A two-star recruit turned nation-leading playmaker, Hezekiah Masses led the country in passes defended in his lone season at California.
Hezekiah Masses went from a two-star recruit at FIU to a nationally dominant cornerback in a single transfer season at California, leading the country in passes defended before the Raiders drafted him in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Deerfield Beach, Florida native is already pushing for a starting outside cornerback job as a rookie.
Path to the league
A two-star recruit out of Deerfield Beach High School in Florida, Masses played three seasons at Florida International from 2022 to 2024 before transferring to California for his senior year in 2025. The Raiders selected him with the No. 175 overall pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Career highlights
Masses finished his college career with 152 tackles, seven interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 25 passes defensed, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries across 49 games at FIU and California. He capped his college career with an invitation to the 2026 Senior Bowl.
2025 season recap
In his only season at California, Masses led the nation with 18 passes defended and added five interceptions, earning First Team All-ACC honors and an Associated Press Second Team All-American selection, including standout interception games against Oregon State, Minnesota and Boston College.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Hezekiah Masses
- Raiders.com: Raiders select CB Hezekiah Masses
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Cornerback
- Group
- defense
- College
- California
- Hometown
- Deerfield Beach, FL, USA
- Age
- 22
- Status
- active
