Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Tijuan Mason, a fast rising prospect from Tennessee powerhouse Trezevant High School (Memphis) committed Purdue today. This is a big pickup for Purdue.
Purdue picked up its second verbal commitment for the 2017 recruiting class when Tijuan Mason committed to the Boilermakers today. Mason is a 6’6, 220 pound defensive end from Tennessee powerhouse Trezevant High School (Memphis). Mason is currently rated as a 2* prospect, but has been getting looks from high major schools since he hit the summer circuit at a ripped 220, up from the 205 he played at last season. Mason chose Purdue over a recent scholarship offer from N.C. State. Purdue did its work early on Mason, being the first D1 program to offer him a scholarship, and the Purdue coaching staff’s diligence paid off in a commitment from this fast rising prospect.
After watching Mason compete in the Memphis D1 combine, David Johnson, a writer for Rebels 247 (the Ole Miss 247 Sports website) stated that, ” … He’s (Mason) a long and lean pass rusher with a great first step. His body could easily carry another 40 pounds of muscle weight, as well.” http://olemiss.247sports.com/Article/Top-Perfrormers-Memphis-D1-Combine-43552433
Mason is just the kind of 2* guy you roll the dice on. Sure, the 6’6, 205 version of Tijuan Mason might be a 2* prospect, but the 6’6, 240-250 pound prospect he can grow into might be a 4* guy. Mason reminds me of recent skinny high school DE prospects turned stars Vic Beasley (6’5, 210) and Barkevious Mingo (6’6, 210). The key to Mason’s development at Purdue will be to add weight while still maintaining his explosive first step. It will be interesting to what weight Mason enters Purdue at, because he still has another year of high school to fill out his lanky body.