QB Hutson Mason considers transfer due to lack of playing time
ATHENS – Georgia backup quarterback Hutson Mason said he is seriously considering transferring due to a lack of playing time behind starter Aaron Murray.
Mason, a sophomore from Marietta, said he would prefer to remain at Georgia — “I love this place even more than I expected,” he said – and would consider taking a redshirt year next season to put a year between him and Murray.
In any case, Mason said he will have to make a decision after the Bulldogs’ season is completed with the Jan. 2 Outback Bowl against Michigan State.
“I’ll just try to sit back and get away from the every day stuff and people telling me what I should do,” Mason said. “I’ll go home after the bowl game and talk to my family and talk to people I look up to. I talked to D.J. Shockley. He’s somebody who has been very valuable to me. I’m just trying to look at it from every angle. I ponder on it a lot and it’s extremely tough.”
Mason (6-foot-3, 200 pounds) signed with Georgia in 2010 after becoming the state high school record holder for passing yards (4,560) and touchdowns (54) as a senior at Lassiter High. But after his second full season with the Bulldogs, he has gotten minimal playing time and then only in mop-up duty.
In two seasons, Mason has appeared in eight games, completing 57 percent of his passes for 356 yards with 3 TDs and no interceptions. His first college play from scrimmage was a TD pass to Logan Gray.
“He’s got an uncanny ability to hit the open receiver,” quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said. “He has great vision and feel. He has great pocket presence and a very quick release. He throws all the intermediate balls extremely well. The deep ball is something we continue to work on that he’s got to improve on. But his ability to get rid of the ball quickly and spread it out underneath, he does very well.”
Bobo said that the Bulldogs are considering redshirting Mason next season and have current redshirt freshman Christian LeMay and walkons handle the backup duties. But it’s not something they’ve decided on yet.
“It’s something we’re going to talk about after the season,” Bobo said. “I’d rather not get into it now.”
Redshirting is something Mason said he would consider.
“I would. It’s something I’ll have to sit down and talk to Coach Richt about and see how they feel about it,” Mason said. “I don’t think that would be something that they’d be opposed to. I want to stay here. I really do. I want to be here; I want to be at UGA. I love this place more than I expected I would. My goal is to stay here and I want to stay here. I just need to find out whether that allows me to play the most or not.”
Mason probably would have played more by now if he hadn’t been behind one of the most durable quarterbacks in the business. Despite taking numerous shots the last two seasons, Murray has missed only a couple of snaps in any significant, meaningful games.
“You can’t take away from Aaron being that tough,” Mason said with a laugh. “It’s just the way the ball rolls. You see guys have severe injuries when they barely get hit and then you see Aaron take a shot like he did against Auburn, where he did a quadruple flip and landed on his neck. I’m like, ‘he’s got to come out after that.’ But he just gets up and trots back to the huddle.”
Malcome on top of depth chart
Redshirt freshman Ken Malcome is currently running No. 1 at tailback for the Bulldogs. Leading rusher Isaiah Crowell is No. 2 and Brandon Harton is No. 3.
That’s the way it was as of Saturday, at least, as Richard Samuel (ankle) and Carlton Thomas (knee) remained sidelined. Samuel, however, was able to practice in a limited role on Saturday. He is returning for the bowl from Nov. 1 ankle surgery.
“We expect both those other guys back, but it’s hard to have a real full-fledged competition when they’re not getting an reps,” Bobo said. “So Ken and Isaiah and Brandon are the only three we’ve got right now.”
Injury update
Starting right guard Chris Burnette did not at practice Saturday due to an illness, line coach Will Friend said. . . . Middle linebacker Mike Gilliard (ankle) and defensive end DeAngelo Tyson (ankle), both starters, still were not practicing on Saturday. . . . Wide receiver Rantavious Wooten, out since late September with a concussion caused by a car accident, is practicing in a green jersey. He will not play in the bowl, however, to preserve a medical redshirt season.
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542 comments Add your comment
David Granger
December 18th, 2011
3:07 pm
One of the Dawgs’ biggest weaknesses under Coach Richt is that we always seem to play DOWN to the level of our opponent. Every season…even when the team is strong…we have two or three games where a team we should roll over ends up playing us very tight. (Just look at this past season…Florida has their worst team in several years, and we have to scramble to beat them by 4. And we need a last-second tackle by our punter to save a game against Vanderbilt.)
