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In an extraordinarily deep class at wide receiver in the state of Texas in 2013, West Mesquite's Eldridge Massington is drawing notice, and his stock may be on the rise faster than any other player in the Lone Star State regardless of position.
A consensus four-star recruit by all the services, the 6-3, 200-pound Massington's position rankings have yet to catch up with his impressive offer list.
According to multiple reports, the latest offer is from Alabama, his 24th offer. Head coach Nick Saban called Massington on Wednesday morning to extend the invitation to play in Tuscaloosa.
The success of previous Crimson Tide receivers has caught Massington's attention ($):
You look at their past receivers. They're all cold. Look at what Julio Jones is doing now in the league. I want to show that I can be that kind of receiver.
The speedy wide receiver could add another major offer in the coming days -- from USC, as the Trojans made a Monday visit to the Metroplex to watch him practice.
Connections to the program could play a major role in his recruitment ($):
It's my family being from there but it's also how many receivers they've sent to the league. You look at the guys they have now - Robert Woods, Marquise Lee, George Farmer - all of those guys are going to go the NFL.
There was speculation on Tuesday evening that an offer from USC could result in a quick commitment:
For #USC fans, I think the #Trojans offer Rivals250 WR Eldridge Massington soon and I think he commits on the spot. That's his clear No. 1
— Brian Perroni (@bperroni) May 2, 2012
The response from Massington?
@bperroni LOL they will be in tomorrow and we will see how that goes hahaha
— eldridge massington (@OH_GOTTAMAN) May 2, 2012
A bit of a coy response, but he has maintained to other services that he will not commit on the spot if USC offers:
Contrary to what other recruiting experts have said, Massington insists he will not commit to USC today if offered. We'll see.
— Max Olson (@max_olson) May 2, 2012
Whatever the case, if USC does offer on Wednesday -- as widely expected -- the Trojans could vault into the leading position for Massington, even if he does opt to hold off on making a decision.
Notre Dame is another school under consideration. Why? Well, another successful receiver, of course:
Michael Floyd is one of my favorite receivers to watch. He's a major reason why I'm looking at Notre Dame.
One notable program that has not yet extended an offer is Texas. Massington visited Austin for the second Junior Day in late February, but left without an offer and didn't hear from the staff until got into contact with him recently and admitted making a mistake in their evaluation of the West Mesquite star. Still, the Longhorns have yet to make a move and time could be running out for the 'Horns with so many other national powers now in the mix.
But all that discussion of the ins out and outs of his recruitment fails to mention the major reason why Massington has seen his stock improve -- speed.
Well, not just speed, but his combination of size and speed. After all, there are numerous receivers around the country about six feet tall who can fly. But not many who can fly at 6-3 and about 200 pounds. And he seems to be getting faster every week.
Actually, he is demonstrably getting faster every week. It started out with a 10.66 100m several weeks ago. Then a 10.52 100m. Now a 10.52 100m that has him qualified for the state track meet in Austin. All laser-timed. This is unreal-fast for someone his size.
Speed isn't everything for a wide receiver, however, and Massington was able to convince the Alabama coaches in attendance at a recent practice that he has the hands to turn separation into big plays, though he does still need to show that he can run a variety of routes to cement his status as one of the elite receivers in the country.
That may not happen until 7-on-7 workouts roll around this summer, but expect Massington vault up the wide receiver rankings put out by each of the major services, movement commensurate with his impressive offer list.
For more on Tide football, visit Alabama blog Roll Bama Roll, plus SEC blog Team Speed Kills.