by Pat Turner, goUTSA.com contributing writer
SAN ANTONIO — Ashaad Mabry’s schedule keeps him on the go.
In between taking a full load of classes while pursuing a degree in multidisciplinary studies at UTSA, Mabry makes it a point to help his mother, Corchelle, and spend as much quality time as possible with his 2-year-old son, Cameron.
The rest of his time is spent on the football field where the 6-foot-3, 315-pound senior defensive tackle is either playing games, practicing, studying game tape or going through strength & conditioning drills.
It doesn’t leave much time for relaxation, but that’s no problem for Mabry because he prefers the 24/7 grind.
“I love doing it all,” he said. “It’s a lot of stuff, but I have fun with every single one of those things. I don’t feel like they’re tasks. They’re more like hobbies for me. Other than football and going to class, it’s been nice to see my mom, my brothers and little sisters every day. I try to spend all the time I can with my son, too. That’s exciting.”
Being part of UTSA’s football program the past four years has been the ideal situation for the former San Antonio MacArthur High School standout. Not only does his family get to see him play, but he also has been part of a new program that is on the rise.
Mabry has played a big part in the growth, which included last year when the Roadrunners were in the Conference USA West Division title hunt until the final week of the regular season.
This year, the outlook is brighter, as UTSA is expected to battle North Texas and Rice for the West crown and that’s not to mention the program’s first-ever bowl bid.
“When we all got here, we had confidence and came to work,” Mabry said. “The past four years we have really grown together and it’s been special.”
Mabry went through a challenging time before the UTSA opportunity surfaced.
Following a banner senior season at MacArthur where he totaled 75 tackles while helping the Brahmas to the Class 5A Division II quarterfinals, he was drawing interest from numerous major colleges. Mabry signed with Oklahoma State and eagerly headed to Stillwater to begin a career in the Big 12 Conference.
Shortly after arriving, Mabry’s mother became ill. During that the time, he admitted his mind wasn’t on football because it was on what was happening back home. Wanting to be closer to his mother, he gave up his scholarship and returned to San Antonio.
At the time, Mabry thought the door had closed on his football career. However, another door opened. UTSA was beginning its program and with the encouragement of his mother and friends, he decided to see what it was all about.
“I was considering quitting football altogether, but I thought I would give it one more chance,” Mabry said. “I called the UTSA coaches and asked if they had a scholarship. They did and I came here. I wanted to just help my mom, but she told me the best way I could help her was to go back to school, play football and get my degree.”
The Roadrunners were pleased to land Mabry.
They knew of his ability from his decorated high school career and liked his football skills and size. His maturity and work ethic also caught their attention. After four years of watching him pressure quarterbacks and handle his multitude of off-the-field duties, they’re even more impressed.
“Ashaad is a good player, but he’s an even better person,” UTSA coach Larry Coker said. “He is a good worker and leader who has meant a lot to this football team.”
Mabry follows the same plan as he did from day one. He spends the week preparing for every possible situation in a game and, come game day, he is good to go.
The first year, Mabry totaled 20 tackles while appearing in 10 games, four as a starter. The following season, he upped his stops to 24 and also blocked a punt. As a junior, another increase occurred with 41 tackles.
Mabry is going full blast this year, starting the season with 14 tackles and a sack after the campaign’s opening four games and he’ll be looking to add more down the road, starting in today’s non-conference game with New Mexico.
“I’m always trying to get better,” Mabry said. “I want to do whatever I can to improve my pass rush and make sure I have my fundamentals and technique down.”
Although things at UTSA have gone well, Mabry wants this year to be the Roadrunners’ best. Winning a Conference USA Championship and earning a bowl bid would be the perfect happy ending to his story.
“This is what we have dreamed about since we got here.” he said “It would be great to do it in our final year. That would mean everything to us. I think we’re on the right track because we’ve come together as a family. We play together and that’s our biggest benefit.”
The busy student-athlete already has begun to think about life after football.
“I know I either want to coach or own my own business,” Mabry said. “I would like to coach in high school, not in college. That’s too much. I’m not sure what kind of business I would like to own. I just know I want to be the boss.”
Through it all, Mabry wants to set the example on and off the field.
“I just try to do everything right,” he said. “I’m trying to be a good leader, so everyone can follow by example.”
Mabry has accomplished that goal and then some.