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Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron, left, Auburn running back Tre Mason, center, and Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel chat the College Football Awards show in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

NEW ORLEANS

-- If there's been negative feedback about his

in the upcoming BCS National Championship,

AJ McCarron

hasn't heard it.

At least not in person.

"Nobody said it to my face," McCarron said at Friday's Alabama media session at the Hilton Riverside Hotel. "I'm sure there are some. There are crazy fans in the South. I'm sure some people are not liking that I'll be rooting for them.

"I'm my own person."

McCarron didn't have as much time in New York City as the five other Heisman trophy finalists because of his stop in Baltimore to accept the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. Twenty-four hours, though, was more than enough time for him to develop a connection with Tigers running back

Tre Mason

.

Both players wore bow ties to the ceremony.

"Getting to know his mom and his dad and him, they're great people," McCarron said. "Like I said before, I'll definitely be rooting for him in the national championship game."