Thoughts from a Showcase MVP – Mason Novak River Falls WR

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For my final Minnesota Prepredzone Winter Stock Up Showcase story, I finish with the wide receiver position and the MVP of that group, River Falls (WI)'s junior [player_tooltip player_id='1228794' first='Mason' last='Novak']. Here is what he had to say about his performance at the Showcase and his preparation for his senior year of football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What were you looking to get out of the day?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Novak:</strong> I wanted to go out and compete, have fun, and have a good time. I have never had jaw-dropping numbers at a combine. I just wanted to show people I can play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Why do you think you were selected as the wide receiver MVP?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Novak:</strong> I think I stood out during the competition time with my route running and my speed. I think they took notice of my ability to make contested catches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What was the biggest thing you took out of the coaching part of the Showcase?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Novak: </strong>Going into my senior season, they reinforced what previous coaches have taught me and that I need to keep working on the fundamentals of the game. I can always get better at those.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Skill-wise, what have you been working on this off-season?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Novak:</strong> I have been working on my speed and my vertical. I want to get more separation on my routes. I keep working on the fundamentals. The biggest thing I have been working on is being a leader on the team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What are your strengths as a wide receiver?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Novak:</strong> My strengths are my route running and my change of direction. I get good separation when I am running my routes. I think I have a high football IQ, and know how to run my routes based on where the DB is lined up. I have good hands and can catch the football in tight places.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Where do you typically line up?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Novak:</strong> I usually line up on the outside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Do you play defense?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Novak: Last year, I played a little bit of corner, but this year, I think I will be playing both ways. Last year, I was usually the boundary-side corner when I came in on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What are your strengths as a corner?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Novak:</strong> Since I play receiver, I know how people run their routes and make judgments based on that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What have you been doing athletically this offseason?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Novak:</strong> This spring, I am going to get to some camps, and I will be running track. I usually run the 100, the 200, and the long jump. Right now, I work out before school every day – focusing on strength and explosion. After school, I usually do another workout focused more on football-specific things. I am making sure I am eating right and getting enough protein.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->