Hustle Belt: All Posts by Michael TrainiMAC Football, MAC Basketball, MAC Recruiting, MAC Baseball and all of the other #MACtion hijinks in between - hustlebeltblog@gmail.comhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50387/hustle-fav.png2016-02-03T16:10:40-05:00https://www.hustlebelt.com/authors/michael-traini/rss2016-02-03T16:10:40-05:002016-02-03T16:10:40-05:00UMass inks most impressive class in school history
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hxSdo87gi2L1oVSvU_6c9pHls-g=/0x98:3065x2141/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48723445/GettyImages-490161918.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Massachusetts Minutemen are leaving the MAC (to the delight of many) but before they go they have one more recruiting class to sign, and we recap it for you here on the <strong><em>Belt</em></strong>.</p> <p>The Massachusetts Minutemen put together what is easily the best class in their school history in the 2016 recruiting cycle. They targeted players from not only the Northeast but the entire East Coast, the Midwest, and the powerhouse states of the South. They signed versatile athletes and bruising linemen. They filled a lot of gaps on the roster and did so all while facing the challenge of an independent future.</p>
<p>Let's take a look at the newest Minutemen:</p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="1" width="100%" class="sortable">
<tbody>
<tr bgcolor="#EDF1F3">
<th align="left">Position</th> <th align="center">Name</th> <th align="center">Hometown (HS)</th> <th align="center">Height/Weight</th> <th align="center">247Sports Rating</th> <th align="center">Highlights</th>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">S</td>
<td align="center">Antione Webster</td>
<td align="center">Hialeah, FL (American)</td>
<td align="center">6'0" 185</td>
<td align="center">3-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4639111/highlights/297848510/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">LB</td>
<td align="center">Taylor Riggins</td>
<td align="center">Webster, NY (Aquinas Institute)</td>
<td align="center">6'2" 213</td>
<td align="center">3-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4278093/highlights/319661391/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">TE</td>
<td align="center">Taylor Edwards</td>
<td align="center">Wilmington, DE (Alexis I duPont)</td>
<td align="center">6'4" 228</td>
<td align="center">2-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2991578/highlights/199355387/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">CB</td>
<td align="center">Isaiah Rodgers</td>
<td align="center">Tampa, FL (Blake)</td>
<td align="center">5'11" 160</td>
<td align="center">2-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3265919/highlights/280716411/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">DE</td>
<td align="center">Charly Timite</td>
<td align="center">Philadelphia, PA (Simon Gratz)</td>
<td align="center">6'3" 250</td>
<td align="center">3-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4275597/highlights/289197413/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">TE</td>
<td align="center">Cody Banks</td>
<td align="center">Henrico, VA (Douglas S Freeman)</td>
<td align="center">6'7" 250</td>
<td align="center">3-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1885491/highlights/205947375/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">WR</td>
<td align="center">Brennon Dingle</td>
<td align="center">Whitemarsh, MD (Perry Hall)</td>
<td align="center">5'10" 170</td>
<td align="center">3-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3980306/highlights/312052376/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">S</td>
<td align="center">Cycoby Burch</td>
<td align="center">Orlando, FL (Oak Ridge)</td>
<td align="center">6'1" 190</td>
<td align="center">3-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2218030/highlights/182733375/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">S</td>
<td align="center">Patrick Volcy</td>
<td align="center">Naples, FL (Golden Gate)</td>
<td align="center">6'3" 190</td>
<td align="center">2-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1809309/highlights/301820399/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">WR</td>
<td align="center">Infinite Tucker</td>
<td align="center">Huntington, NY (Huntington)</td>
<td align="center">6'5" 198</td>
<td align="center">2-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4590911/highlights/292527425/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">DL</td>
<td align="center">Sharif Saleem</td>
<td align="center">Euclid, OH (Euclid)</td>
<td align="center">6'7" 250</td>
<td align="center">2-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3584371/highlights/296001388/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">OL</td>
<td align="center">RaQuan Thomas</td>
<td align="center">Philadelphia, PA (Simon Gratz)</td>
<td align="center">6'4" 345</td>
