As an undersized running back, Tre Mason's shot at the NFL isn't guaranteed. But the Auburn junior is doing everything he can to make sure size is the only thing NFL clubs will have to be concerned about.
One area Mason has improved on is in the area of breaking tackles and getting tough yards inside.
"There are things that scouts at the next level also look for, too, so I try to make 50 percent of my yards after contact," Mason said, according to al.com. "(That) can inspire other players to bring that fire to your game."
Mason (5-10, 205) has added about 15 pounds since his arrival at AU, progressing each season into a more complete back. As a sophomore, he rushed for a team-high 1,002 yards, but he wasn't showcased as a receiver out of the backfield. This season, new coach Gus Malzahn is making better use of Mason's receiving skills.
"I try to be an all-around player," Mason said. "At running back, you've got to be able to be a balanced back. I try to have all the skills: speed, power, catching the ball. I'm just trying to be great."
Mason is on pace to threaten the 1,000-yard mark again with 415 yards through five games. He ranks third in the SEC, behind only LSU's Odell Beckham, Jr., and South Carolina's Mike Davis, in all-purpose yardage at 151.6 per game. That's due in large part to his exploits as a kickoff returner, where his average is the best in the SEC (30.4 yards) among returners with at least eight returns this season.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread.*
