Marcus Mason is so close to living his dream.
The Washington Redskins running back needs another flash of potential against New England on Friday. Like the brilliance that gained the most rushing yards in Maryland prep history and two standout seasons at Youngstown State before leading the NFL in rushing during the 2008 preseason.
Mason sits fourth on a team likely to carry three running backs. It was the same in 2007 when he was cut as a rookie free agent. Same thing last year. Come Sept. 5, it could happen again.
“Third time’s the charm — that’s how I’m looking at it,” Mason said. “I ask myself what do I have to do? I try to make some plays, the right blocking assignments, run routes. You got to make plays. Got to do something.”
Mason rushed for 5,790 yards at Georgetown Prep as the region’s top offensive player. Mason still owns the career marks for points and touchdowns too.
After two non-productive years at Illinois, Mason made the dramatic switch to Youngstown State. Smaller school, but Mason gained 2,739 yards with 31 touchdowns over two seasons. The NFL didn’t draft him, but the Redskins noticed a hometown runner who might help them.
Mason made the opening 2007 roster, but was released after one game and spent the rest of the season on Washington’s practice squad. Last year, he was again cut despite leading the NFL preseason with 317 yards rushing and 373 overall.
The New York Jets kept Mason for six games before his release. He spent eight weeks on Baltimore’s practice squad. When the offseason came, Washington was the one with an offer — again. Mason figured it was worth trying once more time despite the same three runners ahead of him still on the roster.
“They wanted to give me an opportunity and you can’t turn down an opportunity,” he said. “I love the game of football.”
Mason has been effective but little used in his third stint. He needs to improve on special teams to convince the Redskins to carry a fourth runner instead of an extra receiver, linebacker or cornerback.
“I think there’s guys that we’re going to have to let go that are talented,” coach Jim Zorn said. “They’ve improved themselves, but … they just have to go down the road. They’ll play somewhere in the NFL because they’re good players.”
That’s what Mason keeps telling himself.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com or e-mail [email protected].
