Catching Up With Mason Crosby - University of Colorado Athletics

During a halftime ceremony at the 2007 Spring Game CU All-American kicker Mason Crosby had his No. 16 jersey honored by the university, becoming the 25th player to be bestowed the recognition. The honor is bestowed on those who have earned first-team All-America status twice, and/or honored three times as a first-team All-Conference performer (or being the recipient of one of college football's postseason trophies for being selected the best at a particular position).

Crosby qualified on two counts, as he became just the seventh two-time All-American, as well as only the seventh three-time, first-team All-Conference performer.

Crosby was presented a jersey by chancellor Bud Peterson, athletic director Mike Bohn and head coach Dan Hawkins. His name was then revealed on the Fred Casotti Press Box. After the presentation, Crosby introduced his family and briefly addressed the crowd.

Before the spring game he met with members of the media:

What do you think of having your Jersey Honored?
"It's awesome, it's unbelieveable. I'm glad I got to come back for the spring game and be a part of all this. It's weird though, I was up at the breakfast with the guys; I guess I'm an alum now. It's kind of weird doing that, but this is something I've always dreamed about. When I first came into this stadium I looked up there and thought it would be awesome; a goal and a dream to be up there with all those great names. All the guys that are on this wall, and now I'm going to be a part of it."

When you see those names up on the Press Box, did you always think you could be one of those guys?
"I could never compare myself, but it is obviously a great honor. It's a culmination of a whole career, everything I've accomplished and everything I have done. Those guys (already honored) are unbelieveable players and it is definitely something I wanted to be a part of."

When did you find out you would be honored and did it surprise you at all?
"(Associate Athletic Director Dave Plati) had told me and I kind of knew the prerequisites for it; three-time Big 12, two-time All-America. When I got All-Big 12, Dave just said 'Your name is going in the stadium!' It was awesome and it made me feel like I did what I set out to do, made all these accomplishments and coming back for my senior year was definitely worth while. Everything I wanted to do (here) this is kind of the end and culmination of it."

Thoughts on the upcoming 2007 NFL Draft (April 28-29)?
"Kind of anxious. I'm ready for everything to happen. We'll see where I go, it's kind of out of my hands now. I'm still working and doing everything I can, but right now its just watching and waiting to see what teams want to do."

What are your plans for draft weekend?
"I'll be with friends and family down in Texas. I'll surround myself with people I've been around forever. All my friends from high school are excited to come and support me. It's going to be fun. I'm looking forward to that experience."

Do you have any more big workouts left?
"No, I'm done with that. I've just been talking to guys and talking to teams. I went to (a camp in) Reno a couple weeks ago and have just been kicking by myself a bit, and I went to camp to get around kickers as well. It's cool getting around other guys because I'd be in spring ball if I was still here. It's kind of weird really not having a football atmosphere, so it's good getting around other guys. I miss all the guys out here. I was talking to Kevin (Eberhart) and (Matt) DiLallo and (Justin) Drescher, all the guys who have been here with me. It's different not having that camaraderie with all the other guys."

Has Kevin (Eberhart) sought out any advice from you?
"When I was here for the Pro Day, we talked. He's solid. He's going to do great. No doubt he's going to be an amazing kicker here next year. He's been such a great support for me. He always had my back and was really supportive whenever I needed it and I plan on doing the same, being in contact every week this year making sure he's got it all going."

Is it important to you to go on the first day of the draft?
"I try not to say it is important, it's always been something I've wanted and really hope happens, but the important thing is I get on a team that really wants me, a team that's excited to have me there. It's in their hands now, I've done all I can to this point. I'm just ready to be on a team again. It's kind of weird right now (not being on a team), because after high school, I knew I was coming here so I kind of had something, but now I'm not on a team. I'm ready to play again. My mindset is pretty much just preparing for next season, like I'm in spring ball. Everything I'm doing is just to get ready for another season."

Has anything surprised you about the college to pro process?
Not really. You talk to guys about going to the combine and everyone's thing is different. I was definitely open minded. Everything at the combine was a new adventure, something different that you really don't expect to happen -- wake up at 5 a.m. and do a drug test. Every day was a long grueling day. You cant really prepare for it, you just have to go with it and try to excel."

What are your top two memories of playing football at Colorado?
"The 60-yard field goal (against Iowa State in 2004) and kicking the game winner against Colorado State as a junior (in 2005)."