Mason Cole is one of the short list candidates for being the best recruit in the state of Florida. Cole’s recruitment figures to be one of the most competitive in college football with big programs from everywhere extending offers out to him.
Cole is an offensive lineman from Tarpon Springs (Fla.) in East Lake. He stands at 6’4 and weighs 285 pounds. Cole is being recruited as either an offensive tackle or an offensive guard depending on who you talk to. He’s currently ranked as the 107th-best recruit by Rivals. 247Sports has him placed at 62nd and has him ranked as a top-five offensive guard and a top-10 recruit in the state of Florida. Cole is ranked as a top-20 offensive tackle by Scout and is currently on the ESPN Watchlist. As of February, Cole has already received offers from many traditional powers like Alabama, Florida, Notre Dame, USC, Michigan, Florida State, Georgia and Ohio State.
Mason Cole recruit scouting report: talented offensive lineman
Perhaps the best offensive linemen in Florida, Mason Cole figures to be one of the hottest commodities on the recruiting trail.
You can follow Cole on Twitter at @MasonCole52.
Set your goals high and dont stop till you get there.
— Mason Cole (@MasonCole52) February 12, 2013
Bud Elliott, National Recruiting Analyst: Cole has an elite offer list for a reason. Many reasons, actually.
He is very athletic and plays with a lot of energy. Cole is able to bend and play low, giving him the leverage advantage over most opponents, though he needs to do so more consistently.
Cole is quick out of his stance and climbs to the second level using good angles. His feet allow him to play with good balance, which helps him not overextend for defenders.
Drive blocking is an obvious area for improvement, as is pass protecting against the bull rush. Cole does not have great bulk, and he lacks the ability at present to anchor against big defensive linemen. Cole projects to add as much as 40 pounds to his frame at the college level, but should be able to play after adding 20 or so.
He could benefit from a redshirt season to work in a college weight room, but may be able to play some as a freshman if needed. His upside is that of a high-level BCS starter, and I do think he can stay at tackle in the right system.
