Mason Tharp is a big-time target
RECRUIT SCOOP: Klein's dual-sport star nearing college football decision presented by CertaPro Painters
At 6-foot-7, Klein's Mason Tharp stands out on the football field.
The dual-sport athlete excels at basketball as well, but football is where his future lies, especially with the emergence of the tight end position on the college and pro level.
"I grew up playing tackle football in the second-grade," he said. "I played all the sports from baseball to lacrosse to basketball. Basketball helped with my footwork and conditioning. It's a great break from the grind of football. Baseball and lacrosse helped with my hand-eye coordination."
Tharp was always one of the bigger kids growing up, but really didn't see his football dream becoming a reality until that first offer.
"That's been the dream to play college football and people have been telling me that I was going to get there," he said. "I just didn't believe it. When I got that first offer from Kansas, I was so excited because it started happening. I was also nervous about what the future would hold, but then it just started heating up."
Tharp has pulled offers from across the country from Arizona State, Michigan State, Duke, Illinois, Iowa State, Texas State, Utah and Virginia just to name a few.
"I was going to visit a bunch of schools this summer but the virus put a dent in that plan," he said. "I have been able to do a lot of thinking and I just want to make the right decision. I'm pretty close, though."
"I'm looking for a great atmosphere and a school know for sports," he said. "Of course, academics is a big part and the relationships with the coaches and players. Any playing time is a plus, but I'm realistic that playing as a freshman is pretty tough."
The tight end position has become one of the more important positions on the field.
"You can see college teams and the pros using them more," he said. "They didn't used to be this big. Of course, I loved watching Gronk, Travis Kelce, Zach Ertz and Darren Fells. My pass-catching is my strength because I'm such a mismatch. I'm also learning how to use my body more as a blocker. I enjoy that too."
Tharp, who's sister plays soccer at OU, is an avid outdoorsman.
"I love to hunt and fish, but the football and basketball seasons get in the way," he said. "I love being outdoors and have never been into video games."
The first-team, all-district selection is preparing for his senior season with hopes of a district title.
"Our district is probably one of the toughest in Texas," he said. "The competition is great and it's helped me become a better player. We really get up for Klein Oak. They are our biggest rival."
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NFL Mock Drafts: Where are Houston-area kids heading?
This year, there are a few Houston household names that are about to become the next hopeful superstar for an NFL franchise.
The NFL is standing pat with their plan to hold the 2020 NFL Draft on April 23-25. Unfortunately, not from the new home of the Las Vegas Raiders on an immaculate stage set up in front of the MGM Grand.
Instead, it will be done how most of us draft our fantasy football teams – from our homes.
So, which former Houston stars, VYPE cover kids will hear their names called in the first through third rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft? This is an update to Matt Malatesta's Mock Draft weeks ago.
VYPE scoured multiple NFL Mock Drafts to try and get a consistent answer.
CeeDee Lamb (WR), Oklahoma (Foster HS)
The Experts
Sports Illustrated Matt De Lima – No. 11 to Jets
Bleacher Report Alex Ballentine – No. 11 to Jets
NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – No. 12 to Raiders
CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – No. 12 to Raiders
Good Morning Football Host Peter Schrager – No. 13 to 49ers
NFL Network Analytics Expert Cynthia Frelund – No. 13 to 49ers
NFL Media Analyst Charley Casserly – No. 13 to 49ers
CBSSports.com Bryan DeArdo – No. 13 overall to Eagles (via San Francisco)
NFL.com Analyst Maurice Jones-Drew – No. 15 overall to Broncos
VYPE Prediction: CeeDee Lamb is a freak. Just turn on the film of what he did to Texas during the Red River Shootout. He has done this since high school.
Pick: No. 13 to 49ers
Analysis: The consensus among the experts is that Jerry Jeudy is one of the best WRs in this class and a lot have him going to the Raiders. I think Lamb is a better prospect overall and the 49ers are really interesting. Remember, the 49ers played in the Super Bowl a year ago. That is not a bad team to join. Lamb would be one of the top targets for QB Jimmy Garoppolo. Last year, the 49ers top receiver was their tight end George Kittle. The 49ers need a young receiver in the corps and that's Lamb.
Josh Jones (OT), Houston (Fort Bend Bush HS)
The Experts
CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – No. 14 overall to Buccaneers
CBSSports.com (Bryan DeArdo) – No. 18 overall to Dolphins
NFL Network Analytics Expert Cynthia Frelund – No. 18 overall to Dolphins
Sports Illustrated Matt De Lima – No. 18 overall to Dolphins
Bleacher Report Alex Ballentine – No. 22 overall to Vikings
NFL.com Analyst Maurice Jones-Drew – No. 27 overall to Seahawks
NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – No. 27 overall to Seahawks
NFL Media Analyst Charley Casserly – No. 29 overall to Titans
VYPE Pick: No. 18 Dolphins
Analysis: The Dolphins are fully expected to go all-in taking a QB early. Many expect it to be Tua Tagovailoa. Remember the "Tank for Tua" campaign. Well we have arrived to judgement day to see if the Dolphins really do it. If they take him, they will definitely want to protect him. There is going to be an early run on offensive linemen. By the Dolphins' next pick at 18, Houston OT Josh Jones may be the the guy. He had a good showing at the senior bowl throwing people around. The Dolphins could also combo some picks to move up for a different OL but you figure with a rebuild you want to take as much talent in the first round as you can.
