AUBURN AUTHORITY

Rams reluctant to label Tre Mason a 'feature back'

James Crepea
Montgomery Advertiser
Tre Mason scores a six-yard rushing touchdown for the St. Louis Rams.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Once Tre Mason got on the field for the St. Louis Rams, he was hard to stop.

The former Auburn running back racked up 765 yards, second-most among rookies to Jeremy Hill's 1,124 and 20th in the league, and had four touchdowns despite missing the first four games while he developed as a pass blocker.

"I think he did everything … whenever he got on the field," St. Louis general manager Les Snead said. "I think he showed he can be an explosive, dynamic weapon for us on offense and he can get the tough yards, he even made some catches. I think he evolved – not saying he couldn't do it – he just had to get some reps at it because at Auburn they really just handed it off but I think he's come along."

Despite having more yards than fellow Rams backs Zac Stacy (293) and Benny Cunningham (246) combined, Snead and Rams coach Jeff Fisher are reluctant to label Mason as a "feature back" as he enters his second season.

"I think everybody needs a couple of backs, we've got three-plus," Fisher said. "We drafted Tre because we felt Tre had something special. It took Tre some time to learn how to play without the football, once he did he got a chance to play and we played him to make plays.

"Zac was especially unselfish during this process. Glad we've got both of them. We've got Benny as a change and he's in our third-down role. I think we're in good shape at that position."

Mason, the No. 75 pick in last year's draft, was a bell cow during his 2013 season on the Plains, with 317 carries for 1.816 yards and 23 touchdowns. With the average life of an NFL running back under three years, the Rams don't want to wear him down.

"I think in the NFL you probably want multiple backs," Snead said, "because 16 games is a tough, tough load."