The season may have wrapped up a week ago, but Lassiter quarterback Hutson Mason is still waking up to headlines.

The senior garnered his latest bit of attention by being named the 2009 Gatorade Georgia Football Player of the Year. The award recognized Mason for more than just his achievements on the field, as academic excellence - he maintains a B average - is also taken into account.

Mason said he was at school Thursday morning when his coach told him of the honor.

"Coach (Chip) Lindsey told me (Thursday) morning when I was in class," he said. "It's exciting. It's probably one of or the most recognized awards in the state. I'm very excited and thrilled and honored to be presented with it."

Away from the field and classroom, Mason is active in his community, serving as a mentor at local elementary schools, volunteering at churches and shelters and traveling to the Dominican Republic for mission trips.

As the Georgia player of the year, Mason is now a finalist for the Gatorade National Football Player of the Year Award, which will be announced in mid-December. He will be up against one player to represent each state and the Distric of Columbia. Past winners of the national award include current and past NFL stars such as Mark Sanchez (2004-05), Wes Welker (1999-00), Anquan Boldin (1998-99) and Jerome Bettis (1989-90).

Mason completed 312 of 432 pass for a state-record 4,550 yards and 54 touchdowns this season, leading the Trojans to a 12-1 record and the Class AAAAA quarterfinals.

A season ago, Mason was named the Class AAAAA Offensive Player of the Year, an honor he may also receive this year.

Mason, who is still undecided on his college plans - having received offers from Georgia and Florida State on Wednesday to add to existing offers from a handful of other schools - said he will enjoy the attention as long as it lasts.

"I figure three more months of it I can handle and enjoy it, and then it will all be over," Mason said, coincidentally as a University of Virginia recruiter arrived at his family's east Cobb home.