NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Mason Bennett, DE, University of North Dakota

Jonathan Joyce of Draft Diamonds recently sat down with Mason Bennett of North Dakota

Student-Athlete Profile:

  • Mason Bennett
  • University of North Dakota
  • DE
  • 6’4”
  • 266 lbs.
  • Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba
  • Twitter: @masonbennett55

2018 Statistics:

  • GP: 11
  • Total Tackles: 42
  • TFL: 14.0
  • Sacks: 9.0
  • FR: 1
via Mason Bennett (YouTube)

As an athlete, what is your motivation?

As an athlete, there are many things that motivate me. The desire to continue growing mentally and physically and become a better athlete. I like to set personal goals for myself, hold myself accountable, compete with myself, continue to educate myself and learn how to be a better athlete, and help my team win games.

What defines success for you?

For me, success is defined as commitment. I set high, realistic goals for myself and I train and play the game hard. Discomfort enlightens me and fear motivates me. I’ve made a commitment to my teammates and coaches that I will do my best, and I enjoy pursuing my goals and the hard work it takes to also enjoy playing the game.

What would your teammates say about the type of player and man you are?

My teammates would say I’m a relentless football player who leads by example along with being a good teammate who pushes and motivates other players to do their best. They would say that I am a reliable man, who is honest and loyal with a great sense of humor.

via @masonbennett55 (Twitter)

Who is the toughest player you’ve competed against during your collegiate career?

Tyler Huntley, QB for the Utah Utes. In 2017 we traveled to Utah and he was definitely the toughest guy I had to tackle, he was extremely quick and fast while being able to put the ball anywhere. He was a good competitor.

Who is the best player in the NFL?

Aaron Donald, DE for the Rams.

What is your team of choice on Madden, why?

Kansas City Chiefs. I love playing with Tyreek Hill he’s one of the fastest in the game and on defense playing with Dee Ford and Justin Houston.

via @UNDinsider (Twitter)

Failure is inevitable in life. How do you handle situations that don’t go in your favor?

As mentioned failure is inevitable in life. Failing is never a negative as it shows us where we have gotten comfortable and how we can better be prepared for the next challenge. Handling failure and dealing with pressure, is something that I feel I will continue to learn how to deal with well into adulthood. At this point in my life, the way I handle failure is reminding myself I have come too far, and I have overcome too many obstacles to give up, I refuse to give up. The more I talk myself into not giving up during a situation that may not be in my favor, the less I have to actually talk myself into it, and it becomes second nature to just not give up, no matter what.

Is there a current/former NFL player that you model your game after?

Frank Clark, with Kansas City. We have the same build, and play extremely similar in the passing game, utilizing our speed and power to get around the edge

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, living or deceased, who would it be and why?

I would love to have dinner with Elon Musk, technology entrepreneur, investor, and engineer. He is the co-founder and CEO at Tesla, the founder, CEO and lead designer of SpaceX and also the co-founder of Paypal. It would be an honor to sit down and enjoy a conversation with someone that has such an innovative way of thinking, he isn’t afraid to fail or try new things. It would be so interesting to just listen to him speak and see how his mind works.

via @SamHerderFCS (Twitter)

In 15 words or less, why should an NFL team invest in you?

I have character, stability, self-motivation. I’m reliable, coachable, hard-working and play to win.

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