<td align="center">2-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3425704/highlights/133259377/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">CB</td>
<td align="center">Martin Mangram</td>
<td align="center">Buford, GA (Buford)</td>
<td align="center">5'11" 180</td>
<td align="center">3-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3286726/highlights/319658381/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">RB</td>
<td align="center">Tyler Thompson</td>
<td align="center">Wanamassa, NJ (Ocean Township)</td>
<td align="center">5'11" 180</td>
<td align="center">3-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2002665/highlights/292810377/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">DL</td>
<td align="center">Leyshawn Askew</td>
<td align="center">Wayne, NJ (Wayne Hills)</td>
<td align="center">6'6" 285</td>
<td align="center">3-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2862310/highlights/295963397/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">RB</td>
<td align="center">Peytton Pickett</td>
<td align="center">Arlington, TX (Sam Houston)</td>
<td align="center">5'8" 183</td>
<td align="center">2-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2213006/highlights/310401406/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">QB</td>
<td align="center">Andrew Ford*</td>
<td align="center">Camp Hill, PA (Cedar Cliff HS + Lackawanna CC)</td>
<td align="center">6'3" 211</td>
<td align="center">3-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5411747/highlights/282731375/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">RB</td>
<td align="center">Bilal Ally</td>
<td align="center">Middleburg, FL (Clay)</td>
<td align="center">5'10" 185</td>
<td align="center">3-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1842046/highlights/283958378/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">CB</td>
<td align="center">Bakhari Goodson</td>
<td align="center">Orlando, FL (Wekiva)</td>
<td align="center">6'0" 170</td>
<td align="center">2-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3853044/highlights/307738388/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">ATH</td>
<td align="center">Larnel Coleman^</td>
<td align="center">Malden, MA (St. Clement)</td>
<td align="center">6'7" 249</td>
<td align="center">Unrated</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2142191/highlights/83169378/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">ATH</td>
<td align="center">Tyshaun Ingram</td>
<td align="center">Winter Park, FL (Winter Park</td>
<td align="center">6'0" 185</td>
<td align="center">2-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2991877/highlights/161724381/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">TE</td>
<td align="center">Avien Peah</td>
<td align="center">Providence, RI (La Salle Academy)</td>
<td align="center">6'3" 230</td>
<td align="center">3-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4304915/highlights/328053420/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">DL</td>
<td align="center">TJ Rayam</td>
<td align="center">Alabaster, AL (Thompson)</td>
<td align="center">6'1" 290</td>
<td align="center">2-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cr71ulabhus">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">WR</td>
<td align="center">Sadiq Palmer</td>
<td align="center">Tinton Falls, NJ (Red Bank Regional)</td>
<td align="center">6'3" 185</td>
<td align="center">3-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3055119/highlights/135934375/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">DE</td>
<td align="center">Ali Ali-Musa*#</td>
<td align="center">Annandale, VA (Annandale HS + Nassau CC)</td>
<td align="center">6'3" 270</td>
<td align="center">3-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/776698/highlights/204281376/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">S</td>
<td align="center">Patrick Amara Jr.#@</td>
<td align="center">Philadelphia, PA (West Catholic + Univ of Pittsburgh</td>
<td align="center">6'2" 195</td>
<td align="center">3-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/623165/highlights/80932400/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">LB</td>
<td align="center">James Bowe Jr.#$</td>
<td align="center">Miami, FL (Killian)</td>
<td align="center">6'2" 200</td>
<td align="center">2-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3453076/highlights/203912390/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">LB</td>
<td align="center">Leon Flanagan Jr.#</td>
<td align="center">Staten Island, NY (Curtis)</td>
<td align="center">6'3" 195</td>
<td align="center">2-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2026258/highlights/316102432/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">OL</td>
<td align="center">James Reilly#</td>
<td align="center">Norwell, MA (Norwell HS + Fork Union Military Academy)</td>
<td align="center">6'4" 285</td>
<td align="center">3-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6431525/highlights/297875383/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left">S</td>
