notes: 

I was on varsity as a sophomore in high school – it was a bit of a wake up call and I had to learn to go up against some tough competition. We went four rounds into the Texas state playoffs in my junior year, that’s when I had a lot more confidence but knew I needed to keep working. Senior year I had 10 sacks, 4 more than the year before, we went 5 rounds deep into the playoffs but couldn’t go all the way. Missouri State and The Citadel were my two major offers but Missouri State pulled out before signing day. Went to The Citadel for six months and started three games as a freshman. Recorded 5.5 sacks before I left to JUCO. Navarro College in Texas was where I learned to play more off the line, dropping into coverage and understanding reads/routes. Once I found my way there, I came to McNeese as Covid was happening. Fall season junior year I was a first-team all-conference player and now I’m trying to make another jump.