Georgia’s Hutson Mason has found there is at least one advantage to having to wait five years before assuming the job of starting quarterback for the state’s largest and most visible university.
“I don’t get bogged down too much with people asking for my autograph or wanting a picture with me or things like that,” said Mason, who spent the previous four seasons toiling behind star Aaron Murray. “I think people know my name more than they do my face.”
That’s likely to change quite dramatically over the coming months, especially if Mason enjoys any kind of success with the Bulldogs. After spending his career as a backup, the Lassiter High graduate took over for the injured Murray in Game 11 last season and enters the 2014 season as the undisputed starting quarterback.
Q: Is there a different feeling heading into the season knowing you’re the starting quarterback?
A: The difference is that you feel a little bit more important. To the guys, the coaches, the staff, you're 'the guy.' … During the summer, the coaches aren't around that much, so you're the head guy. You're the guy getting meetings together. You're like the mini-head coach for the summer.
I think it will hit me most when Aug. 30 rolls around when I run out onto the field at Sanford Stadium. … This is what I’ve been waiting on. You have a vision, but until you’re in there and the music is playing and you hear, “Hutson Mason, Marietta, Ga.,” that’s what you’ve been waiting on.
Q: It’s your last year in college. What are your goals and expectations?
A: I've got just one year and one shot at this, so it's really national championship or bust for me. There really is no other way to do it than to win a championship. Some people may say that's not fair, but that's the expectations I hold myself to, and I get one shot at this. I want to be remembered as a champion.
Q: Will the offense be noticeably different with you at the controls rather than Murray?
A: No, the same plays that we installed on Day 1 when Aaron was here are the same ones we installed this year. While me and Murray are different players at that position, it's still going to be the same plays we run.
Q: How is losing Malcolm Mitchell going to affect the offense?
A: The good thing is it's not an ACL problem. They are saying that it's going to be a short recovery, and he'll be back pretty soon. Fortunately we've got a lot of depth and a lot of talent at that position. But not having Malcolm is definitely a buzzkill.
Q: What can you tell folks about your Lassiter teammate Charlie Hegedus, who transferred in from N.C. State and will be eligible to play this year?
A: He's going to have every opportunity to play this year. He's got a lot of speed, a lot of ability. Really for those guys and those young guys, it's about learning the playbook as quickly as they can.
Q: What about the disciplinary issues you guys had this summer?
A: You know what, it's our responsibility as leaders when somebody on the team makes a mistake. I made a mistake because I wasn't there for them. … There has to be accountability, but it's not just pointing fingers. You pick up a brother, you tell him you still love them and don't abandon them.
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