As Mason Pringle prepares for his senior football season, the Augusta standout is focused on more than statistics. He wants to lead by example, help build a lasting culture for the Orioles and leave the program in a stronger position than he found it.
“This upcoming season I have a lot to be excited for,” Pringle said. “For starters, I will be a senior and leader on the team.”
Pringle said he has always earned the respect of his teammates, but he hopes his leadership reaches another level this fall.
“I have always held a lot of respect on the team, but as another season comes to a head I hope to see my leadership grow,” he said.
His responsibilities will also expand on the field. After primarily contributing on defense, Pringle expects to play on both sides of the ball this season, bringing his physical style and experience to the offensive line while continuing at linebacker.
“Another major excitement for me is my changing role on the team,” Pringle said. “I will be playing both sides of the ball, aiming to take my guidance and skill with me to the offense side of things.”
The position change also carries personal significance. Because offensive linemen wear numbers in a different range, Pringle will change jersey numbers, giving him an opportunity to honor someone who has had the biggest influence on his football career.
“As a lineman my jersey number needs to go up, and because of this I get the opportunity to honor my dad,” Pringle said. “He is my biggest supporter and my everything when it comes to football.”
Pringle has spent the offseason preparing for the increased workload with a demanding training routine that includes weightlifting, conditioning and plyometric workouts. He also works on position-specific skills such as linebacker footwork, lateral movement, hand fighting, leverage and snapping the football.
“Most of which were recommended from college coaches in various camps I went to my sophomore year,” he said.
While confident in his physical play, Pringle knows there is still room for improvement. He has made pass coverage a priority during the offseason by competing in seven-on-seven competitions and refining that aspect of his game.
“I am a very downhill linebacker and I have struggled switching gears into pass coverage mode,” Pringle said. “So I have been playing 7-on-7 and working to slow down enough to get me in the backfield when it’s needed.”
Pringle enters his senior season with ambitious goals. Individually, he hopes to earn league Defensive MVP honors while surpassing 100 tackles. Just as important, he wants to help continue building a winning culture within the Augusta program.
“My other main goal is to continue building the foundation we started last year for the team,” he said. “I hope to be a leader that inspires success even after I’m gone.”
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