Early Entry Review: Massey earned plenty of first-team reps this spring
When Dre Massey recorded his mother's reaction to him receiving his acceptance letter from UF, it became a popular video shared across social media. Those "tears of joy" were an emotional moment for their family, especially after the difficult road Massey took from the JUCO ranks to Gainesville.
As an early enrollee this spring, Massey certainly didn't take his new opportunity for granted.
"He's very humble, for one," said Massey's mother, Angela Payne. "He went through a few struggles, and with the help and studying and focusing on what he's supposed to do, he made it. It really meant a lot. To really get to him making it, it's because I know the struggles that he went through, I know the tears. I can only give praise to God."
Massey originally signed with East Carolina in February 2014 out of Mauldin (S.C.) High School but could not qualify academically and instead enrolled at Goodman (Miss.) Holmes Community College. After two seasons at the JUCO level working to get his grades right while developing as a football player, Massey eventually landed on the radar of a handful of FBS squads, including Florida. He committed to UF late last November and arrived in Gainesville about five weeks later.
This spring, the 5-foot-9, 183-pound Massey was one of Florida's most impactful early enrollees on offense, eventually working his way toward first-team reps in the slot by mid-spring. With last year's starter, Brandon Powell (foot), sidelined for the entirety of the spring and Alvin Bailey missing a handful of practices early on with a back injury, Massey took advantage of the first-team snaps he received - and eventually remained in that role throughout the majority of the spring once Bailey returned.
"I think Dre Massey has really done a great job," Florida head coach Jim McElwain said during the spring. "He probably benefited from Bailey not being here as far as getting a lot more reps at a couple different positions and we feel that he's really taken some steps forward at that receiver group."
Throughout practices, Massey proved to be a speedy, shifty threat in the slot, showcasing plenty of burst and often finding plenty of separation against opposing defensive backs in the seam. A versatile weapon, Massey was utilized this spring in the slot and on some plays in the backfield. Florida also may use Massey as an option in the returning game as well moving forward.
"He's guy you want to get the ball to," Florida wide receivers coach Kerry Dixon said. "He has that type of speed, he has that type of quickness, so he's somebody that can be a difference maker for you. Just has to continue to grow and understand the game as a whole."
Added junior cornerback Jalen Tabor: “I feel like he’s pretty good with the ball in his hands, pretty fast, pretty quick. A pretty good slot receiver. You definitely have to know where he’s at in the offense. They like to get him the ball quick, so he can make plays and use his speed.”
However, Massey did suffer a setback midway through the spring with a hamstring injury, as he missed a little less than a week of practices including one of UF's team scrimmages. Still, he didn't look too hampered by the injury when he was ready to return to the field in late March.
"It was very frustrating, because he knew he had a task to do and his main thing was to get out there and do it," Payne said of her son's hamstring injury. "Also, learning the plays, he was very desperate and eager to learn those plays and go out and do what he needed to do."
In the Orange & Blue Debut on April 8, Massey played with the Blue squad comprised of mostly first-teamers. During Florida's spring game, Massey notched two catches for 29 yards and a touchdown. Massey's touchdown catch came in the fourth quarter, when Luke Del Rio connected with him working in the slot for a 19-yard score. His other catch for 10 yards was an impressively athletic grab on third down.
"He did great," Payne said. "He said he enjoyed his time out on the field. It was a great experience for him to just be out in front of the fans. He felt great about it. He was excited. He was like, 'Mom, to catch the ball in my first time out there on the field in my first game,' he was on and on about it. That was the best experience he had."
It should be a fun competition during fall training camp in the slot with Powell healthy and back in the mix by then. Regardless, after a strong spring, Massey certainly made an early case for playing time this season.
"He just wants the ball," Payne said. "He wants to do whatever he needs to do to make the team happy."
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