We are part of The Trust Project.
DETROIT LAKES, Minn. — Detroit Lakes (Minn.) High School rising junior Mason Carrier got his dream NCAA Division I college football offer in early June and it didn’t take long for him to make his decision.
Carrier verbally committed to the Minnesota Gophers on Sunday, June 19, he announced via Twitter. His older brother, Ethan Carrier, a rising senior, also committed to the Gophers on Sunday.
“I’ve planned this out,” said the 6-foot-2, 208-pound Mason Carrier, who is projected to play linebacker for the Gophers. "I’ve wanted this since I was a little kid. … It’s always been my dream school. Once I realized that I got a full scholarship, I couldn’t think of any other school I would want to go to.”
Ethan is a preferred walkon and part of the 2023 recruiting class, while Mason is in the 2024 class. Ethan, who is 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, is projected to play defensive back for the Gophers. Mason said he's excited to continue to play football with his older brother after his prep career is completed.
Let’s Row! Committed🛶〽️@Coach_Fleck @JoeS_Rossi @RyanBurnsMN @Gophers247 @dlhsfootball pic.twitter.com/R4dC6M4VG0
— Mason Carrier (@MasonCarrier5) June 19, 2022
“There haven't been many people from this town to do this and especially with your brother,” Mason said of committing to a Power Five program. “I can’t imagine it going any better than it has so far.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Ethan and Mason both announced their Minnesota offers June 5 via social media and both announced their commitments Sunday.
Mason said Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck was one of the main factors in his decision. He was at Fleck’s first game as head coach during the 2017 season. Mason was also impressed with Gophers defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Joe Rossi.
“We knew that (Fleck) was going to flip the program around,” Mason said. “(Rossi) is an amazing guy. He’s an insane coach, one of the best in the nation. I bonded with him a lot every time I talked to him.”
Mason said he’s relieved that his decision has been made and he can focus on his final two prep seasons with the Lakers.
“It’s a relief,” Mason said. “I don’t gotta worry about all the calls and all the college scouts coming to see me play. I’m in the boat, I’ve got the oar and now it’s time to paddle.”
West Fargo Sheyenne edge rusher Karter Menz also recently committed to the Gophers . The 6-foot-5, 215-pound Menz committed to the Gophers on June 13.
Mason Carrier is a three-star recruit, according to 247sports, and is the first known Minnesota commitment for the 2024 class.
“The (Gophers) coaches are insane. They believe in you, they will work with you," Mason said. "It’s a great school. It’s just awesome.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Committed! Let’s Row!🚣〽️ @Coach_Fleck @JoeS_Rossi @Shakes_GopherFB @GopherFootball @dlhsfootball pic.twitter.com/usaCFyyEIJ
— Ethan Carrier (@EthanCarrier14) June 19, 2022
