Georgia quarterback Hutson Mason is back in the fold this year after spending last season in a self-imposed purgatory.
Mason wanted a redshirt season as a junior and got one, but only after coaches determined he would not be needed. He remained the Bulldogs’ No. 2 quarterback until the end of the SEC Championship game against Alabama. Before that he could have been called on at any second, and he would have been if the resilient Aaron Murray had been sidelined for more than a series.
Mason wanted to get a season of eligibility wedged between him and the Bulldogs’ record-setting starting quarterback so he could be sure to have at least one season to pilot the offense himself. In the meantime, Mason is the Bulldogs’ undisputed backup and will be free to get as many snaps as circumstances allow.
Playing time has been a long time coming for Mason. He has appeared in eight games at Georgia, all in mop-up duty in decided games. For his college career, he’s 27-of-47 for 356 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions.
Mason’s last truly meaningful snaps came in 2009 as a senior at Lassiter High. He set the Georgia high school record for passing yards (4,560) and touchdown passes (54) in a season that year.
More recently, Mason worked with the No. 1 offense in the Bulldogs’ scrimmage Wednesday. He completed 12 of 18 passes for 197 yards and a touchdown without an interception.
Q: So what does it feel like knowing you might actually get on the field this year?
A: It's more exciting. I've kind of got a different pep in my step this year. It's nice to be back out there doing what I love. I guess the best word for it is just "exciting." Rather than standing over there just taking mental reps, you're out there taking physical reps. So things really haven't changed, but I'm excited just to have the opportunity to get out there and play some.
Q: Have you been told exactly how you will be deployed this season relative to any sort of rotation plan?
A: Nothing. As needed I guess.
Q: How will it feel knowing you could be called on in any game?
A: I'm sure there will probably be some first-game jitters when I get back out there. It has been a little while. But I'm more interested in getting in there in a big game where I can experience what it's like to play against 90,000, play against the other team's first-string defense. Those are things I need to get accustomed to before my fifth year. Those will benefit me more than getting in there when it's a blowout. But every rep is important, so whenever I get in there, I'm going to make the most of it.
Q: What you most looking forward to?
A: I think about being out there and hearing my name called over the P.A. system. … Then there's (thoughts of) winning the championship and dancing under the glitter with the guys. It's a lot of things. It kind of gives you the chills. That would be the prize at the end of the race. It would all be worth it if I stay here for five years and we won a championship.
Q: What’s your mindset heading into the season?
A: I'm just trying to focus on this year and this team because it's selfish for me to think about next year and not put in the work. The work I'm putting in now is going to pay off next year. I can't sit here and say I'm a backup again and I'm going to take this year off. You never know what might happen. I might get a ton of playing time this year, if Aaron gets hurt or whatever. So I've got to be ready at all times. My mindset is to work, work, work this year, and I'll be even another step ahead next year.
Q: Murray’s chief asset is his knowledge of the system. Do you feel like you’re comparable in that regard?
A: I feel like I know it. I can tell everybody on the whole field what to do, and I've been like that for a year-and-half or two years now. I'm prepared. When the opportunity comes, will you be ready to make the most of it? That's what I've been saying forever — preparation and opportunity. I'm ready for my opportunity.
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