Johnson offers high praise for Mason in All-America campaign
Georgia Tech is promoting right guard Shaquille Mason as an All-American candidate, but he may not be able to do any better than coach Paul Johnson’s commendation Monday.
“He’s really good,” Johnson said. “He’s probably the best offensive lineman we’ve had since I’ve been here.”
Among others, that would surpass two-time All-American and three-time All-ACC guard Omoregie Uzzi and two-time first-team All-ACC center Sean Bedford. Mason has been the dominant player of Tech’s offensive line, which has produced the No. 4 rushing offense in the country at 327.9 yards per game. A team captain, Mason has been the team’s highest-graded offensive lineman in every game.
“It means a lot because I know that a lot of linemen have come through here that I’ve looked up to,” Mason said of Johnson’s evaluation. “It’s just a great thing to hear and a great accomplishment.”
Mason has started 37 games in his career, including the past 36 in a row. In an e-mail to football media members last week, Tech’s communications office also promoted quarterback Justin Thomas, linebacker Quayshawn Nealy and Johnson for consideration for national awards.
About the Author
Ken Sugiura is a sports columnist at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Formerly the Georgia Tech beat reporter, Sugiura started at the AJC in 1998 and has covered a variety of beats, mostly within sports.