Kenneth Murray (LB), Oklahoma (Fort Bend Elkins HS)
The Experts
Good Morning Football Host Peter Schrager – No. 15 overall to Broncos
NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – No. 19 overall to Raiders
Bleacher Report Alex Ballentine – No. 21 overall to Jaguars
NFL.com Analyst Maurice Jones-Drew – No. 21 overall to Eagles
CBSSports.com (Bryan DeArdo) – No. 23 overall to Patriots
CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – No. 24 overall to Saints
NFL Media Analyst Charley Casserly – No. 28 overall to Ravens
VYPE Pick: No. 21 overall to Jacksonville
Analysis: The Jaguars need desperate help in the run defense after giving up the fifth-most yards on the ground in 2019. Overall, the Jaguars ranked 21st in defense. There seems like there could be a lot of movement in the early 20s so Murray could end up anywhere. The Jaguars need help defensively, especially since the AFC South has bolstered up – Phillip Rivers to Indianapolis and, of course DeShaun Watson in Houston.
K'Lavon Chaisson (LB), LSU (North Shore HS)
The Experts
NFL Network Analytics Expert Cynthia Frelund – No. 11 overall to Jets
CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – No. 16 overall to Falcons
Sports Illustrated Matt De Lima – No. 16 overall to Falcons
Bleacher Report Alex Ballentine – No. 16 overall to Falcons
Good Morning Football Host Peter Schrager – No. 16 overall to Falcons
NFL.com Draft Analyst Cha Reuter – No. 16 overall to Jets
NFL.com Analyst Maurice Jones-Drew – No. 17 overall to Cowboys
NFL Media Analyst Charley Casserly – No. 23 overall to Patriots
CBSSports.com (Bryan DeArdo) – No. 28 overall to Ravens
VYPE Pick: No. 16 to Falcons
Analysis: Here comes the help the Falcons need. K'Lavon Chaisson ended up having the breakout season at LSU that Ed Ogeron thought he would. The former North Shore star ended up with 6.5 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss, two pass deflections and 60 tackles. All career highs for a single season. Why do the Falcons take him? Well, Atlanta registered only 28 sacks in 2019, which ranked third-worst in the NFL. They also had a second-worst 109 QB pressures and only blitzed 24.5 percent of the time. These numbers have to change for a team that finished 7-9 overall and ranked 23rd in the NFL in points scored against. Chaisson is the help they need.
Jalen Hurts (QB), Oklahoma (Channelview HS)
The Experts
NFL.com Analyst Maurice Jones-Drew – No. 23 overall to Patriots
CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – (Third Round) – No. 88 overall to Saints
NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – (Third Round) – No. 102 overall to Steelers
VYPE: No. 88 to Saints
Analysis: Jalen Hurts is not going to be the hottest name at the NFL Draft. The former Alabama and Oklahoma QB showed he can play at the highest level. There's no doubt about that. But this is about fit. From the three mock drafts we found Hurts mentioned, the teams are not a surprise. The Patriots have no quarterback and will be drafting a few in this draft. The Saints and Steelers both have aging quarterbacks. I think the Saints is the best fit for Hurts for two reasons – Sean Payton and Drew Brees. First to be coached by Payton would be a big learning experience for Hurts and to learn from a future Hall of Famer in Brees, who has said he will come back for another year, would be a perfect mix. Teddy Bridgewater is off to Carolina and he would be behind Taysom Hill.
Ross Blacklock (DT), TCU (Fort Bend Elkins HS)
The Experts
NFL Network Analytics Expert Cynthia Frelund – No. 27 overall to Seahawks
NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – No. 29 overall to Titans
NFL.com Analyst Maurice Jones-Drew – No. 31 overall to 49ers
Good Morning Football Host Peter Schrager – No. 32 overall to Chiefs
CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – (Second Round) – No. 62 overall to Packers
VYPE Pick: No. 28 to Ravens
Analysis: Pretty much from pick 27 to 32 are teams that are going to address the defensive line. The Ravens are in need of help on the DL. The loss of VYPE Hall of Famer Michael Brockers, who headed back to the Rams, and the trade of Chris Wormley, the Ravens are in need of help. Blacklock could be the best fit at No. 28.
OTHERS TO WATCH
Grant Delpit (S) – LSU (St. Thomas/IMG Academy)
NFL Media Analyst Charley Casserly – No. 19 overall to Raiders
NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – (Second Round) – No. 43 overall to Bears
CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – (Second Round) - No. 51 overall to Cowboys
Jordyn Brooks (LB) – Texas Tech (Stratford HS)
NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – (Second Round) – No. 63 overall to Chiefs
CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – (Third Round) – No. 84 overall to Rams
Antoine Winfield Jr. (S) – Minnesota (The Woodlands HS)
CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – (Second Round) – No. 50 overall to Bears
NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – (Third Round) – No. 78 overall to Jets
More Names to Watch: Tyrie Cleveland (Florida / Westfield HS), Darius Anderson (TCU/George Ranch HS), Quartney Davis (Texas A&M / Langham Creek HS)