Where did Jordan Mason go to college?

Where did Jordan Mason go to college?

Another San Francisco 49ers running back had a breakout performance, this time on ESPN’s “Monday Night Football.”

Jordan Mason, filling in as the starter with All-Pro Christian McCaffrey sidelined with a calf injury, had one of the best running back performances of Week 1 in the NFL in the 49ers’ 32-19 win over the Jets. Mason, a former undrafted free agent, took 28 carries for 147 yards and a touchdown in the win. He’s currently second in the NFL in rushing yards.

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Mason’s breakout performance was a bit unexpected, as it was reported just a few hours before the 49ers game that McCaffrey was unfit to play. However, Mason said in his on-field postgame interview he knew he’d start on Friday.

The 25-year-old running back has been relatively unknown throughout his three NFL seasons, serving as a backup in one of the league’s best offenses. He has shown flashes in limited action, but Monday marked his first game in the lead role for the 49ers.

Fortunately for San Francisco, its offense can still provide plenty of firepower without McCaffrey, as Mason showed on Monday night.

Here’s everything to know about Mason, including where he went to college:

Where did Jordan Mason go to college?

Mason attended Georgia Tech, where he had a prominent role for four seasons before going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. Mason was with the Yellow Jackets from 2017-21 but redshirted his freshman season.

Mason ended his college career with 2,349 total rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. He also caught 25 passes for 202 yards and a score in four seasons.

Despite being productive in college as a freshman and sophomore, Mason’s touches took a tumble in 2020 and 2021, as he shared the backfield with Jahmyr Gibbs, an eventual first-round pick to the Detroit Lions. He wasn’t invited to the NFL combine, but put up a 4.58-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, along with an impressive 21 bench press reps.

Despite being undrafted, Mason was able to make the 53-man roster as a rookie, earning the nod over former third-round pick Trey Sermon, who was cut.

The Gallatin, Tennessee, native was a three-star recruit in the 2017 recruiting class, tabbed as the nation’s No. 1,676-ranked player and No. 92 running back, according to 247Sports’ Composite rankings. He chose Georgia Tech over Iowa State, Austin Peay, Ball State and Middle Tennessee State, among other small offers.

Jordan Mason stats

Here’s Mason’s year-by-year stats in the NFL:

  • 2022: 43 carries for 258 yards with a touchdown
  • 2023: 40 carries for 206 yards with three touchdowns; three receptions for 31 yards
  • 2024: 28 carries for 147 yards with a touchdown; one reception for five yards

Jordan Mason contract

Mason is still on his rookie contract, which was a three-year deal worth $2.57 million. He’s set to make $985,000 in 2024 after making $870,000 in 2023 and $705,000 in 2022.

Mason will need to be re-signed by the 49ers if they plan to keep him past the 2024 season.