Coach's Take: WR Mason Mangum
Not only is Westlake wide receiver Mason Mangum quick on his feet, he's also one of the quickest decision makers in Arkansas's 2020 class. Mangum committed to the Hogs, becoming the fourth commit, just a week after visiting and getting his offer from Coach Justin Stepp.
No one knows Arkansas commits like their high school coaches, so Rivals caught up with Westlake head coach Todd Dodge to get the inside scoop on Mangum. Dodge coached the Chaparrals to a 13-2 season in 2018 that ended in the Texas 6A D2 semifinals.
What Does Mason Bring to the Table for Arkansas?
"He's a fabulous wide receiver. He's 6-foot-1, 175. He is probably going to break the all-time career receiving record within the first three games next season. He's had 115 catches, 27 touchdown catches, well over 2,000 yards in his first two years. He's very versatile, he plays inside and outside. That's the football side of things.
"He's also a tri-sport athlete. He plays basketball after football. Our team is very good, so he's kind of a back up, but he's got a highlight on his film of him dunking, it's very impressive. In track, he competes in long-jump, the 300m hurdles and the 110m hurdles. He won gold in all three events at regionals and went to state."
Has Mangum had Much Private Run Coaching?
"I wouldn't know about that but the wide receiver's coach here is his hurdling coach. All the football coaches also coach track and all the football players run track here. His mother was an outstanding hurdler here at Westlake. His father was an outstanding quarterback here and played defensive back at Wisconsin. His older brother Max plays for Harvard now at safety. So he does have a very athletic family."
How Competitive is Mason and How Does He Show It?
"He's not a trash talker, he doesn't do anything you'd be able to really see. There's no doubt he's got a lot of swag to him and a lot of confidence in his ability but he's a quiet guy. I wish there were more kids like him, willing to play three sports. When we were growing up, you'd compete in everything you wanted to and no adult would ever tell you any different. He's one of our very few three sport athletes. He's hugely competitive."
How did Mason Manage to Stay So Off the Radar?
"You know, the interesting thing about Mason is if you watch his highlights, they're great. But it wasn't until he popped off a 4.4 laser at the Opening. And then he got these track times. A month and a few weeks ago, Mason didn't have any offers. Then Tulane called me and told me they were offering. Within 48 hours he had six Division-I offers.
"It's not our program doesn't have a lot of people coming through. To me, it's a no brainer. But the actual physical things people have seen him do lately have opened a lot of eyes. He's also not a big social media guy, he doesn't have time to be."
How Much Room for Growth Does He Have?
"He's still filling out. He's very explosive from the waist-down. He's long jumped 24 feet this year. He weighs 175 pounds so when he's really able to put time into the weight room he'll be rocked up and 190 pounds. That's one area he'll get better. He's hardly scratched the surface there.
"He's very versatile already. He started sophomore year inside and then I moved him outside last year. He's very strong after the catch. He's got great on kick-off and punt return."
What Academic State is Mason in?
"There wouldn't be much work he'd have to do to get out of here early. That might be something he and his parents have already talked about but I don't know. He's an outstanding student. He was recruited by the Ivy Leagues before the other Division-I offers came in."
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