Does Tre Mason have a future with the St. Louis Rams?

When running back, Tre Mason was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the third round of the 2014 NFL draft, many thought he would be the guy to bring the strong running game back to the promise land. The Rams had been without a solid back since the loss of Steven Jackson and addressed that need with a player who shredded defenses in college football.

Growing up, Mason was always running, whether it be in football or track and field. Mason ran the ball out of the backfield as well as returned kicks in high school, and was also a sprinter and jumper in track. Coming out of high school in Lake Worth, Florida, Mason was ranked as the nations 14th best running back and received several division one scholarships.

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The former 4-star recruit chose the University of Auburn over Mississippi and West Virginia, to which he did not disappoint. In his first career game as a Tiger, Mason returned a kick, 97 yards to the house. As a junior in 2013, Mason set the SEC Championship single game rushing record with 304 yards, and four touchdowns. For his outstanding season, Mason was one of the six finalists for the 2013 Heisman Trophy award.

As a senior in 2014, Mason helped lead an Auburn squad to a BCS National Championship game in which he rushed for 195 yards and a touchdown in their loss to Florida State. Mason finished his senior season with 1,816 yards on the ground which broke Bo Jackson’s single season record.

Because of his small stature, Mason dropped in the draft before the Rams nabbed him in the third round. Standing at just 5-8, 205 pounds, Mason had a very solid season as a rookie in St. Louis. Mason played in 12 games, rushed for 765 yards and found the end zone five times, one of which came via the pass. In the month of November, Mason rushed for 405 yards and two scores, proving to be his best month by far. Mason’s longest touchdown came on an 89-yard rush which led all rookies in that category.

You would think Mason would be well on his way to a nice career with the Rams, but not so fast. St. Louis elected to use their first round pick on college standout, Todd Gurley from Mason’s rival, UGA. So, what does this mean for Mason’s future? Mason is still under contract for several more years, so unless Mason want’s out of St. Louis, he is there to stay for the foreseeable future. Even with Gurley recovering from a torn ACL back in November of 2014, Mason isn’t the projected starter, which couldn’t make him too happy seeing as he has the talent to be an every down back.

It will be interesting to see how this situation plays out in the next year or so. I wouldn’t slam the door shut on Mason’s long-term future as a member of the Rams, but I wouldn’t lock in my pick either. Everyone want’s to start, and it seems that he won’t get to while in St. Louis.