Gardner-Webb University Athletics

Projected starter at the SPUR outside linebacker position … Physically gifted tackler with excellent size and athleticism … Was a bright spot during February practice … Posted a 32.9 inch vertical leap during offseason testing … Has gained 11 pounds since the end of the 2016 season … Converted safety with a great deal of potential … Will likely continue to play a role on special teams coverage units as well … Older brother, Antonio Messick, plays receiver at Georgia Tech.

2016 at Gardner-Webb: Saw action in eight games, primarily on special teams … Collected four total tackles (two solo) … Had one solo stop at Liberty (10/29) … Also had tackles at Western Carolina (9/10), at No. 8 Charleston Southern (11/5) and vs. Monmouth (11/19). 2015 at Gardner-Webb: Played in four games … Did not record a tackle. 2014 at GWU: Redshirted.

High School: Played at Hoggard (N.C.) High under Coach Scott Braswell … Named first-team All-Area by the Wilmington Star-News as a senior … An All-Coastal North Carolina selection by Friday Night Football Magazine … Selected to play in the 2014 N.C. East/West All-Star Game in Greensboro … Had 60 total tackles (56 solo)and 3.0 tackles for loss in 2013 … Helped Vikings to a 12-2 record and a league crown …Picked off three passes for 49 yards and broke up five passes … Returned a fumble for a touchdown … Earned second-team All-Area honors from the Wilmington Star-News as a junior … Had 90 total tackles (75 solo), two interceptions and a sack in 2012 … Scored one touchdown on defense … Chose GWU over Alabama State … Older brother, Antonio Messick, plays at Georgia Tech.