Auburn's once-overshadowed Tre Mason rides marathon performance to Heisman Trophy ceremony

FILE - In this Nov. 30, 2013, file photo, Auburn running back Tre Mason (21) watches from the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama in Auburn, Ala. Mason is one of six finalist for the Heisman Trophy, which will be presented on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, in New York. (AP Photo/Jay Sailors, File) (The Associated Press)

FILE - In this Dec. 7, 2013, file photo, Auburn running back Tre Mason (21) strikes a Heisman pose as he celebrates a touchdown against Missouri during the second half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game in Atlanta. Mason is one of six finalist for the Heisman Trophy, which will be presented on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, in New York. (AP Photo/Dave Martin, File) (The Associated Press)

It took Tre Mason a lot of time and yards to become an overnight sensation.

No. 2 Auburn's star tailback launched himself to New York as a Heisman Trophy finalist and his team to the national title game with a marathon performance against Missouri in the SEC championship game. His tally: 46 carries, 304 yards and four touchdowns.

He'll join FSU quarterback Jameis Winston, Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron, Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch, Boston College running back Andre Williams and Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel at Saturday night's ceremony. Mason has run for 1,621 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Auburn coach Gus Malzahn says he kept asking Mason if he was OK on the sidelines. Mason's response: "Coach, keep giving it to me. We're going to win the SEC championship."