Newcomer spotlight: Caleb Massey

By Drew Champlin

Published: May 31, 2009

Defensive back Caleb Massey was one of the more sought-after high school recruits by this staff. He played quarterback and defensive back in high school at Sulligent and carried his team to the state championship game and nearly won it. Massey (photo credit al.com) was recruited by defensive ends coach Randy Butler to Troy and is already in school for the summer session.

DREW’S THOUGHTS: Massey already has the size to contribute at this level, but probably not as a full-time starter this year. However, how quickly he picks up the schemes will determine how much he plays this year. In person, he seems like a smart, level-headed kid and I won’t be surprised if he turns into a three-year starter at safety after Chris Bowens and Courtland Fuller leave.
I don’t know if he’ll redshirt or not because they’ll have plenty of safeties, but most of them are newcomers and the No. 2 spots on the depth chart at free and strong safeties are wide open. There’s a brief mention of quarterback further down this Q and A, but don’t look for that to happen at Troy. He’ll be a safety.

Height and weight right now: 6’1, 195
Where would you like to be weight-wise?
I’d like to be 210, but I don’t know (if I’ll be there) August.

Safety or corner?
They recruited me as a safety, so that’s probably where I’ll be playing.

What number will you be or what number do you want to be?
Whatever number they give me, I’ll wear. I was No. 1 in high school.

Major?
I want to major in business administration. It just sounds interesting to me.

Summer classes?
Geology and history

Difference between Sulligent and Troy?
The difference is the size. Sulligent’s a small town with about a thousand people. Everything’s faster at Troy. You’re on your own, basically.

You were a big-time two-way player in high school. Might you take some snaps at quarterback here?
I don’t know. Coach (Blakeney and Butler) is talking to me about it, but I’ll probably just be on defense.

If football wasn’t in the picture, what would you be doing?
Basketball. I was being recruited by UAB in basketball until I got injured. I got to play at the end of the (high school) season.

Going to try to play basketall here at Troy?
Nah.

Best part about football?
The adrenaline. You get to take out all your anger on the field.

Had Troy not been in the picture, where would you have gone?
I probably would have walked on at Alabama. That’s what they wanted me to do, but I had a full scholarship here.

How do you describe yourself on the field?
I’m pretty laid back but I’m always waiting for something to happen where I can make plays.

Hobbies?
I love to eat. I like to hang out, talk on the phone, go to movies, bowl.

When did you know Troy was right for you?
When I came down on my official visit.

Favorite players/team growing up?
I loved watching some of Walter Payton’s highlights and Ronnie Lott with the 49ers. My favorite college team was Alabama and my favorite pro team was the Dallas Cowboys.

What’s something a lot of people don’t know about you?
I like to draw. I’m not very good, but it’s something that takes my mind off of things.