Interview: 2023 Arkansas Talent Eli Masingale Gets After It on Both Sides of the Ball
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is no disputing what Class of 2023 talent Eli Masingale brings to the field for Ozark High School. In the Hillbillies’ offensive scheme, Masingale took it down the throats of 4A Arkansas defenses rushing 125 times for 1,001 yards with 11 trips into the end zone and showcased all-purpose skills hauling in 11 passes for 97 yards. Adding to the resume, the 5-11, 185-pound, recruit played strongside linebacker posting 45 tackles, 29 solo, with eight tackles for a loss, one sack, a quarterback hurry, a pick, one forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and blocked two field goals and one punt.
Regional teams are finding Masingale leading to camp invites for a first-hand scouting look. To talk about his skills on the field and offseason plans, Masingale stopped by the RNG Lab for an initial Q&A interview.
Interview
Eli, you were taking it to opposing 4A Arkansas teams throughout the 2020 season and doing so at a high-impact level on both sides of the ball. With all that you were doing, during the week how did you prepare for a given team?
We started off the week watching film, getting prepared to see how they will play. On Tuesday through Thursday, we were on the field practicing. We start mentally and physically preparing for the other team.
With all the hits you were giving and receiving, how were you taking care of your body to play that 13-game schedule?
I was taking a lot of ice baths and on the weekends I was not doing too much. On the weekends I was taking it easy to let my body recover. And I drank a lot of water.
Taking a deeper look at your skills, let’s start on defense. Where were you lining up in the Hillbillies scheme and what were your roles?
I was lining up at outside linebacker; we call it Sam. I was kind of a defensive end too. My role was not always to make a tackle but to cut the play back in for my other linebackers.
How did that part of your game improve throughout your sophomore season?
My biggest growth was going against the tight end and improving with my role overall. Starting off, I didn’t know what I was doing. Last season was my first time playing Sam. I got a better handle on that role as the season went on.
The offensive scheme was giving defenses a lot to digest and prepare for during the week. What offensive set were you guys executing?
We were mainly in the Spread. If you watched our film, we run on just about every play. We were mixing up the formations to throw the defense off.
The formations were varied. What were some of the formations you guys were giving defenses?
We’d go a lot of trips right or left, a lot of Ace, and some two-back sets.
How were the coaches getting you the ball?
A lot on the outside zone. Our quarterback was a powerful runner, he’d go inside and I’d go outside.
When the season ended, what were your strengths at tailback?
I felt like I was elusive and I had power. I would run hard when needed.
How are you preparing your body this winter and spring for the 2021 season?
I have been working out really hard and lifting a lot while working on my balance. I have been doing speed and ladder drills and staying after practice getting extra work in.
Are you taking on all the same roles next season or will you be switching some stuff up?
I think I am taking on mostly the same roles, but will have a bigger role on offense without our quarterback graduating.
Are you playing any other varsity sports for Ozark?
Yes, I run track.
Which events?
I am running the 100, 200, and 4×1.
Have you guys had a meet yet?
Yes, sir. We’ve had three meets.
What have you PR-ed in the 100 so far?
My PR in the 100 is an 11.1.
Last question. Camp season is getting going. Are there any camps you may attend this spring and/or summer?
I have been to a camp at Henderson State, there is a Battle Survivor Camp in Bentonville, and a camp at Harding University on the 4th of April I plan on going to.
Eli, I appreciate your time. Wishing you the best of luck with your track season and upcoming camps.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Masingale family; Eli Masingale
Great article on a very hard working yound man. Excited to see him on the field this fall!
Thank you, Mr. Wright, for taking time to visit with Eli.
No worries. It was a pleasure interviewing Eli!