Libertyville safety Mason Strader knew there was room for improvement after his strong junior season.
So he put a new plan into action.
“In the offseason, I had a completely different approach,” Strader said. “I dove into the defensive playbook, I played on a 7-on-7 team and I lifted just about every morning.”
Strader, who has 12 tackles for the Wildcats (2-0) as they prepare for their North Suburban Conference opener at Stevenson (2-0) on Friday, has made an impression on his teammates. The 6-foot, 185-pound senior was chosen to be one of four captains by a vote.
“It means a lot that my teammates recognized my leadership and dedication,” Strader said. “I’ve taken those responsibilities to heart and enjoy educating guys, motivating guys, making sure everyone is on the same page.”
Libertyville coach Mike Jones appreciates that from Strader, who took a back seat in the senior-dominated secondary last season while making 75 tackles and an interception.
“Last year, he was getting directed by the other three,” Jones said. “But he’s taken that on now. He pushes others to be better, and he’s really grown over time. He’s not always flashy but just a solid performer.
“He’s exactly what a team needs.”
When linebacker Dylan Doughty was promoted to varsity as a sophomore last season, he found a built-in support system with Strader. The guidance that Strader still provides doesn’t stop once the players leave the school.
“Last week after our game, he noticed on film that on one play I didn’t cover the right guy, so he texted me,” Doughty said. “Even if it’s something with my position, he’ll tell me what to do. He’s always checking up on me, and I appreciate that. He’s like having a big brother.”
Strader’s attention to detail began with his deep dive into the playbook during the offseason. That continued during the summer, when Libertyville defensive coordinator Tim Budge prepared a slideshow that detailed what everyone needed to know.
“I play some linebacker, too, so I got familiar with everything,” Strader said. “As I got further in, I figured that I could help others because I had a great understanding of the defense.”
Partly because Strader is so well-versed in his assignments, the Wildcats ask him to do a lot. He plays a key role in pass coverage, helping make sure the second level stays clean. He is also a willing and active participant in run support, often crashing into the box.
“I love hitting people,” Strader said. “To be in the box is my favorite part of the game. I really like going pad-to-pad. That’s my strength.”
Strader, who also plays varsity baseball for Libertyville, said he added about 15 pounds of muscle during the offseason. During the winter, he played on a 7-on-7 team, the Mount Prospect-based TNT Ignite, which entered tournaments as far away as Columbus, Indiana, and he worked on his technique.
“I learned how to move my mass in the correct ways, and I got a lot faster and stronger,” Strader said. “My footwork, especially in the passing game, improved so much, and I make better breaks on the ball. It was a lot of fun, and I was surrounded by a great supporting cast.”
Speaking of a supporting cast, Strader also benefits from practicing against Libertyville’s offense. The Wildcats outscored Lemont and Richards 91-15. So Strader goes into every game knowing he’ll be fine if he reacted well on balls thrown by strong-armed senior quarterback Quinn Schambow.
“Other quarterbacks can’t throw it like him, so it creates a perfect situation,” Strader said. “You know every ball will be in a great spot. Playing against him and our receivers is the best competition we’ll see all year.”
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.