<td align="center">Teddy Lowery#</td>
<td align="center">Austin, TX (Akins HS + Tyler JC)</td>
<td align="center">6'0" 225</td>
<td align="center">2-star</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/791879/highlights/304631425/v3">YES</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><i>*-Denotes JUCO player</i></p>
<p><i>^-Denotes 2016 gray shirt</i></p>
<p><i>#-Denotes early enrolee</i></p>
<p><i>@-Denotes transfer</i></p>
<p><i>$-Denotes 2015 gray shirt</i></p>
<p>This is a large class for UMass, the Minutemen finally being able to utilize the 25 scholarship limit for a single season. They also had a handful of early enrollees that will count towards previous scholarship totals bringing the class to 30 players.</p>
<h4>Impact Players: Offense</h4>
<p><i><b>Andrew Ford</b></i> - QB - Ford joins the Minutemen from Lackawanna CC in Pennsylvania with three years of eligibility remaining. He signed with Virginia Tech out of high school as a 3/4-star recruit and redshirted his only season in Blacksburg. He transferred to Lackawanna, graduated in December, and will come in and immediately challenge for the starting role against the player most thought was the incumbent, Ross Comis. The QB competition in Amherst should be fierce for 2016.</p>
<p><b><i>Brennon Dingle</i></b> - WR - Dingle is an explosive athlete that has outstanding speed and quickness that will allow him to challenge right away to start for the Minutemen Week 1 in The Swamp against Florida. While he is not the biggest WR he is tough, gritty, and will go anywhere he needs to to make a catch and a play for his team. Once the ball is in his hands, watch out.</p>
<p><i><b>Taylor Edwards</b></i> - TE - Edwards was one of the longest-tenured commitments for UMass in this cycle, the big TE from Delaware pledging in the summer and never wavering despite the bevy of offers that came his way, including those from some big name programs. While he suffered an injury at the start of his senior year, given UMass' need at his position, he could challenge right away for playing time in the Minutemen offense.</p>
<h4>Impact Players: Defense</h4>
<p><i><b>Cycoby Burch</b></i> - S - Burch is a former Wisconsin commit who comes from a powerhouse high school in Orlando, FL Oak Ridge. He's aggressive, physical, good in coverage and makes plays on the ball extremely well. He is one of the most highly-rated recruits ever to sign for UMass and he has the look of a safety that could be on the field Week 1 for the Minutemen.</p>
<p><i><b>Martin Mangram</b></i> - CB - Mangram is another top-notch athlete from a powerhouse high school in Buford, GA Buford. He's got great speed and athleticism and is already excellent in coverage. He was a two-way star in high school but was recruited to UMass as a corner, which is the same position as his brother Brandon plays for the Minutemen. The appeal of playing with his brother at the next level was a big pull for Mangram, and he could absolutely be starting for the Minutemen as soon as Week 1 next year.</p>
<p><i><b>Ali Ali-Musa</b></i> - DE - Ali-Musa comes to UMass from Nassau CC on Long Island, two institutions that have a long history together when it comes to football players. Ali-Musa has at least two years of eligibility remaining and is already enrolled at UMass after graduating from Nassau in December. He'll be given every chance to make a difference right away as the UMass pass rush has been anemic over the past several seasons. Ali-Musa specializes in getting to the QB and that will be very welcome on a revamped UMass defensive line.</p>
<p>This class is without a doubt the most talented group ever to sign with the University of Massachusetts. UMass has come in (right now) at #80 overall in the <a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/Season/2016-Football/CompositeTeamRankings">247Sports Team Rankings</a> for this season, a huge accomplishment for the program. Were UMass remaining in the MAC, this year's class would be 2nd only to Western Michigan (#66), and well ahead of the next closest team, the Miami RedHawks (#94).</p>
<p>Given UMass' new status as an independent, and the tough results over the first four years of the move to FBS, they needed to get a win on National Signing Day this year, and they did just that. They've brought in numerous athletes that can not only help right away but will help the program continue to grow for years to come. It was a hugely successful day in Amherst today, and hopefully it is the first of many more for UMass Football</p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">*****</h4>
