Massey emerging as key weapon for Gators offense
One of the most memorable storylines from spring practices was the impressive performance of JUCO signee Dre Massey, who made a case for a key role at slot receiver while Brandon Powell and Alvin Bailey each missed time with injuries.
And throughout fall camp, it's been much of the same story for Massey - even with Powell finally back in the fold from a foot injury. Throughout much of the start of fall practices, Massey and Powell alternated reps with the first team. While Powell has performed relatively well in his return to action, Massey's strong play has continued to be a key theme leading into the 2016 season.
With both slot receivers playing well, and junior wide receiver C.J. Worton sidelined with a high-ankle sprain, Florida has recently experimented with playing both Massey and Powell on the field at the same time alongside sophomore wideout Antonio Callaway.
"Yeah. I think you're going to see that a lot," Massey said. "I think that's something he really wants to happen. We've actually been working a lot, so I mean I think that's probably what we're going to do. ... Me and Brandon are pretty much the same. We can go outside, come inside. Coach is doing a good job of putting us both on the field at the same time and making it tough on the defenses.
"We're going to score a lot of points."
So far, the 5-foot-9, 180-pound Massey - a Greenville, S.C. native and JUCO transfer from Goodman (Miss.) Holmes Community College - has been one of Florida's most consistent playmakers on offense up to this point in camp. A fluid, shifty, quick athlete, Massey has put up some strong performances recently, including in two scrimmages where he combined for three scores.
Massey's versatility on the offensive side of the ball, and seeing time specialist in the return game, give Florida a multifaceted weapon. Massey, who played quarterback in high school, also has some punting ability and said he could kick it "about 40-something yards" far.
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"The different things he brings, not only as a returner but as a punter, as a guy that can throw it, he can catch it, he can run it," Florida head coach Jim McElwain said. "With he and Brandon, a year ago we used Brandon before he kind of got dinged up in a lot of those multi-personnel things, but now it gives us two guys that we can do a lot of things with now.
"He’s got to learn, he’s got a lot to understand the nuances of playing the position of receiver because he’s kind of done a lot, been a jack of all trades. But you know what, if he learns to communicate a little bit, and understand the importance ... the things and the details he needs to play with. He gets a little better all the time.”
At kick returner this fall, Florida has given multiple guys opportunities, including Massey and Powell. According to McElwain, fans will "see both of them back there."
"I think the ability to break one at any minute," Massey said as to why he's factored into the kick return conversation. "That’s why they have me on kick return this year. I play a little bit of punt return, but I am a lot more comfortable at kick return actually."
According to Massey, his confidence level right now is "very, very high." He's had a lot to prove since his JUCO days, where as a sophomore last season at Holmes C.C. he recorded 548 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 21 catches to go along with 452 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 59 carries in nine appearances.
"It's very humbling," Massey said. "You've seen the documentary 'Last Chance U' I'm sure. It's really your last chance and I think that humbles you enough to know that this is it. That's kind of your mindset going in."
Massey originally signed with East Carolina out of Mauldin High School in 2014 but couldn't make it in due to academic issues. One school to show Massey interest during his second recruiting cycle while he was at JUCO was South Carolina, where Steve Spurrier was the head coach at the time.
Now an ambassador and consultant for the UF athletic department, Spurrier has had some interactions with Massey in recent weeks. He's been pleased with what he's seen out of the junior wide receiver.
"Yeah. I talked to him a few times. We were reminiscing and stuff," Massey said. "He’s very impressed with my hands and how good I can catch the ball. He didn’t expect that from someone that hasn’t really played receiver."