Almost 48 hours after receiving the SEC Championship Game MVP award from conference commissioner Mike Slive in Atlanta, Auburn running back Tre Mason is headed to New York City and the biggest award ceremony in college football.
Mason was named one of the six finalists for the 2013 Heisman Trophy on Monday evening, joining Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston, Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch, Boston College running back Andre Williams, Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel and Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron in the final cut for college football's premier individual award.
This year's award ceremony in New York City will be the first since 1994 to feature more than four finalists.
Mason, who has 1,621 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns this season, is Auburn's first Heisman Trophy finalist since Cam Newton in 2010. His 2,137 all-purpose yards in 2013 are the most in Auburn and SEC history.
Mason shattered SEC Championship Game records against Missouri last Saturday, racking up 304 yards and four touchdowns against the nation's No. 11 rushing defense. The running back struck the famous stiff-arm Heisman pose after two of his rushing touchdowns against the Tigers from the SEC Eastern Division.
"You're looking at one of the top running backs in college football, and he proved it again (Saturday)," said Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn. "So, usually, the best players on the best teams have a chance at it, and you're looking at one of those guys right here."
The Palm Beach, Fla. native will look to become the program's fourth Heisman winner alongside Newton, Bo Jackson and Pat Sullivan.
"This is a personal goal of mine," Mason said after Auburn's SEC Championship victory. "Everyone has goals of their own. It was always a dream, you know, growing up, wanting to win the Heisman."
This year's Heisman Trophy will be awarded this Saturday, Dec. 14.
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