Carter's Corner: Massey Warms Up for Homecoming

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – It happened for Dre Massey at Missouri.

"I hope it happens this week at home,'' Massey said.

What happened? Massey made plays when the Gators called his number.

In his two seasons with the Gators, Massey has mostly been a mystery. He enrolled at UF in January 2016 after two seasons at Holmes (Miss.) Community College, where Massey stood out as a dynamic playmaker. However, Massey missed last season when he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the first game.

Healthy once more, Massey returned this season but has served primarily as a decoy and invisible receiver. That trend has changed recently.

Massey scored his first touchdown for the Gators in the loss to Texas A&M. In the past two games, Massey has four receptions for 90 yards, including two for a career-high 75 yards in Florida's 45-16 loss at Missouri.

Both of Massey's catches came in the second quarter, one for 38 yards and the other for 37. Both came on drives that ended in field goals for the Gators.

"He's explosive, shifty, quick,'' offensive lineman Tyler Jordan said. "I like to see him in the game."

Florida's trip to face South Carolina on Saturday has special meaning for Massey. He is a South Carolina native and starred at Mauldin High in Greenville, drawing interest on the recruiting trail from former Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier.

When Spurrier announced he was retiring late in the 2015 season, he called Massey to let him know. That's when Massey decided to come to Florida instead. Florida interim head coach Randy Shannon played a pivotal role.

"He recruited me pretty hard. I was with him the whole way, honestly,'' Massey said.

A 5-foot-9, 185-pound slot receiver, Massey helped fill the void left by injured freshman playmaker Kadarius Toney (shoulder injury) against the Tigers.

More opportunities could be on the way.

"It was good for him and good for this football team, the opportunity for a guy that has playmaking ability with the ball in his hands to make plays," Shannon said. "Once a guy shows he can do it, you have to find ways to get the ball back in his hands. We're finding ways to get the ball in his hands so he can make plays for us."

If Massey makes more plays Saturday, it shouldn't be too difficult to spot his cheering section at Williams-Brice Stadium.

"It's a big game for me," Massey said. "I've got like 50-plus people coming. It's going to be a big, big deal."

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Carter's Corner: Massey Warms Up for Homecoming

Players Mentioned

Tyler Jordan

Dre Massey

Kadarius Toney

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