So we almost never have a chance to send our second string offense into the game, and let them carry the load the entire fourth quarter. We needed to do that with D.J. Shockley a few times, and with Tereshinski, and with Joe Cox, and we need to now with Mason.
Roll Tide
December 18th, 2011
3:09 pm
You Georgia fans who want Georgia gone are screwed up in the head. I agree with NG Dawg, how do you even know he’s good. I normally pull for Georgia as long as they aren’t playing Bama but if Murray gets hurt and then Mason sucks when he comes in I’m going to laugh so hard at you morons.
kb
December 18th, 2011
3:10 pm
sorry smart person it is true , SEC rules if you transfer its a 2 years to another SEC schoo unless the school gives a waiver. I doubt McGarity would allow a waiver. If you are Kicked off a team like Cam or Mettenberger its only a year.
Roll Tide
December 18th, 2011
3:10 pm
- who want Murray gone. Didn’t the kid have 31 touchdowns? Sounds like a real loser to me. Maybe Clint Moseley or Barrett Trotter will transfer to UGA if you’re looking for a winner.
futball dude
December 18th, 2011
3:11 pm
Mason has done everything ask of him and more. Most doubted him all along. He has kept a great attitude and work ethiic through it all. He is a high character guy as well. Games like Auburn this year, Tennessee last year and other games where AM was struggling are excellent examples of why he should scrutinized the current decision makers. He can play in any program and excell because he has always been a gamer. Just shows what hard work will do for you and coaches will tell you anything to get their way. Auburn sure messed up when they could of had him 2 years ago. Think what he could have done for them this year with QB play. I’m sure he will reach the right choice. Who knoes he may even decide to stay. Hope he stays. Good luck, HM.
Dawgs 2011
December 18th, 2011
3:13 pm
Ask Tech if they think Murray is good… hahaha.
kb
December 18th, 2011
3:16 pm
smart person, richt has winning record against all schools not named Florida or LSU.Try again techie
A person SMART enough to know......
December 18th, 2011
3:26 pm
KB it is NOT true Mason going to annother SEC team would require him to sit 2 years. I just gave you the facts from the league. Now you go find where there is a rule that states 2 years to sit out and you post it plus the link.
A person SMART enough to know......
December 18th, 2011
3:27 pm
kb and with that GREAT winning record what has he DONE with it? A preseason #1 ranking and 2 SEC titles.
TampaGator
December 18th, 2011
3:38 pm
You only need to get the administration of the SEC school you are currently attending to approve your transfer to another SEC school….then you sit out only one transfer year….if that school is a BCS school. If a lower division school, you can play the next fall.
TampaGator
December 18th, 2011
3:39 pm
Have you been Tebownized yet? The dude will never make it in the NFL….not good enough to play QB in the NFL…..will be a fullback…nothing else…..
…..and Florida is down forever. And Muschamp will be fired next year.
Good luck with all that.
bitter QB
December 18th, 2011
3:42 pm
first—-hahahahah—–0-12 against top 25—-just cant get past richt not looking at game film—–my head coach thinks too much
—————–of his ability to judge tallent——————gratham rules——–start mason in tampa
TreDog
December 18th, 2011
3:43 pm
Murray really has the coaches fooled. Here’s his plan for making sure Mason never gets in.
1- try to keep game close against top or mid level opponents, knowing Richt won’t put Mason in until there’s a 25+ lead.
2. If it’s a bottom level opponent, and you know Bobo has told you Mason will play in the 3rd quarter, try to pass for 3 or 4 td’s in the first half and throw no interceptions with the first string offense. this way, Mason will have a hard time matching up in the 2nd half, with the 2nd string offense.
bitter QB
December 18th, 2011
3:45 pm
@tampa gaytard——find a fla site—-”O” there all shut down—–poor football play statewide—–hahahahah
TreDog
December 18th, 2011
3:45 pm
Enter your comments here
TreDog
December 18th, 2011
3:50 pm
Murray threw 5 td’s the 2 quater of New Mexico State game. Why did Murray play so well?
