An impressive showing at Who’s Next earlier in the offseason gave a glimpse into what Mason Viglone Mason Viglone 5'8" | 140 lbs | LB/ATH Toms River Warriors (Youth Program) | 2031 NJ can bring as a linebacker. While he is on the smaller side for the position, his movement skills immediately stood out. He covered a lot of ground in the open field and showed the ability to change direction smoothly without losing much momentum.

Mason’s awareness was equally encouraging, as he consistently kept his head on a swivel and stayed engaged with what was developing around him. I’m looking forward to seeing how that athleticism and awareness translate this fall.

As the second defensive-focused athlete on the list, Mason Viglone Mason Viglone 5'8" | 140 lbs | LB/ATH Toms River Warriors (Youth Program) | 2031 NJ brings a versatile skill set that has consistently caught the attention of those at Next events. He has lined up in multiple roles, showing the ability to play as a traditional linebacker, rush off the edge or scrape and fill from the middle. Mason’s athleticism also allows him to open his hips and drop into coverage, giving him the flexibility to contribute in different defensive packages.

With his defensive versatility already standing out, I’m interested to learn more about what he can bring on offense as well. Mason’s ability to impact the game from multiple spots makes him an intriguing athlete heading into the season.

Rounding out the non-2030 Linebackers that did a nice job was Mason Viglone Mason Viglone 5'8" | 140 lbs | LB/ATH Toms River Warriors (Youth Program) | 2031 NJ . This was the second Prep Redzone Next New Jersey Who’s Next Middle School Exposure Camp Viglone has attended and turned in another positive showing. Joining the slew of other Jersey Shore AYF All-Star LBs in this write up, Viglone looked very polished in terms of technique in defending the pass. Though certainly on the lighter side at just 126-pounds, the lightest of the non-2030 ‘backers, he was tough on his feet and routinely found himself in good position.

I last saw Mason Viglone Mason Viglone 5'8" | 140 lbs | LB/ATH Toms River Warriors (Youth Program) | 2031 NJ at our Prep Redzone Next Middle School Combine last spring, where he was just a pup as a sixth-grade Edge player walking into an event filled with countless dogs who have verbal scholarship offers just weeks into their freshman season(s). However, at the tryout against kids his own age, Viglone was literally the first prospect I took note of. Played fast and aggressively throughout the multiple sessions he was at. He has the ball skills to make an impact on the offensive side, but he looks like a future Linebacker to me. Viglone has the versatility to play inside or outside at this point depending on scheme. Also, finally, if you guessed he was from Toms River…you’d be correct.