Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Tre Mason (21) runs for a touchdown against the Florida State Seminoles during the first half of the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Auburn running back and Heisman trophy finalist Tre Mason will forgo his senior season and enter the 2014 NFL Draft, per Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports.
Mason was the best back in college football down the stretch this season. He racked up 663 rushing yards in his final three games, which included 164 yards in the upset of Alabama, an SEC championship game record 304 yards on an insane 46 carries versus Missouri, and most recently, 195 yards in a loss to Florida State in the BCS Championship.
Mason only got better when the national spotlight focused on Auburn. His last carry with the Tigers was a 42-yard, go-ahead TD with 1:19 to play in the BCS Championship. Mason celebrated by flashing his own Heisman pose, which would’ve looked better had Heisman winner Jameis Winston not lead the Seminoles to a game-winning drive.
Mason might be the first back taken in the draft, but don’t expect him to go in the first round. He’s definitely got the potential to be an NFL feature back, but the low value of running backs in today’s league means it will likely be a second or third round selection for Mason. He, along with Arizona’s Ka’Deem Carey and Ohio State’s Carlos Hyde, are among the most promising running back prospects in this year’s draft.