Photo Credit: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media

New Michigan Man: FB/LB Ben Mason Commits

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

In Harbaugh’s first year at Michigan, the fullback position returned with a vengeance as Sione Houma and Joey Kerridge became significant factors in the offense’s success. So, it makes sense with them graduating, the staff is loading up on more. They already added Chase Lasater at the spring game and now have added another possible fullback to the 2017 class as Sandy Hook (CT) FB/LB Ben Mason has committed to Michigan.

Mason is the prototypical “Harbaugh player”. Similar to 2017 LB Joshua Ross, Mason is a physical, smart, instinctive player that loves to play football. He shows signs of being a productive MIKE or WILL linebacker but thanks to his ability to block, catch and make plays with the ball in his hands, the fullback position looks to be his most likely primary position in the Maize and Blue, though I expect him to see time in all three facets (offense, defense, special teams) during his career.

As for his recruitment, he basically showed up on the UM scene out of nowhere. He made a trip to Ann Arbor in mid-April and landed his offer from the staff. Thanks to the offer and visit, Michigan looked to be the heavy favorite. However, thanks to being recruited as a fullback, it looked like he would choose Wisconsin who was recruiting him purely as a linebacker. But the Michigan staff is known for giving freshmen the freedom to prove their position and that looks like it was a factor here. Thanks to the on the field opportunity and UM’s educational opportunities, Mason is a Michigan Man.

  • Height: 6’3”
  • Weight: 245lbs
  • Hometown (School): Newtown, CT (Sandy Hook)
  • Notable Offers: Wisconsin, Army, Harvard, Duke, Cal, Navy, Yale
  • Rankings: Scout (3*, #32 ILB) – Rivals (3*, #4 in CT) – 247Sports (3*, #35 ILB) – ESPN (NR)

As for the Rest of the Class: Mason is the 12th overall commit, 1st commit out of Connecticut and 2nd fullback commit/2nd linebacker commit of the class. It’s safe to say this is the last fullback addition of the class (I think) but the staff has plenty of linebackers still on the board. That includes Drew Singleton, Jordan Anthony, Willie Gay and Leonard Warner. As for Connecticut, Michigan’s best chance to make a double dip in the state is to pull out top Cheshire (CT) WR Tarik Black, who has UM near the top of his list.

Photo Credit: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media

Garrett Fishaw
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