2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Mason Kaplan, LB, Illinois State University

• Name: Mason Kaplan
• Position: LB
• College: Illinois State University
• Height: 6′ 2″
• Weight: 230 lbs
• X: @kaplan_mason
• Instagram: @mason.kap

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I started playing flag football in kindergarten and tackle football in 2nd grade. I immediately loved it. I’ve always been a football player but I realized it was really who I was when I was about 9 years old. I was playing multiple sports at that time, but I knew football was the one for me when I was playing catcher in baseball during little league. I was involved in a pickle between 3rd base and home plate. Instead of throwing the ball to the 3rd baseman, I ran down the baserunner heading back to 3rd and completely took him out. I just love the physicality of football and everything about it. Being a catcher was an opportunity to wear equipment like in football. It was then that I knew I wanted to spend everyday day of my life with football.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

One of my favorite moments was beating North Dakota State in the playoffs this past season. The game itself was electric, but another part that really stuck out to me was how afterwards when it was just us (our team) in the locker room, all together—the emotion—all we had was us, and we knew that is what we needed to win that game. We did not listen to the outside noise, and we stayed focused on the task at hand. We never felt it was out of reach. Getting the playoff shot at them after losing in the regular season made it that much sweeter. It is tough to choose certain moments because I am extremely thankful for every moment of my football journey—the good, the bad, and the ugly has made me the player I am today. The moments that I will cherish forever are all the times I have spent with my teammates on each team along the way and the relationships we have built together. There is nothing more important in that locker room than earning and having the love and respect of your teammates.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

The family member that inspires me the most is my father. He has supported my dreams and aspirations when it comes to football and all other aspects of my life. He has always pushed me to be the best version of myself. He has continued to show me how to be there for family and friends. He has taught me to carry myself in a way to be a role model for others or to simply be there in the best way I can to support and encourage those in need. He instilled a strong work ethic in me. He works his tail off every single day whether it’s at his job or being a great husband, father, and son. I am beyond thankful for him.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

What I love the most about the game of football is the competitiveness and team-aspect. I love being a part of a team where you grind all year for the opportunity to compete in no less than 11-12 games, yet they are the greatest 60 minutes on the field you could ever ask for. I love the grind, the physicality and the grit it takes to play the game, and the fact that you need all 11 guys on each unit to play together. I am about to earn a Master’s Degree in Sports Psychology, so obviously I love the mental aspect of the preparation for and execution in the game as well. There is truly nothing like the game of football.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?

I would choose Troy Polamalu. I dressed up as him for Halloween 3 years in a row when I was younger. He was my favorite player growing up to watch, and he is a tenacious competitor. I loved the way he played the game. I chose the number 43 to be my jersey number until I was forced to switch to a number that was more for quarterbacks once I hit middle school. I actually used to wear that number in baseball and basketball for him too. I would love to hang out with him for a day and hear stories, do some film work, and get on the field with him. To spend the time with him and to pick his brain would be an honor.

What are your favorite things about playing football for Illinois State?

I absolutely love the people in our facility. Getting the opportunity to spend so much time around everyone is something I won’t ever take for granted. I love the coaches because of their demand for greatness from us as players, and the players work ethic to uphold and exceed that standard set. The faculty, the students, and the community make it a special place. I do my best to show my heartfelt appreciation, and to give back to the community the best I can.

What should we know about Mason Kaplan the person?

I am someone who wakes up every day and reads and understands the principles I live by. I live by being the best version of myself, which means I can and will serve others. I want everyone around me to be the best version of themselves. I am mentally and physically tough because of my calloused mind and background. This helps make me a gritty competitor that leads by example and vocally. I am a team first, coachable guy that is a winner and will do whatever it takes to get the job done. I am full of grit and have no quit. I am a complete film junkie that is thirsty for knowledge. I love being present in the community and making wherever I am a better place the best I can. I am also close with my family and value family and friends highly. I know it all sounds cliche, but I feel confident that those in the building would agree. But really, I just like to think of myself as authentic and humble. I have a goofy side to me too. People have told me I’m unapologetically myself.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

My favorite defensive scheme is ours at Illinois State. The 3-4 because it is versatile and we can jump into a 4-3 whenever. I love that we have edges to our defense and can play very fast at the inside linebacker position. We also are able to activate from anywhere on the field and bring pressure, as well as play coverage. I feel it is sound versus anything.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I handle challenges both in life and on the football field with an optimistic approach. One of my core principles from my I Believe list that I read every morning is, I Believe that optimists and pessimists both face bad events, but optimists search for temporary problems, while pessimists assume permanent issues. I also look at them with the mindset of “Good!”, which is something we harp on at Illinois State in our program. We say “Good!” because we know that adversity only makes us stronger and the adversity is for us, not to us. We can now show how strong we truly are when adversity/challenges hit.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get a fierce competitor that will come in, put his head down and work, relentlessly. A high football IQ guy. A player that will build strong relationships and be coachable. A character guy. A player that will be a sponge and soak up any knowledge possible, and will make the most of every opportunity. I have a relentless pursuit to work on my craft and be sure to help others do the same. I’m always building, developing. I understand what it takes to go from a team with more losses than wins to the opposite and what goes into it and what goes into the work to maintain a high level. I don’t believe just because you work hard you deserve things. You work hard because you love it and to create opportunities. So I just work and stay on go, and when those opportunities arise I seize them.

What stands out about your film the most?

What stands out about my film the most is my relentless effort. I value myself on practicing with the upmost intentional detail of effort. I understand that if it does not occur in practice it will not happen in games. Therefore my effort—it’s apparent all year. In addition, what stands out in my film is my football IQ/instincts. As a former quarterback and now inside linebacker, I have spent countless hours in film study and been on both sides of the ball. I see the game from both sides and have a strong feel for the game. I also believe that the film shows my strength and conditioning thanks to my coaches. I will continue to develop because I know there is always more!

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

The most underrated player I’ve played with is Travis Jones. He is a guy who definitely leads by example. He puts his head down and goes to work. He is an extremely productive player and an outstanding pass rusher. He constantly puts pressure on the QB and is also strong in the run game. He’s an outstanding teammate that although might be overlooked, will have a huge impact for our team this year and excited to continue to play with him.