Ex-Lassiter QB Gets Start for UGA

After waiting for four years, Hutson Mason will finally get his chance for the University of Georgia football team. 

The quarterback who broke numerous state records at Lassiter High School hasn't been able to play much at the collegiate level. 

But he'll be at the controls for the first time on Saturday when the Bulldogs face their biggest rival in Georgia Tech. 

Mason earned his inaugural college start at Atlanta's Bobby Dodd Stadium in a way that no player wants. 

Aaron Murray, UGA's star quarterback and the holder of several career Southeastern Conference passing records, injured his knee last week and is out for the rest of the season. 

So Mason, who is a redshirt junior and who has played only sparingly, will also be starting for Georgia in its bowl game. 

He was 13 for 19 passing for 189 yards and two touchdowns against Kentucky last week after coming in for Murray. 

At Lassiter, Mason threw for more than 4,500 yards and 54 touchdowns in his senior season, and owns the state record for 552 yards passing in a game. He signed with Georgia only to find himself backing up Murray.

Here's a bit of what Mason said to reporters in Athens on Tuesday, and he was questioned about why he didn't leave Georgia earlier in his career:

"My heart wanted to be a Georgia Bulldog, but I knew I just wanted to play. And I knew time was running out. So it was a very, very tough decision. I don’t think I even knew what the right decision was. I just had to trust the Lord and go with it.”

His teammates think he's got the fire and confidence to step into a big role on short notice. UGA receiver Chris Conley: 

“He can be loud, rambunctious and definitely fiery. Definitely fiery, especially when you’re on the field. He’s passionate about the game, and he’s passionate about the offense. He knows the way he wants it run. That’s why there’s a little different feel when he’s in the huddle.”

Mason won't be the only former Lassiter or East Cobb prep star figuring in Saturday's game. His present UGA teammates include recent Kell standouts Quincy Mauger and Brandon Langley, defensive backs who have become regulars as freshmen.

Former Walton All-State offensive lineman Brandon Kublanow has become a reserve in his freshman season for the Bulldogs. 

Former Lassiter football players Isaiah Willis (A-back) and Coray Carlson (defensive back) have seen some action for Georgia Tech this season, as has offensive lineman Thomas O'Reilly, who starred at Pope High School. 

But none will be in the spotlight like Mason.

Kickoff on Saturday is at 3:30 p.m. The game will be shown on ABC-TV.