ASHBURN Most players use their legs to gain yardage on running plays.

Marcus Mason uses something quite different and quite a bit higher on his body.

"I've always run with my eyes," the first-year back for the Redskins said. "I'm not the fastest. I'm not the quickest. It helps to see where the holes are, to see where the offensive linemen are pushing the defensive linemen."

Mason looks a lot faster than he says he is. In preseason games in 2007 and again Sunday night, Mason ripped through opposing defenses and left an impression on his coaches.

Many forget that when the final cut was made in 2007, Mason had a spot on the 53-man roster.

That lasted a week. Then, offensive tackle Jon Jansen dislocated his ankle, and was out for the season. The Redskins needed to add offensive linemen, and Mason was the odd man out.

"At first, it hurt," Mason said. "Throughout the year" as a practice squad player, "I thought, 'Maybe this will be my chance.' Eventually, I just started thinking I should go out and have fun and give the defense a good look."

Mason, 5-9 215, gives the coaches plenty to think about. He's consistently productive in games and practice. He gained 98 yards on 18 carries Sunday night against the Indianapolis Colts.

Yet he's stuck at one of the deepest positions on the Redskins' roster.

Clinton Portis is the starter and a game-breaking back. Ladell Betts is the backup and gained 1,154 yards rushing in 2006. He could start for a number of teams.

Rock Cartwright is an older, more experienced version of Mason, and the coaches love Cartwright for his special teams ability and his willing attitude.

"It's tough," Mason said. "Special teams is going to be how I make it."

Mason is no stranger to stardom. As a high school player at Georgetown Prep in North Bethesda, Md., Mason gained 5,700 yards to become the all-time leading rusher in Maryland high school history.

He signed with Illinois, but after two season there, transferred to Youngstown State.

"It wasn't working out at Illinois," Mason said. "I wasn't getting playing time and I couldn't stay focused."

Mason, 24, found playing time, focus and success at Youngstown State. He gained 2,739 yards in two seasons, 5.7 yards per carry, and earned a degree in sociology.

That left the thorny problem of finding a spot in the NFL. Mason's statistics drew scouts to his practices. He also attended a tryout day for local players with the Redskins.

A year ago, he burst onto the scene with impressive preseason performances.

Then, he spent 16 weeks on the practice squad. That's not a bad life. The money is not bad, about $5,000 per week. But practice squad players have no illusions about their roles or their futures.

"You're there in case somebody gets hurt," Mason said. "Now, I've got to prove myself all over again."

Mason is making a favorable impression with the man who counts the most in that category. Redskins coach Jim Zorn, in his first season with the team, likes what he sees in the diminutive runner.

"He has good vision, but what made him elusive last week was that quick first step and the decision to see it and go," Zorn said. "What I liked was that when he saw straight ahead and there was no cut, he was very fast into the hole.

"When it was shut down, and there was a wall, he was able to move, change directions and then start again. It's that start-and-stop speed that showed up for us. Plus his desire and want-to."

Mason wants to make the team and stay on the regular roster this year, if for no other reason than the respect it earns him from his teammates. After practice now, he still has to carry a teammate's helmet off the field, as a part of "rookie" chores.

But, Mason was told, you made the team last year. Don't those guys remember that?

"I'm still the youngest running back, and somebody has to do it," Mason said. "I'd rather it be me than someone else."

Mason feels the same way about playing time this season.

FURTHERMORE: Rookie safety Chris Horton was sidelined by illness yesterday. He's receiving antibiotics and has been told to rest. The Redskins want him ready for Saturday's preseason game against Buffalo. Horton has played well in practice, and the coaching staff wants to see him in game action. Rookie cornerback Justin Tryon injured a toe yesterday morning and sat out the afternoon session. Veteran cornerback Shawn Springs has a strained Achilles and rested yesterday.
Contact Paul Woody at (804) 649-6444 or pwoody@timesdispatch.com.