Throughout fall camp, InsideHilltopperSports.com is catching up with some of the newcomers on the football team. Monday, we spoke with freshman offensive tackle Mason Brooks. Here is what the Texas native had to say.

- How's the adjustment process been being at WKU over the summer and the first two weeks of camp?

"I moved from Texas, so kind of a long drive. I'm thirteen hours away from home and never really been away from home this long. Learning how to be on my own was my main focus this summer. I really learned how to work hard on my own being removed from my support system. Kentucky is great. I was really surprised with the city of Bowling Green, it's a great place. Western is a fantastic place and it really felt like there is a lot of growth that is facilitated here, so I was impressed with just the staff around here and everyone around here."

- Going back to your recruiting process. You were a late signee, but how did they get involved with you and what sold you on WKU?

"Western came in at the end. I was a little undersized, which is odd coming from a tall guy. But, I was always skinnier and not big enough to play tackle. I just really wanted someone to help me and give me an opportunity. I had a bunch of FCS offers and didn't really know what I was going to do. Maybe JUCO or maybe not play at all. Western came in at the end in January and I had a gut feeling it was the right place to be. I came up here and fell in love with the staff. Coach (Mike) Sanford and everyone up here is so great and I just immediately knew this was the right spot for me."

- What's the biggest difference between fall camp now as opposed to last year when you were in high school?

"Speed. Not only are the players faster but the game moves at a much faster rate and you really have to keep up with it. Also, mentally, it's just a lot to learn in such a short period of time and remembering what to do when you are tired is what I'm really trying to work on now. It's a different level, it really is."

- What have you learned so far from the upperclassmen among the offensive line?

"We got some great leaders. We don't have any true seniors on the O-line, but Parker Howell, Cheese (Miles Pate), and Tyler Whitt - he's a younger guy. But, I really think Parker has come alongside and helped me learn the plays. Tyler, we watch film together. I'm around guys that want everyone to be good and I want them to be good. When you have a group that facilitates growth and pushes each other I really think that's a recipe for success. Those guys are all such hard workers and it makes you strive to work half as hard as they do."

- Is the new rule where you can play four games and still redshirt, is that a motivating factor for the freshmen on this team?

"I think it can be. For me personally, I'm just trying to do my best. I was never really worried in high school about exterior stuff like that, so for me it's just trying to play as hard as I can everyday and learn."

- What do you like about your position coach, TJ Woods?

"Coach Woods is the kind of guy that will facilitate growth. He's very intelligent. Knows what he's talking about. He's as advertised in a coach. He'll watch extra film with you and he wants you to know what's going on more than just the assignment. He's the guy that if you have a problem, he's there to talk and he'll have you over at his house. He's a really good family man too, just a great overall coach and guy."

- For Western Kentucky fans that haven't watched you play, what do you bring to the table?

"Intensity every play. I'm going to give my best for this school that gave me a chance and gave me everything I needed and I'm going to work hard."