Measurables
School: Auburn
Class: Junior
Hometown: West Palm Beach
Height: 5’8’
Weight: 207 LBS
Hand Size: 9”
40 Time: 4.50
Bench: N/A
Vertical Jump: 38.5”
Long Jump: 126”
Career Stats
Rushing
| G | ATT | YDS | YDS/ATT | Long | TD | YDS/G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | 516 | 2,979 | 5.8 | 86 | 32 | 78.4 |
Receiving
| Rec | YDS | YDS/Rec | TD | YDS/G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | 249 | 13.1 | 1 | 6.6 |
Kick and Punt Returns
| Ret | YDS | YDS/Ret | TD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | 1,107 | 26.4 | 2 |
*Statistical credit to http://www.sports-reference.com/
Analysis and Grades
Size: B, Height isn’t as much of an issue for running backs as it is for quarterbacks. Tre Mason doesn’t have your typical 5’8” running back build. Usually smaller running backs don’t break the 195 pound mark, but Mason is a little stockier. His build reminds me of Maurice Jones Drew.
Speed/Burst: A, Mason doesn’t have elite speed, but has enough to break some big runs at the next level. His burst is his best quality. Mason is an explosive one cut back that hits the hole hard. Has a surprising second gear when he ends up in a footrace.
Elusiveness: B+, He isn’t elusive in the sense of making quick cuts causing multiple players to miss. He uses his powerful legs to lose defenders and has the agility to make one cut moves. He doesn’t have the agility to chain a bunch of slick moves together.
Credit to John Reed/USA Today Sports
Power: A-, Mason will never be a force that runs over every defender in his sight, but generates more than enough power for a player his size. He is extremely tough to bring down due to his small, but thick build.
Vision: A, Mason’s line of scrimmage/hole vision is quick and instinctive. As soon as he feels the hole he hits it hard. When the hole isn’t initially there Mason’s patience allows him to feel the natural holes that open. He needs to work on his downfield vision to extend runs.
Catching: B, Receiver was not a role the Auburn system asked of Mason. When it was asked of him, he did a good job receiving out of the backfield. By getting the ball to Mason in the open field it provided opportunities for him to make plays. He will need more experience in the passing game.
Blocking: C, Here is another area that Mason was not asked to do that often at Auburn. Surprisingly on option plays he was asked to run block and did a good job. With coaching, there is no doubt that he could become a solid pass blocker.
Overall: Mason isn’t anything flashy, but he’s a very good all-around back. He is built like a smaller NFL back, but more powerful than a typical back his size. His skill set gives him the tools to prosper in any system that is thrown at him. He is the best all-around back in this class, it’s a shame that the NFL value for running backs has taken a nosedive. Mason and one other back in this class have the potential to go in the late first round, but there is no chance in the current running back market.
NFL Player Comparison: Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers
Grade: B+, 3.37
Draft Projection: Rounds 2-3
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