Utah Utes football: Offensive lineman Miles Mason only needed a week to earn starting role

"He comes from a program where the offensive line coach is phenomenal and has been coaching for 30 years," Davis said. "He's a hard-line guy and the guys you get out of his program are great."

Davis also believes Mason's basketball background has given him "great feet," which is a plus for an offensive lineman.

"Miles has done a great job," says Davis. "He's real good about paying attention. He wants to be a good offensive lineman. Hopefully we can keep teaching him and keep him going."

As for basketball, Mason says he still enjoys playing in the offseason and will continue to play hoops for fun.

So what is the best part of his game?

"My low-post game," he says with a smile. "Oh yeah, my post-up move."

For now, Mason will continue pushing people around on the football field rather than on the basketball court.

"He's got a real bright future and we're lucky to have him," says Davis.

Miles Mason file

Height: 6-foot-4

Weight: 318 pounds

Hometown: Los Angeles

Year in school: Junior

Position: Offensive guard

Late start: Didn't join Utes until final week of fall camp

2011 season: Has started all three games and earned a 79 percent grade on the O-line

Notable: Played basketball for 4 years in high school, but didn't play football until his senior year

Utes on the air

Washington (3-1, 1-0 Pac-12) at Utah (2-1, 0-1)

Saturday, 5 p.m.

Rice-Eccles Stadium

TV: ROOT (FSN) Radio: 700 AM

Email: sor@desnews.com