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UCLA Football: Most Underrated Player by Position – WRs

By Michael Chavez

Oct 11, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Eldridge Massington (82) tries to get around Oregon Ducks defensive back Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (14) during second quarter action at the Rose Bowl. Oregon went on to a 42-30 win. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Eldridge Massington (82) tries to get around Oregon Ducks defensive back Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (14) during second quarter action at the Rose Bowl. Oregon went on to a 42-30 win. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
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As we continue our series looking at underrated players by position on the UCLA Football team, the train continues onto the wide receiver position. The Bruins have to replace their top three receivers from last year and despite having some young talented players, one guy in a particular has been left out of the discussion.

The wide receiver position isn’t barren for UCLA. They have guys returning from last year who saw action and have shown promise, signed a future superstar in Theo Howard, had Cordell Broadus  return to the program, and even moved Ishmael Adams to the offense this offseason.

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Eldridge Massington hasn’t received any hype this offseason but is going to be a big part of offense even if he isn’t on the field. He’s a veteran player with good size and is likely a better fit for a more pro-style offense rather than a spread team. He hasn’t had an easy time since coming to UCLA following an ACL tear in high school.

Before the injury Massington was a track star and the Bruins thought they were getting a big-bodied burner. While he has yet to show the speed he was flaunting in high school, he has steadily improved in practice. He was beginning to build a rapport with Brett Hundley before he declared for the draft but hasn’t quite clicked with Josh Rosen.

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However they’ve now been together for a full season and are learning a new offense together which intuitively might give readers pause but shouldn’t.

As they learn together, they’ll gain more and more chemistry that should show itself as on field practices progress. He also is a veteran leader of the younger receivers and show them how they need to work even if they aren’t going to be starters in order to contribute to the team. Having a guy that isn’t a coach that can help you grow up and take accountability is a precious resource for any team.

The final part of my argument for Massington being the underrated player vital to the success of the season is all about passing the eye test. I’m a measurables kind of guy and Massington fits what I like in my receivers.

He’s big, solidly built and has okay speed. He’s also one of the biggest receivers on the team and the guy that should be counted on to win jump balls. With Jordan Payton and Thomas Duarte off to the NFL, Massington now fills the role of jump ball guy in the redzone. If nothing else, having his size at their disposal will be key for the Bruins and the development of Rosen.

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Next week we will take a look at an underrated offensive lineman as we continue our list of underrated players at each position. We are skipping the tight end position but if you have any questions about players regarding positions tweet at me or leave your thoughts or comments below.  If you missed our first post in the series make sure you see it here.