–> Follow @Tony Liebert on Twitter
While the Gophers 2023 class continues to build, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota LB Mason Carrier was the first to verbally commit to the 2024 class. Mason’s senior brother Ethan committed earlier in the day as a preferred walk-on (PWO). Listed at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds the Gophers were Mason’s only scholarship offer. The No. 2 ranked 2024 player in Minnesota is now staying home.
Let’s Row! Committed🛶〽️@Coach_Fleck @JoeS_Rossi @RyanBurnsMN @Gophers247 @dlhsfootball pic.twitter.com/R4dC6M4VG0
— Mason Carrier (@MasonCarrier5) June 19, 2022
Who is Mason Carrier?:
Mason Carrier is a two-sport standout at Detroit Lakes High School. Having produced the likes of Adam Theilen, Carrier will look to be the next top athlete to come from the Lakes. He put together a very productive season as a sophomore, totaling 585 rushing yards, 53 total tackles and 6 TDs playing both fullback and linebacker in only eight games. After impressing at summer camps, he earned his first D1 offer from his hometown Gophers and committed less than one month later.
- Scouting Report:
Carrier is the classic hard-nosed high school linebacker. He will not blow you away athletically, but he certainly has the traits of a Big Ten linebacker. Playing both sides of the ball, he has a very high football IQ and looks comfortable on the football field. Projecting as a linebacker for the Gophers, he has great instincts for the position and very good size. With continued development, there is zero reason why he cannot be a very productive Big Ten player.
**High School Football Hudl Highlights:
Instant Reaction:
The Gophers’ first commitment to the 2023 class did not come until September last summer. I would imagine Mason Carrier’s older brother Ethan committing as a PWO played a large role in the timing of his decision. It is always great for a Minnesota player to stay home, especially as the first player in the class. As Reese Tripp and Jerome Williams were the first MN players to commit in the 2023 class, we all saw how well that has worked. Mason Carrier is a terrific high school football player and a terrific start to the Gophers’ 2024 class.
What is next?:
As I just said, June is typically very early for any junior to commit, so I would imagine that we will not see many more 2024 players commit to Minnesota anytime soon. Nevertheless, Carrier is a great start while the Gophers continue to build their 2023 class.
Full 2024 class:
- LB Mason Carrier