C: This is Chuck Johnson, once again bringing you coverage of the Kansas City Coyotes. We’re catching up with rookie Free Safety Mason Blaylock. Mason, you’ve been with the Coyotes for almost a full season now. What’s your experience been like thus far?
M: It’s been an amazing experience for me so far. From day one, the whole organization has been great to me. All the coaching staff has been patient with me and have really taught me the ropes. I’m getting comfortable with the process and can’t wait to see how I continue to grow.
C: Who are some of your closest connections thus far?
M: I would say my teammates Orien Drake and Rayne Gordon have been the two guys I have been closest with so far. Going up against both in practice every day has really made me focus on the way I approach the game. I also have a good relationship with the GMs and Offensive Coordinator. They routinely answer all my questions this season.
C: Let’s talk about where the team is at right now. With 2 games left in the regular season, you are locked in for a playoff spot.
M: Yeah, I mean I’m excited for playoff football on the horizon. I wish we would have performed better in the regular season, especially against Portland. Give them all the credit though, their offense is fantastic, and they know how to close out a game. Anything is possible in the playoffs though. No one cares about regular season records, it only matters who is holding up the trophy at the end that counts.
C: I think it’s fair to say you have exceeded expectations this season. Which part of your game do you think is has surprised people most?
M: I don’t know about surprising people, but I think my game speed has pretty much been there from the start. I’m always trying to find my way to the ball, get in the middle, make a play, stuff like that. Sometimes it’s hard to measure the little things, so maybe people have undervalued me a little bit in that regard.
C: I’m surprised you didn’t mention your return game. You are one of, if not the best punt returner in the league. You’re also closing in some Coyote milestones as well. You have the most punt returns for touchdowns and are closing in on the yardage held by Bly Jr.
M: I’ve felt pretty good about where things are at. Just to be mentioned in the same breath as Bly Jr. is an honor. Knowing that he has been so successful in the SFL and started out as a Coyote encourages me to keep working hard.
C: Well good luck with your last two games and in the playoffs. We’ll catch back up with you before your first playoff game.
M: Thanks Chuck, always a pleasure.
C: Until next time, this is Chuck Johnson.
M: It’s been an amazing experience for me so far. From day one, the whole organization has been great to me. All the coaching staff has been patient with me and have really taught me the ropes. I’m getting comfortable with the process and can’t wait to see how I continue to grow.
C: Who are some of your closest connections thus far?
M: I would say my teammates Orien Drake and Rayne Gordon have been the two guys I have been closest with so far. Going up against both in practice every day has really made me focus on the way I approach the game. I also have a good relationship with the GMs and Offensive Coordinator. They routinely answer all my questions this season.
C: Let’s talk about where the team is at right now. With 2 games left in the regular season, you are locked in for a playoff spot.
M: Yeah, I mean I’m excited for playoff football on the horizon. I wish we would have performed better in the regular season, especially against Portland. Give them all the credit though, their offense is fantastic, and they know how to close out a game. Anything is possible in the playoffs though. No one cares about regular season records, it only matters who is holding up the trophy at the end that counts.
C: I think it’s fair to say you have exceeded expectations this season. Which part of your game do you think is has surprised people most?
M: I don’t know about surprising people, but I think my game speed has pretty much been there from the start. I’m always trying to find my way to the ball, get in the middle, make a play, stuff like that. Sometimes it’s hard to measure the little things, so maybe people have undervalued me a little bit in that regard.
C: I’m surprised you didn’t mention your return game. You are one of, if not the best punt returner in the league. You’re also closing in some Coyote milestones as well. You have the most punt returns for touchdowns and are closing in on the yardage held by Bly Jr.
M: I’ve felt pretty good about where things are at. Just to be mentioned in the same breath as Bly Jr. is an honor. Knowing that he has been so successful in the SFL and started out as a Coyote encourages me to keep working hard.
C: Well good luck with your last two games and in the playoffs. We’ll catch back up with you before your first playoff game.
M: Thanks Chuck, always a pleasure.
C: Until next time, this is Chuck Johnson.