Gators coach Jim McElwain during Saturday's season-opening win. (Photo: Jay Metz/For UAA Communications)
McElwain: Gators Must Overcome Loss of Massey
Monday, September 5, 2016 | Football, Scott Carter
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Junior-college transfer is out for season with right knee injury.
By: Scott Carter, Senior Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The Gators took a big hit on the opening kickoff against UMass, losing receiver Dre Massey for the season with a knee injury.
Massey returned the kick 21 yards and stayed in the game in the first half despite the injury. He did not return in the second half. Junior receiver Dre Massey will have season-ending knee surgery after getting hurt in Saturday's win. (Photo: Courtney Culbreath/For UAA Communications)
"A big loss. We're going to need some guys step up,'' Gators coach Jim McElwain said Monday. "He'll get that operated on here when the swelling goes down. He'll be out for the year."
Massey earned the starting spot as slot receiver during preseason camp and was projected to share kickoff return duties with Brandon Powell. He transferred to UF from Holmes (Miss.) Community College, where he played last season after a record-setting career at quarterback for Mauldin (S.C.) High.
"It's tough,'' quarterback Luke Del Rio said. "That's a hard injury to happen to him. It's going to be tough to lose a great player like Dre."
McElwain praised Massey's effort on Saturday in his first appearance as a Gator.
"That shows his toughness and want to do what he can for this football team,'' McElwain said. "There is obviously disappointment when something like this happens. He's got a lot of ball left."
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