Chase Mason’s athleticism adds another wrinkle to the Jackrabbits’ offense. The junior quarterback’s breakout against Youngstown State could help him contribute down the stretch.
If it weren’t for Hobo Day, South Dakota State’s 63-13 win over Youngstown State may have been known as “The Chase Mason Game.” While Mason had been mixed into packages during the first five games, Saturday’s win felt like a full unveiling. He had touchdown runs of 38 and 48 yards and later broke off a 69-yard run that set up a four-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.
“It was super fun just playing in that game,” Mason said. “I think everybody’s energy … I just fed off of it and they fed off me too. When I’m in there, I know there’s a lot of hard work coming. A lot of learning.”
With 166 yards rushing and three total touchdowns, it felt like the Jackrabbits unlocked a secret weapon. For Mason, it was an opportunity to showcase his elite athleticism.
Saturday’s performance wasn’t the first at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium; in 2019, he led Viborg-Hurley to their first 9AA state championship with 400 total yards in a 50-24 victory.
Mason’s junior year stats included over 2,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing, earning All-State honors. A multi-sport athlete, Mason also excelled in basketball and track & field, but his biggest impact may have been in baseball, ranked as the No. 33 outfielder in the Class of 2021. Following a torn ACL during his senior year, a professional baseball career seemed appealing.
He committed to play center field for Nebraska but ultimately enrolled at SDSU in January 2022 to focus on football. “It’s not like I didn’t like baseball, I just didn’t love it,” Mason stated.
Mason faced another setback with a second ACL tear, but credits SDSU athletic trainer Charlie Miller and his past rehab experience for his recovery. He developed a strong relationship with starting quarterback Mark Gronowski, who also recovered from an ACL tear.
Mason has seen extended time in 2023, completing 16-of-26 passes for 267 yards, including a 71-yard touchdown pass, along with 16 carries for 184 yards and a touchdown.
With Gronowski’s return to SDSU, it appeared Mason might wait to make an impact, but the offensive staff devised plans to utilize him. After six games, Mason is 6-for-8 passing with 51 yards and a touchdown, plus 24 carries for 256 yards and four touchdowns.
“He’s too good to sit on the sidelines,” said SDSU head coach Jimmy Rogers. “For one, he’s hard to bring down, but when you’ve got a guy that can throw the ball like that, he’s truly a dual threat.”
Rogers emphasized the need to protect Mason due to his value to the team. Comparing the situation to Montana State’s use of dual quarterbacks last season, he highlighted the importance of executing basic plays effectively.
Even if Mason’s role in the upcoming game with the Bison isn’t massive, he’s sure to be involved. Gronowski praised Mason’s growth, positioning him as a future starter.
Mason is ready to contribute in any role, saying, “I just want to be out there in whatever way possible to help out the team.”
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