2014 NFL Draft: Pair of Auburn Stars Leaving School Early

Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Tre Mason (21) celebrates his touchdown during the second half of the 2014 BCS National Championship game against the Florida State Seminoles at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Auburn Tigers narrowly missed bringing in yet another national title to the state of Alabama, but they should be proud of what they accomplished this year just one removed from being one of the worst teams in the SEC.

That being said, two very big names are leaving school early so they can play on Sundays. Heisman finalist Tre Mason, one of the best running backs in the country, as well as beast offensive tackle Greg Robinson are leaving early, and neither move is much of a shock.

Robinson may be the hottest name in draft circles right now, rising to the top five on many big boards. Offensive line coach J.B. Grimes has nothing but great things to say about Robinson, even going so far as to say he thought he might be the top overall pick had he waited to come out until 2015.

“We’ve got his feet where they need to be, we’ve got his body position where it needs to be as far as his pad level,” Grimes said. “He’s really fundamentally with his feet pretty good, but we have not got his hands where I want them yet. And if there is one thing we have got to fix — if I had a chance to do that — it would definitely be his hands, especially in pass protection.”

Mason has a chance to be the first running back selected. He absolutely dominated the last three games of the season, and despite playing in an offense that maybe inflates his stats, he was spectacular. He finished his junior campaign with 1,816 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground, and a 24th touchdown as a receiver.

This is a guy who runs with great toughness and should be a second or third round selection.

Add these two talents to a rapidly growing list of underclassmen this year.