Since my son joined the Arabia Mountain High School football program as a freshman, I’ve had the privilege of not only mentoring him, but also four young men who have stood out to me from day one. Through Diamonds of Distinction, I’ve watched them closely—just like I watch my own son.

You see, I don’t just observe players—I assess everything: the coaching, the body language, the habits, the hunger. As a father, I know I have constant access to my son, which means I can teach him how to play the game—while playing the game. But as a mentor, I don’t take lightly the responsibility of stepping into a young man’s life and helping guide him toward greatness.

Long before I became a father, I made a vow: My son will never be taught wrong—or not taught at all. That same conviction followed me as a high school football coach at my alma mater, Destrehan High School, and later at Dunwoody High. I never just coached football—I taught mindset, preparation, and discipline. I wanted every young man under my leadership to think like I thought, prepare like I prepared, and play the game with passion and purpose.

So naturally, when I’m around the game—especially at practice—I stay in football mode. I study. I listen. I correct. I connect. These four young men—Julian Shanks (QB), Malcolm Snipes (LB), Chance Campbell (OL), and Jayden Thomas (WR/ATH)—stood out to me. Over the last two seasons, I built relationships with each of them. What started as simple conversations after practice became routine check-ins filled with honesty, encouragement, and teaching moments.

You can always tell when a young man is hungry. They don’t run from instruction—they lean into it. They want the truth. They want direction. And most importantly, they want someone who understands them.

I’m extremely proud of this Senior Class of 2025. Though the record shows just one win, I watched this team compete in games they should have won—and others they could have won. And despite the disappointment, frustration, and emotion, I saw something deeper: resilience. These young men showed up every week, determined to get better, one practice at a time.

And now, their efforts are being rewarded:

Julian Shanks – Quarterback

Malcolm Snipes – Linebacker

Chance Campbell – Offensive Line

Jayden Thomas – Wide Receiver / Athlete

Also recognizing:

Jonathan Odeh (Signing soon)

Jaden Sancho (Pursuing a trade profession)

As I’ve told them many times: “Scouts aren’t just looking for players from winning programs—they’re looking for the right players who can make their programs better.”

These young men are those players. They’ll make their teams better, their teammates stronger, and their families proud.

Congratulations, Kings. Keep rising.

With honor and gratitude,
Coach Mason
Diamonds of Distinction 💎