1. A bad defense.
2. He knew there would be competition, Mason was pre-planned to play the 2nd half, so Murray went to the passing game, abandoned the run game, and threw 5 td’s.
How did Bobo get the best performance of the year out of Murray in that game?
COMPETITION.
That’s why there SHOULD be a competition every game, but there’s not. Murray wouldn’t be throwing 3 interceptions in a game if he knew he’d lose his spot. And if he did, Mason wouldn’t be transferring, because he’d know it’s all about farness and getting his opportunity when Murray falters.
But when Richt keeps starting Murray, regardless of how Murray performs, then QB’s like Mettenberger, Gray, Mason/Lemay all transfer.
Why? Because Richt’s isn’t fair, and keeps playing Murray even when Murray doesn’t earn it (LSU?).
bitter QB
December 18th, 2011
3:55 pm
@tredog—–right on the money—haha—great stuff——————murry—a true tampa cigar—–choke you to death—hahahah
tony
December 18th, 2011
3:56 pm
North Georgia Dawg
December 18th, 2011
2:56 pm
I can’t believe some of the comments on this blog. “Shockley better than Greene?” That’s a joke, right? I liked D.J. a lot, but David was much more consistent.
____________________________________________
That’s your opinion. I like DJ Shockley better because whenever the offense would breaks down, DJ could make plays with his legs. Greene won 1 sec championship in 4 seasons when Brian VanGorder was the DC. DJ Shockley won 1 sec championship in 1 season when Willie Martinez was the DC.
Had DJ Shockley started 4 season when Brian VanGorder was the DC Richt would of won his 1st championship.
Had Mr.Richt recruited Cam Newton to play qb instead of a TE, he probably would of won 3 national championships.
kb
December 18th, 2011
3:57 pm
Tredog, Mett did not transfer he was kicked off the team, did you see Logan Gray play qb? He wasn’t close to being as good as Murray. Logan didn’t transfer either , he graduated and played one season as a back up for Colorado @smart person , you think PJ is a great coach, enough said.
A person SMART enough to know......
December 18th, 2011
4:06 pm
kb I SAID Richt doesn’t do CRAP with the talent he has. CPJ would do better.
bitter QB
December 18th, 2011
4:06 pm
fair—fair—–god told richt his ford f-150 and his ability to judge tallent was 2nd to none——————–our AD has to be plotting
—————–a way out of this —ST RICHT—-mess—–and a way to get face and keep gratham and the “D” staff
bitter QB
December 18th, 2011
4:08 pm
—-sorry—–a way to keep face—–whoppps
dawgdip
December 18th, 2011
4:09 pm
To Jesus christ. How can you possible use that name on this blog?. Do you even know who Jesus is? I really feel sorry for you. You are truly disgusting.
A person SMART enough to know......
December 18th, 2011
4:11 pm
kb actually yes Mett did transfer. Cam transfered from UF to Div AA to Auburn. Mett HAD to transfer. He was a UGA STUDENT and then and LSU student because he TRANSFERED. You really are not to BRIGHT or you just say crap with NO facts. Mett was not KICKED out of UGA just dismissed from the team so he HAD to transfer to LSU to keep his college credits. DUH I’m UGa fan but Iz didn’t go to nose college. Iz got my GED and a bulldog hat though.
bitter QB
December 18th, 2011
4:11 pm
perfect example—-scam newton——he was a once a 30 year hershal——what could have been except richt tought he was a good
————————————————tight end—–GA-Y
kb
December 18th, 2011
4:13 pm
smart person, Pj can’t do crap in the ACC much less in a big boy conference. Only 1 school LSU won more SEC titles than Richt has while at UGA.Paul 1AA Johnson is a bush league minor league coach. His record pales in comparison with Richts, Johnson would be clueless as to what to do with real talent.Try again techie
bitter QB
December 18th, 2011
4:15 pm
@a person smart enough to no—-great my man———-truth hurts——richts choices are weak—-he hated having to hire gratham
——————–dont yell—–dont cuss——————your bad ——–be nice—-build plywood huts in el-salvador—–hahahah
Bad Dawg
December 18th, 2011
4:16 pm
A person smart enough to know, You bring up a good point. I always wondered how UGA would fare if they recruited at the same rate as a Georgia Tech. I’d say we would be on the level of Vanderbilt and Kentucky with the current staff. There is just so much talent in this state and the fact that the kids and parent’s love CMR is why UGA recruits so well. Now when will UGA bring home the crystal ball is the million dollar question.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
December 18th, 2011
4:18 pm
0-2 start to the season in a make or break year for Richt. If he thought AM was part of the problem and Mason was the solution his tail would have been playing. Simple as that.
