East County Athlete of the Week: Mason Riley

Spring football has reached an end for The Out-of-Door Academy football team. On May 16, it outscored Northside Christian, 14-6, and Sarasota Christian, 7-0, at its spring jamboree. Rising senior offensive/defensive tackle Mason Riley (6-foot-6, 265 pounds) was busy in the trenches and will be a starter for the Thunder this fall. Riley, who has received NCAA Division I interest, is the East County Athlete of the Week.

What did you take away from this spring season?

I learned a lot and improved a lot. Our center (Mays Montagna) graduated, so we had our old right guard (rising senior Adam Bomberger) move in, and we just work well with this new team. I like the new o-line and like the new team — everyone here.

Have you spoken with any college football programs lately?

I had a conversation with Cornell recently. I think it went well.

What are your goals for this fall?

Try to allow as few pressures as possible, zero sacks, improve myself as a person and player, and work with our new teammates.

What do you enjoy about learning and growing with ODA?

I have two other team members (Bomberger and rising senior Antonio Perez) on the o-line alone that have been with me since I joined ODA (in first grade). That was a long time ago. Definitely, my favorite part is family. Here at ODA, I feel like we're all one big family, and that's what I love about this school.

When and why did you start playing football?

It was those friends on the o-line who encouraged me to play back in eighth grade. I had no interest in playing football. But also, the coach (Rob Hollway) recruited me at the time, I guess just because of my size and stuff like that. Eventually, I tried it out for a season and then fell in love with it.

Why have you stuck with this sport?

Originally, I was a lacrosse player. But I eventually fell in love with football from just playing it. I find a lot of fun in playing it.

What quote or piece of advice have you always carried with you?

Our favorite saying on the o-line, because there's five of us, is "five strong." It's stuck with me.

What's a fun fact about you not many people know?

I love fishing. I try to go fishing as much as possible.

Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?

Christian Darrisaw. He plays left tackle for the Minnesota Vikings, so I want to be just like him.

If you could go anywhere for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?

Just travel around Europe. See the Mediterranean Sea, beautiful parts of Europe and stuff like that.

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you eat and why?

Waffles. All throughout middle school and high school, I've pretty much had waffles for breakfast every morning.

What music helps you get in the zone during practice or before a game?

I like to listen to electronic music and house music. That's my favorite.

Finish this sentence. Mason Riley is...

Dedicated.