Tre Mason is joining a St. Louis Rams squad that features a potential star at running back in Zac Stacy, but the rookie is still hoping to be productive beginning with the 2014 season opener. At the NFLPA Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles, Mason said that Rams coaches have told him he will be competing for the starting job this offseason, according to SB Nation's Ryan Van Bibber.
Tre Mason says he’ll compete for Rams starting job
Zac Stacy was a breakout player for the Rams last season, but don’t expect to Tre Mason to idly wait his turn for playing time.
Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Unseating Stacy could prove difficult. As a rookie out of Vanderbilt last season, Stacy usurped Daryl Richardson in the starting lineup in October, and went on to accumulate 973 rushing yards, 141 receiving yards and eight total touchdowns.
That said, Stacy averaged just 3.9 yards per carry and 5.4 yards per reception. Mason should be able to provide much more explosiveness after flashing NFL potential during his final season at Auburn, where he was a Heisman Trophy finalist. At the very least, Mason should be a strong complement to the bigger-bodied Stacy.
After focusing their resources on upgrading the offensive line, the Rams should have big expectations for the running game. They ought to improve after Stacy proved he can handle a heavy load. Quick progress by Mason this offseason could make the Rams one of the league’s more formidable teams on the ground.
More from Mason at the Rookie Premiere:
Tre Mason getting mic'd up pic.twitter.com/kjlaZV7aQF
— ryan van bibber (@justRVB) May 29, 2014 Tre Mason says he likes Five Guys better than In n' Out
— ryan van bibber (@justRVB) May 29, 2014 Mason excited about Rams pro style offense, similar to what he played in HS and before Malzahn came to Auburn
— ryan van bibber (@justRVB) May 29, 2014 Fisher wants Mason to be ready as soon as possible
— ryan van bibber (@justRVB) May 29, 2014 See More:
