Minnesota MVP

Mason is a 2027 prospect out of Dawson-Boyd that I thought turned in the best performance amongst Minnesota prospects at the SMSU Prospect Camp and elevated way up our 2027 Minnesota board at the linebacker position. The 6’2 200 pounder was a cerified flyer to the ball in the live 1v1 reps I watched on Friday at SMSU and boosted the most physicality on contact that I saw. Mason is one that has been on my radar for a couple years now, but the excellent growth we saw from an instinctive perspective in Marshall on Friday shows off the ideal fit to play linebacker at the next-level. His pure athleticism he has boosts also a ton of range when you roll the tape, as it’s evident this young man has cetainly put in the work in the offseason to rise his stock a ton.

Another verified Dawson-Boyd standout with a legit frame, Bothun was hurt most of last season, but when he finally came back in Week 7, he made a massive impact. A lot of his tape is as a hybrid DB/LB, which is a role he fits into well. He’s plenty adept as both a run stopper and a true DB in pass coverage. When he plays in the box, Bothun does a great job of screaming downhill and provides a legit run-stopping threat. He can create chaos in the backfield, especially when sent on a blitz, which he’s been able to time up well several times on his tape. He’s got a nose for the ball when he drops back into coverage, and sees a lot of success in zone defenses. Keep an eye out for Bothun next year; he looks like a prospect who can continue to do big things, especially with a full season.

Mason Bothun Mason Bothun 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB/WR Dawson-Boyd | 2027 State MN boasts the athleticism and skills to fit as a LB/DB hybrid defender. Bothun recorded 24 tackles (17 solo) to go with 4 TFLs and a team-high 3 interceptions in 2024. Bothun is a versatile defender that can line up as an Outside Linebacker, Inside Linebacker, and lined up man-to-man in the slot. Bothun’s flexibility makes it difficult for opponents to guess where he will be lined up each play, combined with his quick speed, jarring hits, and great ball-skills in the secondary adds to his value on defense. Bothun is a promising small-school prospect that is worth getting familiar with going forward.