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The UMass Minutemen lost most of their games this season and the losing has continued in the weeks following the final weekend of the season. On Monday it was reported that quarterback Mike Wegzyn, running back Stacey Bedell and tight end/wide receiver Derek Beck have asked to be released from their scholarships.
Wegzyn's decision to leave was first reported by 247 Sports' Maroon Musket, who also made mention of Beck and Bedell's intentions. Bedell announced he would be leaving the program on Twitter.
I'm going to miss everyone at UMass it was a great experience !
— Stacey Bedell (@LightsOutBedell) December 10, 2013
Last Couple of days at UMass for good
— Stacey Bedell (@LightsOutBedell) December 10, 2013
According to Maroon Musket, Wegzyn intends to take a heavy course load in the spring in hopes of finishing his undergraduate degree and transferring somewhere to play immediately. A redshirt sophomore, Wegzyn was brought to UMass by previous coach Kevin Morris and despite being named the starter for much of last season, spring ball, fall practice and the first several games, it never felt like he was Charley Molnar's first choice at quarterback.
Wegzyn played 10 games this year, starting three, while completing 49-of-101 passes for 603 yards, three touchdowns and seven interceptions.
The early QB depth chart will begin with A.J. Doyle, followed by freshman Todd Stafford and walk-on freshman Mark Johnson. Incoming freshman Randall West, who tore his ACL this season, will also fall somewhere between Doyle and Johnson.
Bedell's decision to leave is perhaps the most damaging because at times Bedell looked to be the most talented offensive player the Minutemen had. He struggled with injuries during the latter part of the season, giving way to Jamal Wilson, Lorenzo Woodley and Shadrach Abrokwah. Top 2014 recruit J.T. Blyden also figures to be a big part of the running back rotation next season, leaving too many horses for this offense and softening the blow of his transfer.
Bedell played eight games in 2013, starting four, and carried the ball 93 times for 329 yards and a touchdown.
Beck, who saw time at tight end and receiver this year, leaves a huge hole at the tight end position as the Minutemen are already losing Rob Blanchflower and Ricardo Miller. Redshirt sophomore Brandon Howard and freshman Sharif Custis will be back in 2014, but neither of them caught a pass in 2013.
While Bedell and Wegzyn intend to continue playing, Beck's intentions are unclear.
