Video link: https://wisconsin.rivals.com/news/week-1-in-state-blitz-wisconsin-commit-mason-platter
Strengths: Mason Platter is a legit 6-foot-5 and 226 pounds, so he's slowly going in the right direction as far as adding weight. As an edge pass rusher, he has a good first step and burst at the line of scrimmage. He was often in North's backfield even though much of its offense was targeted to run away from him.
Talking with his position coach before the game, he told me right away just how long Platter's wingspan is. That's evident on a few plays where he's chasing down the ball carrier. I don't think Platter is an elite athlete, but he's good enough in that department and has great "bend" for his size. Getting there early, he also does the little things as a senior leader that help a team find success. His coach also felt Platter could be an excellent tight end because of his speed and hands, though he didn't get any work there Friday.
Also, hair. Platter has great hair.
Areas of improvement: Upper body strength is something Platter is going to have to improve on, but that's going to come in time. He was able to bullrush kids Friday evening, but that may not be the case against better competition. Once he gets to Wisconsin, he'll also be able to add some moves to his toolbox - right now it's just going through or around slower offensive linemen. He'll benefit from learning how to use his hands better at the point of contact as well.
Not the best competition and only one half of football (Platter sat the third and fourth quarters with a running clock), so the sample size is small.
Outlook: It's going to be exciting to see what Platter looks like after a redshirt season in the weight room/protein bar at Wisconsin. He's listed at 226 now, but he's probably someone who can play in the 245-250 range after a season or two while still keeping his speed off the edge. If Platter's body really explodes, there's a chance he works with his hand in the ground at defensive end later in his career.
Wisconsin comparison: Certainly not saying he'll be a first-round pick, but I wrote in another thread that Platter is more T.J. Watt than he is Vince Biegel. That starts with body type - Watt was listed at 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds at Wisconsin and that's where I see Platter growing to. Watt always struck me as a glider - someone who covered a good deal of space with relative ease. Platter is in the same boat, in my opinion. And, of course, the wingspan is comparable to Watt.
I was not allowed to speak with Platter after the game, per team policy during the season.
Let me know what your thoughts are.
Strengths: Mason Platter is a legit 6-foot-5 and 226 pounds, so he's slowly going in the right direction as far as adding weight. As an edge pass rusher, he has a good first step and burst at the line of scrimmage. He was often in North's backfield even though much of its offense was targeted to run away from him.
Talking with his position coach before the game, he told me right away just how long Platter's wingspan is. That's evident on a few plays where he's chasing down the ball carrier. I don't think Platter is an elite athlete, but he's good enough in that department and has great "bend" for his size. Getting there early, he also does the little things as a senior leader that help a team find success. His coach also felt Platter could be an excellent tight end because of his speed and hands, though he didn't get any work there Friday.
Also, hair. Platter has great hair.
Areas of improvement: Upper body strength is something Platter is going to have to improve on, but that's going to come in time. He was able to bullrush kids Friday evening, but that may not be the case against better competition. Once he gets to Wisconsin, he'll also be able to add some moves to his toolbox - right now it's just going through or around slower offensive linemen. He'll benefit from learning how to use his hands better at the point of contact as well.
Not the best competition and only one half of football (Platter sat the third and fourth quarters with a running clock), so the sample size is small.
Outlook: It's going to be exciting to see what Platter looks like after a redshirt season in the weight room/protein bar at Wisconsin. He's listed at 226 now, but he's probably someone who can play in the 245-250 range after a season or two while still keeping his speed off the edge. If Platter's body really explodes, there's a chance he works with his hand in the ground at defensive end later in his career.
Wisconsin comparison: Certainly not saying he'll be a first-round pick, but I wrote in another thread that Platter is more T.J. Watt than he is Vince Biegel. That starts with body type - Watt was listed at 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds at Wisconsin and that's where I see Platter growing to. Watt always struck me as a glider - someone who covered a good deal of space with relative ease. Platter is in the same boat, in my opinion. And, of course, the wingspan is comparable to Watt.
I was not allowed to speak with Platter after the game, per team policy during the season.
Let me know what your thoughts are.
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