bitter QB
December 18th, 2011
4:19 pm
richt has only done well with great—-i mean great—”D” coornators—-without the now falcons “D” coord—-and gratham
———————————-its 6-7 seasons———————-go to rome and serve the pope —-st richt—-chruch has its place
———————————–not on the football field and or a war zone——–hope i did not offend anyone
———-ive play on both fields——————-just saying
A person SMART enough to know......
December 18th, 2011
4:22 pm
TEBOW for the TD
Willie the Janitor
December 18th, 2011
4:23 pm
Mr. Mason, I admire you sticking up for your son but please….choose a better screen name than “personal attacks…”
Dawg48
December 18th, 2011
4:24 pm
Tebow is over rated!
Willie the Janitor
December 18th, 2011
4:25 pm
Mason for Heisman…hey he threw threed TD’s in a blow-out…yay.
A person SMART enough to know......
December 18th, 2011
4:26 pm
Has Richt TEBOWED today?
Dawg48
December 18th, 2011
4:27 pm
Champ Bailey runs Denver!
A person SMART enough to know......
December 18th, 2011
4:28 pm
Murray for the Heisman because he beats up the playground runts. 16-10.
A person SMART enough to know......
December 18th, 2011
4:30 pm
I am pretty sure John Denver and Horse Face Elway run Denver. LOL
kb
December 18th, 2011
4:33 pm
smart person, Mett didn’t transfer from UGA to Lsu went to JUco. Bravery behind the keyboard is a true tech trait, time and place Mr. Light bulb an I will show you my degrees and then if you have one i will place it , get the picture brave techie.
Dawg48
December 18th, 2011
4:34 pm
I thought Denver had a good D……
bitter QB
December 18th, 2011
4:38 pm
@a person to smart—–ex—fla “O” coord—-charlie something was a true horse face and fa-t a$$—–kanas what the f___k were
———————-you hicks thinking——he failed at N.D and failed with the swamp people——-god what a bad hire
A person SMART enough to know......
December 18th, 2011
4:38 pm
Tebow with a Pass and a Handoff. The Praying TEBOW’S 13 Pats 7.
Dawg48
December 18th, 2011
4:40 pm
Holy COW!
I’m watching the Denver new England game and I just spotted a rare sight!
A former GT football player in the NFL!
I thought they were extinct!
A person SMART enough to know......
December 18th, 2011
4:41 pm
kb like I said he did the same thing CAM did. He transferred. You said he didn’t transfer because he was kicked off the team.
bitter QB
December 18th, 2011
4:42 pm
@kb–shut your pie hole—–man has a right to his/her —TAKE—YOUR THE TYPICAL FA-T KID IN SCHOOL THAT FLUNKED 2 GRADES
AND BULLIED ALL THE YOUNGER KIDS————LOOOOSER
A person SMART enough to know......
December 18th, 2011
4:42 pm
48 you just don’t know their names. You can check the tech site and get the full list and a fried twinkie to go.
Dawg48
December 18th, 2011
4:46 pm
Smart
Lol
Bad Dawg
December 18th, 2011
4:47 pm
Johnson knows what to do with real talent on offense see UGA vs. Ga Tech 2008. Now he needs a lot of help on defense but hey Richt did too. I think if you switched the UGA and Tech players, CPJ would be 11-2 or 12-1 (Boise State is a toss up and a loss to LSU) and Richt would be 6-6 under the same circumstances as CPJ was this year with losses to North Carolina, Virginia, Miami, Clemson, Virginia Tech and Georgia.
bitter QB
December 18th, 2011
4:48 pm
TEEEEBOOOOOW———————-UNREAL————the opposite of murry
Dawg48
December 18th, 2011
4:50 pm
Bad dawg
That makes no since!
Richt recruits players fitted for a pro style offense.
Johnson recruits players fitted for option offense.