Chase Mason Turned Heads Throwing at the SDSU Pro Day, Has NFL Teams Excited

There’s something different about Chase Mason, and NFL scouts are starting to feel it. He has a Josh Allen feel to him!
At the SDSU pro day, Mason didn’t just throw passes, he made a statement. With tight spirals cutting through the air and deep balls landing effortlessly in stride, scouts were locked in on the gunslinger from the moment he stepped on the field. Evaluators left impressed, but more importantly, intrigued. After conversations with multiple NFL personnel, one thing is clear: Mason is a name teams are circling as they dig deeper into small-school talent.
And it’s easy to see why.
Mason’s journey isn’t your typical quarterback story. Before lighting it up on the gridiron, he was a multi-sport standout who led Viborg-Hurley Cougars to a state championship in 2019. His athleticism didn’t stop there, he was so talented on the diamond that MLB organizations had him on their radar leading up to the draft.
That path initially led him to Nebraska Cornhuskers baseball, where he spent his first year pursuing baseball at a high level. But something didn’t sit right.
That realization changed everything.
Mason made the decision to walk away from baseball and chase what truly drove him, football. He landed with South Dakota State Jackrabbits football, and since then, his trajectory has been pointing straight up.
What separates Mason isn’t just the arm talent, though it’s undeniable. It’s the combination of athleticism, competitive fire, and authenticity. He’s not a quarterback manufactured by hype or shortcuts. He’s one who chose the harder path, turned down opportunities to chase quick money in the transfer portal, and instead doubled down on development, loyalty, and belief in his program.
That matters to NFL teams!
In an era where movement is constant and loyalty is rare, Mason’s decision to stay put speaks volumes. It tells scouts he’s grounded, committed, and focused on growth rather than instant gratification. And when you pair that mindset with his physical tools, mobility, arm strength, and natural playmaking ability, you start to see why evaluators are excited.
The phrase “small-school quarterback” often comes with questions. Level of competition. System fit. Projection. But Mason is quickly turning those questions into confidence. His pro day performance didn’t just showcase talent, it showed readiness.
And the truth is, the NFL is always searching for the next hidden gem, the next quarterback who rises from outside the spotlight and proves he belongs on Sundays.
Chase Mason might just be that guy.
Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about football for him, it’s about passion. It’s about choosing what you love and going all in.
“Loyalty over money” isn’t just a phrase tied to Mason, it’s who he is.
And if his trajectory continues, it won’t be long before the rest of the football world knows his name.

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com
