Athlete Spotlight: James Wood football player Kobe Mason

James Wood High School 17-year-old senior

Sport: Football. Positions: Running back/cornerback

Parents: Angela and Aaron Mason

Hometown: Winchester

What do you love about football?: I like hitting people. That’s my favorite part.

Most memorable moment in football: My JV game against Liberty my 10th-grade year. It was an outside run, and I hit the hole. I broke four tackles, and I went and scored on a 30-yard run. It felt great hearing everybody in the crowd scream.

Most embarrassing moment in football: Getting run over by (former James Wood linebacker and running back) Zach Smith my 11th-grade year. It was during practice and I was on scout team. He hit the hole and just ran me over. Everybody was just like, ‘Ohhh!”

Most difficult moment in football: Trying to learn things my freshman year. The biggest adjustments were the running back steps and the timing.

Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: (Former Detroit Lion running back) Barry Sanders; he’s the best running back in the world. I like his footwork and his explosion. My grandpa Wayne and (actor/comedian) Kevin Hart; they’re both really funny.

Biggest athletic influence: My dad. He influences me with everything I do in football. Running through tackles, tackling people, all that stuff.

Favorite teacher: (James Wood career and technical education teacher and assistant football) coach (Brian) Thomas. I had him last year and my sophomore year. He’s just really funny and really good at teaching. He’s helpful.

Favorite athlete: Barry Sanders

Favorite team: Dallas Cowboys

Favorite movie: “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie”

Favorite TV show: “SpongeBob SquarePants”

Favorite song: “Magnolia” by Playboi Carti

Favorite food: Dino (chicken) nuggets

Worst thing you’ve ever eaten: Oysters

Plans after high school: I’m looking forward to playing football in college. I’d like to study business so I can start my own business. I’d like to get to know how everything goes with business and how to finance stuff.

— Compiled by Robert Niedzwiecki