Massey hopes to be headache for defenses
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Dre Massey is Florida’s most versatile player, capable of lining up at receiver, running back, quarterback, returner and punter. Yes, punter.
The 25th-ranked Gators probably won’t ask Massey to kick, but they do expect the junior college transfer to be a huge help on offense this season.
“He’s one of those guys that you can use in a lot of different situations,” coach Jim McElwain said.
Massey did it all at Holmes (Miss.) Community College last year. He caught 21 passes for 548 yards and six touchdowns, and carried 59 times for 452 yards and three scores. He also punted three times (averaged 22.3 yards) and threw three passes (all incomplete).
Florida isn’t trying to pass Massey off as a modern-day Paul Hornung, but considering the Gators’ lack of offensive playmakers since Percy Harvin left in 2009, it’s easy to understand their excitement.
At the very least, Massey should give the Gators another viable receiving option alongside Antonio Callaway, Brandon Powell and C.J. Worton.
But Massey also could end up in the starting lineup because Callaway hasn’t been cleared to play after a university-imposed suspension and Worton is dealing with a high-ankle sprain.
And if Massey’s performance matches his confidence, he’ll be tough to take off the field.
“It will give (defenses) a headache trying to figure out what they can do to stop me,” Massey said. “Then we’ll switch it up and do something different. It’s what we do.”
Florida has been searching for more offense for years, ever since quarterback Tim Tebow’s tenure ended after the 2009 season with two national championships and about 20 school records.