2022 PFN Player Spotlight-Mason Lister-Athens

Tagged under: District 4, News, Player Previews

David Burnworth | June 5, 2022

Mason Lister

Athens Area High School.

class: 2023

QB

Jersey: # 2

Height: 6’4″

Weight 195 pound

Other sports: Basketball and baseball

Twitter: Mlister_2

You have to go back to the 2015 season to find the last time Athens won ten games. What will it take for the 2022 team to equal that total or do even better?

That was my older brother Austin’s senior season. That team was awesome! They had weapons everywhere on offense, and their defense was just nasty. They were so much fun to watch! I believe we can play the same way this year. Our seniors will have to be tremendous leaders and our very talented underclassmen will have to step up and shine, which I believe and know they can.

In watching your Hudl highlights, I was impressed with your touch on your deep throws and very impressed with your work on the play-action type of passes. What do you believe your greatest strength is as a quarterback, and what do you think you need to improve on the most?

I believe I have a few strengths. First, my experience I have been playing the QB position since the second grade. I was fortunate enough to earn the starting position as a freshman, so this will be my fourth season as the starting QB at Athens. I am also confident in my arm strength. I can throw the quick passes, but I am also confident in throwing the deep ball. Finally, my height. I am now 6‘4″ and I am able to see the field very well. As far as what I need to improve on this season, I need to be that complete leader that every good QB needs to be to be successful!

What has coach Young brought to Athens as the head coach that might have been lacking before his arrival?

This is a tough question because Coach Young has been the head coach at Athens for a very long time. Here’s what I know he brings. Experience, knowledge, tradition, respect, and leadership. Coach Young is a winner! In fact, he was the head coach for the Big 33 classic football game this past year, which Pennsylvania won. It has been an honor to be his quarterback for the last four seasons.

It’s fourth and goal from the six, with enough time for one play left and you are down five. What play are you hoping it’s called?

A play that adheres to my strengths So, pass first, then run second!

Is it more fun to play quarterback or free safety?

This is an easy one. I have only ever played QB in high school. The coach was not putting me out there on defense. I knew that, but I would still ask.

What is the toughest defense for you to prepare for? Can you explain why?

I do not have one particular defense that I feel is tough to prepare for. They are all tough. Every week will be different. Every week you will have a different look to deal with. You have to watch the film and be prepared. Then you have to go out and practice against it. It’s not an option.

Who is the one team you have yet to beat that you most want to this year?

Canton. They just have a tremendous football program. We have had some really good football games over the last couple of seasons. I would just like to come out on top of one of these really good football games.

What goals have you set not only for yourself but for the team too?

I think my biggest goal moving into next season is to have my new receiving core ready. We graduated three starting receivers this year, so it is very important that this next group of very talented receivers is ready to go by the start of the season. They need to get comfortable with me, and I need to get comfortable with them. I am definitely looking forward to it.

Can you let us know of some schools that are recruiting you?

I believe that we are in the beginning stages with a lot of these schools. I think we are at a little bit of a disadvantage with where Athens is located on the map. So it is important to get out there on social media and to attend these prospect camps that I have been invited to so that a lot of these schools can see me live for the first time. I have been to three or four of these terrific camps now, and more schools are beginning to reach out. I am looking forward to the recruiting process.

Have you watched any of the USFL games? If so, what are your thoughts on them and the league?

I have watched a few of these games. It is good football and it’s giving these players an opportunity to play the game and to show off their talents, so hopefully, it could get them an opportunity to play in the NFL.

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