Eli Masingale is a Class of 2023 Running Back/Outside Linebacker for Ozark High School in Ozark, Arkansas. Eli has an excellent build that allows him to play both sides of the ball at a very high level at 5’11” 185 lbs. On offense, he can be seen tearing defenses apart with his quick acceleration and his ability to break tackles. He proved this last season by rushing for over 1,000 yards with 11 touchdowns! On the defensive side of the ball, Eli shows off his elite presence off the edge by doing everything from sacking the quarterback to stopping the run. The dual position athlete also shines in the classroom with a 4.0 GPA. With plenty of time left in his high school career, Eli Masingale is a player took look out for.
Why did you choose to play football and when did you start? I started playing football in 3rd grade, stuck with football because of the competitive nature and the opportunity to work as a team.
What life skills has football taught you over time? Football has taught me how to work with others and how to push through the hard things.
Would you consider yourself to be a power, elusive, or a receiving back? This year, I would consider myself to be an elusive back, but I want to be more of a power back next season.
As a running back, do you prefer runs inside or outside? I like runs to the outside, because I have more space to the outside however, I don’t mind running between the tackles and taking a hit.
What’s your favorite move to do in game? (Juke, Spin, Hurdle) I love the stuff arm, but I also like to do hesitations.
What’s your favorite play to run? My favorite play is stretch.
What are some things you look at pre-snap? I look at where the linebackers are and where the lineman are to read the blocks.
What kind of outside linebacker would you consider yourself to be? I’m kind of a defensive end/outside line\backer that contains runs to the inside.
How often do you play on defense? I started every game this year on defense.
What current or past player, do you think your game mirrors the most? I think my game mirrors Dalvin Cook.
Does your jersey number (26) hold any significance to you? I chose that because my favorite player is Saquon Barkley.
Outside of sports, do you have any hobbies you like to do? I enjoy going in the outdoors, working out, and being active.
Do you play any sports outside of football? If so, how has that helped you on the running back? Track, it helped me with my speed and keeps me in shape.
In your opinion, what is the best aspect of your game? I would say just my ability to make people miss and to read blocks.
How do you think Covid-19 impacted your sophomore season? I had to work out a lot more at home, it was more of an offseason thing as we had the same amount of games as a regular season.
What are some goals you have for your junior season? I really would like to get 2000 yard 15+ touchdowns and just to get bigger faster and stringer. I also want to up my bench to 300 pounds and squat 400 pounds.
At the end of the day, who is someone you look up to? I look up to my father because he showed me how to work hard and to push through hard times.
Describe a time where you were going through adversity, how did you get through it? As a sophomore, I had to adjust to the speed of high school football. Trying to earn a starting spot on both sides of the ball required me to learn a new position on defense and work to get stronger and faster at running back.
Finally, what are colleges going to get out of you? They are going to get someone who loves the game of the football, is team oriented, and is eager to get better.
