While the Georgia Southern baseball team has been going through a transitional period, having one of the youngest rosters in the Sun Belt over the past few seasons, one player in particular has been a leader since coming to Statesboro.

Junior outfielder Mason McWhorter has been a stronghold in the GS lineup, both offensively and defensively, ever since his arrival from West Forsyth High School in 2017.

After a freshman season spent in the outfield, McWhorter spent the 2018 season between outfield and first base because of injuries the team accrued, but had no issue playing at different positions.

“I’m honestly most comfortable wherever they put me,” McWhorter said. “I feel comfortable at first [base], I feel comfortable in the outfield, but whatever really helps the team best is where I’m most comfortable.”

The sports management major started in 110 of his 112 games during his first two seasons, while remaining one of the most consistent players on the roster. McWhorter talked about how he’s been able to remain consistent and healthy during his collegiate career.

“Just staying true to my ability to play the game, honestly,” McWhorter said. “I was blessed with the ability to play this amazing game and just being able to trust my ability is really what’s kept me going.”

At the plate, the outfielder has a .281 lifetime batting average with 123 hits and 15 home runs in 438 plate appearances, but McWhorter has been just as effective with a glove as he has been with his bat. Six errors in 121 games, good enough for a .981 fielding percentage, is something McWhorter says he’s proud of when it comes to his game.

“A lot of people just want to take pride in hitting,” McWhorter said. “I think I like to take pride in defense. I love taking fly balls. I love taking ground balls, and I take pride in that.”

As a team, the Eagles are facing some offensive woes starting out the season, McWhorter has a .200 batting average with one RBI, but as the season continues, those woes should figure themselves out.

With the season in full swing, student-athletes are as busy as ever, but for McWhorter it doesn’t take much to relax, noting that he spends most of his time on baseball.

“I really just enjoy hanging out with my teammates, my roommates, just hanging out with the guys,” McWhorter said.

After a tough home stand against the nationally ranked Georgia Bulldogs, McWhorter and company set their eyes on a home series against UNC-Asheville, looking to improve their record and catch fire before conference play gets underway.