Taron Fason doesn’t look like a fearsome middle linebacker. At 5-foot-10, 198 pounds, he looks more like an undersized corner.
But looks, as Fason has proven, can be deceiving.
“I use a lot of techniques,” the St. Francis Prep senior said. “That’s what really gets me by.”
That’s not the only thing.
Fason, who grew up in the same Rosedale Jets youth football system as former Holy Cross standout Dean Marlowe (now at James Madison University), has worked hard.
Really hard.
“It’s not about who is the biggest physical feature on the field, it is about who is able to stand strong the longest and control their mental toughness to the max,” Marlowe said. “Taron has done that. He’s been a hard-working young man since we played together in Rosedale.”
Fason’s work ethic and never-ending motor is what earned him All-Queens honors by The Post, a berth in Tuesday night’s Empire Challenge, the annual high school football game pitting New York City standouts against their Long Island counterparts at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium, and a partial scholarship at St. Francis University (Pa.).
“That’s my whole life,” Fason said. “From the first time I started playing I was on the sideline just wishing I was out there. I finally had a chance and it’s been great. Hard work always beats talent.”
Fason, who was also recruited by Marist, Pace, Stony Brook and Hampton, said the chance to play immediately for the Red Flash, which competes in the Football Championship Subdivision Northeast Conference, is what helped way him to Loretto, Pa.
“I liked the location, it’s a really good opportunity and the education is great there,” Fason said. “I also have a chance to start and I can’t pass that up.”
While St. Francis Prep endured a difficult season in the CHSFL, Fason stood out as an inside middle linebacker. Still, he never envisioned getting a chance to play in the Empire Challenge, a game he watched in person for his first three years at St. Francis Prep.
“People said I had a good year, but I always thought I had more room for improvement. I’m always working harder and harder to beat what I did last year,” Fason said. “My dad texted me when I was in school one day and said, ‘you made the [game], I’m proud of you. That’s one of the greatest feelings of my life.'”
Fason is a second string linebacker in a unit that features the Lincoln duo of Andrew Justice and Bryant-bound DuJuan Heath as well as Holy Cross standout Shaq Frederick. Still, Fason has impressed New York City defensive coordinator Shawn O’Connor, the Lincoln head coach, at practices.
“We have some pretty big linebackers and he’s not the most talented size-wise, but he’s certainly working hard to keep up with these guys and I could definitely see the heart is outshining the size,” O’Connor said. “He’s got a real good work ethic and an ability to pick up thing quickly. In all-star games, terminology is a big thing, but he picks up everything real fast.”
Fason isn’t sure when he’ll step on the field, both in the Empire Challenge and at St. Francis University. But he knows he’ll make the most out his chance and that’s what makes him a role model for current Rosedale Jets players.
“Once I get my opportunity, I’m definitely taking it,” Fason said. “I’m going all out.”