Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

On Friday, April 19, Zion Chapel High School senior Mason Stuart signed his letter-of-intent to play college football at Point University in Georgia.

Stuart singed with Point after a stellar senior campaign that saw him earn All-Messenger and All-State honors despite coming off a junior season that was cut short due to a broken ankle.

As a senior, Stuart played quarterback, defensive end, long snapper and place kicker. He became the first Rebel in school history to pass for 1,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in the same season. He completed 64-of-121 passes for 1,160 yards and 10 touchdowns with only two interceptions, along with 187 carries for 1,293 yards and 15 touchdowns. On defense, he tallied 37 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss and two sacks.

Stuart will continue playing quarterback at the college level.

“I visited (Point) twice. I went for the spring game and went up there another time to meet the coaches and it just felt like home,” Stuart said of his decision. “It’s a small town – a small community – that feels a lot like Jack. Everyone knows everyone and I feel like (Point) gives me the best chance to continue to grow myself academically and athletically. I feel like that’s where I belong.”

Stuart said that he plans to earn a special education degree.

“I found interest in it and (ZCHS Head Coach Cody) Keene is a special ed teacher,” Stuart said. “I just feel like I like it because I’m blessed with the ability to do certain stuff that some of those kids might not be able to do. I want to be able to be that light that shines on their day and puts a smile on their faces.”

Stuart was known for his ability as both a passer and runner in high school and says he’ll do whatever his coaches ask of him at the college level; he just wants to win.

“I like to win, so whatever the coaches say, I’ll do,” he emphasized. “I can run the ball if the coach needs me to, I’ll throw it if he needs me to and I’ll even get on the line and block if he needs that. I just want to win.”

Stuart says his main goal is to get to college and compete.

“I want to go to Point and compete and play,” he said. “Around here, if you’re good you’re one of the best in the area but I want to go up there and see how I do against other people that were the best in their area. Maybe if I can transfer later on, I can play in a bigger school but right now I’m focused on taking things one step at a time.”