Kamrie Mason’s dad has done his family proud.
Georgia Tech right guard Shaquille Mason was named Tuesday to the Associated Press All-America third team, recognized as one of the top six among roughly 260 starting guards in FBS, not to mention hundreds more playing as backups.
Mason has been the pillar of Tech’s offensive line, earning the highest grade of all of the Yellow Jackets’ linemen each game with size, brute strength, agility and technical soundness. Coach Paul Johnson said recently that Mason was probably the best offensive lineman he has coached at Tech.
“You can show (Mason) on tape: ‘Hey, this is what it’s supposed to look like,’” offensive line coach Mike Sewak said.
Mason has been motivated to play at his peak this season by his daughter, born in August to Mason’s girlfriend Sabrina Gonzalez.
“Every time I think about that, I’ll just be like, I’ve got another mouth to feed, honestly,” he said earlier this season. “That just gives me all the drive I need, just thinking about that.”
Tech has now had players make the A.P. All-America team in consecutive years, following defensive end Jeremiah Attaochu’s selection last season. Guard Omoregie Uzzi was the last offensive lineman to make All-America, on various outlets in 2011 and 2012.
Interestingly, Mason was still behind the two ACC guards who made first-team All-ACC ahead of him – Duke’s Laken Tomlinson and Florida State’s Tre Jackson. They both made first team.
Mason was also named to a first-team All-American by USA Today. Mason will conclude his career at the Orange Bowl Dec. 31 against Mississippi State.
“I haven’t won at this stage yet, so that would be a big accomplishment for us and for the seniors, to send us out on a good note,” Mason said.
