Plano West's Mason Gentry rising as 6-7 DT recruit

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Dec. 17: Gentry commits to SMU. SMU coaches like the comparison's of Gentry to future 2013 NFL draft pick Margus Hunt, a 6-7 track and field athlete from Estonia who became a top defender and expert kick blocker for Mustangs.

Dec. 10 Plano West senior defensive tackle Mason Gentry primarily came out for football because his new high school classmates wanted him to come out for football. Months later, the 6-7, 250-pound Gentry is getting asked to play more football by major colleges in a list which is sure to grow as recruiting picks up steam for the Class of 2013.

Gentry has been a dynamic player on West’s defensive front as the Wolves (9-5)  advanced to the Class 5A Division II Region II final against Austin Westlake (10-4) before being eliminated at Waco ISD Stadium. Gentry had a strong District 10-5A season, being named first-team all-district in a vote of the coaches in a league which include Allen’s Baylor commitment Byron Bonds.

Gentry, who played baseball in Buford, GA.,  still is learning, but his athleticism and success in Class 5A football makes him a blossoming recruit. Plano West coach Mike Hughes said SMU, Purdue and Louisiana Tech all have jumped on Gentry’s bandwagon with college offers. Gentry moved into Plano West midway through last season. He spent the spring as a power-hitting first baseman for the Wolves.

Fast-rising prospects

Bryce Williams, Lake Dallas: An athletic TE/H-Back who can also be a deep snapper was Lake Dallas’ leading receiver with 47 catches for 475 yards and six touchdowns. The son of Dallas Cowboys strength coach Walt Williams, Williams is a 6-2, 225-pound who should blossom into one of the state’s most sought after recruits after beginning the season barely on the radar.

Josh Garrett, Frisco Centennial: The 6-2, 190-pounder has matured greatly through the season. He’s got two interceptions with three dozen tackles helping lead Centennial (12-1) to a Class 4A Division II Region II final against Tyler John Tyler (12-1) at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Ennis. Garrett has gotten more physical and reacts much better to go with his size. Garrett has early offers from Idaho and Emporia State but more are likely to follow.