<p>I personally want to thank everyone who has read the UMass content produced by <i><b>Hustle Belt</b></i> over the past four years. Myself and the other writers who have covered the Minutemen here are grateful to have had the opportunity to work with some great people and we'll miss them as we move on to the next chapter for UMass as an independent football program. Going forward you can find UMass content on SB Nation over on our sister site <a target="_blank" href="http://www.underdogdynasty.com/"><i><b>Underdog Dynasty</b></i></a>. Thanks for the last four years #MACtion, we'll catch you on the flip side.</p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting/2016/2/3/10907008/2016-national-signing-day-recap-massachusetts-mintutemenMichael Traini2016-02-02T14:49:15-05:002016-02-02T14:49:15-05:00UMass adds 9 commits over last two weekends
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TqQq7jXaUKWP46oMt8cbYn4DQHE=/2x0:797x530/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48711723/UMass-Recruiting.0.png" />
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<p>The Massachusetts Minutemen hosted their top targets over the past two weekends in Amherst and have come away with a bevy of verbal commitments that have made an already impressive recruiting class even better.</p> <p>While the Massachusetts Minutemen are leaving the MAC after four unspectacular seasons in the conference, we are still covering their recruiting exploits here on <i><b>Hustle Belt</b></i> through National Signing Day. UMass has put together a very impressive recruiting class so far, and over the past two weekends it has improved a great deal.</p>
<p>The Minutemen have added nine commitments over the past two weeks, ranging from 3-start athletes to under-the-radar gems, but they have identified and targeted quality players that they feel will help them immediately on the field as soon as next year, their first as an independent.</p>
<p>The Minutemen may not be done either as there could be a surprise or two in store for National Signing Day tomorrow.</p>
<p>Below is the list of commitments UMass has secured over the past two weeks, with some analysis of a select few future Minutemen following. All links to recruit highlights are courtesy of our friends at Hudl, and player links direct to their 247Sports profiles:</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/player/charly-timite-77368">Charly Timite</a>, 3-star DE, Simon Gratz HS, Philadelphia, PA (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4275597/highlights/289197413/v3">Hudl</a>)</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/player/sadiq-palmer-81310">Sadiq Palmer</a>, 3-star WR, Red Bank Regional HS, Little Silver, NJ (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3055119/highlights/314982427/v3">Hudl</a>)</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/player/taylor-riggins-84224">Taylor Riggins</a>, 3-star OLB, Aquinas Institute, Rochester, NY (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4278093/highlights/319661391/v3">Hudl</a>)</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/player/bakhari-goodson-88555">Bakhari Goodson</a>, unranked CB, Wekiva HS, Apopka, FL (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3853044/highlights/307738388/v3">Hudl</a>)</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/player/martin-mangram-77074">Martin Mangram</a>, 3-star ATH, Buford HS, Buford, GA (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3286726/highlights/319658381/v3">Hudl</a>)</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/player/bilal-ally-45726">Bilal Ally</a>, 3-star ATH, Clay HS, Green Cove Springs, FL (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1842046/highlights/283958378/v3">Hudl</a>)</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/player/tj-rayam-81949">TJ Rayam</a>, unranked DT, Thompson HS, Alabaster, AL (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1482720/highlights/308372375/v3">Hudl</a>)</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/player/cody-banks-57624">Cody Banks</a>, 3-star TE/DE, Freeman HS, Richmond, VA (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1885491/highlights/205947375/v3">Hudl</a>)</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/player/andrew-ford-15639">Andrew Ford</a>, 3-star QB, Cedar Cliff HS/Lackawanna CC, Camp Hill, PA/Lackawanna, PA (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5411747/highlights/282731375/v3">Hudl</a>)</p>
<p>As you can see, the Minutemen were very busy targeting and landing some very talented players. The promise of potentially very early playing time combined with a challenging national schedule as an independent has been quite appealing to many of the players the Minutemen have offered.</p>
<p>Both Sadiq Palmer and Taylor Riggins were committed to the Syracuse Orange until right before their official visits to UMass. The new staff at Syracuse, led by former BGSU head coach Dino Babers, advised them both that they no longer saw a need for them in Syracuse's plans. The Orange's loss is the Minutemen's gain as both Palmer and Riggins are extremely talented athletes. Palmer can certainly challenge to play early on the outside as a WR and Riggins will be in the mix at OLB where UMass is going to slot him in.</p>
<p>Martin Mangram is the brother of current Minuteman Brandon Mangram and while listed as an ATH he is going to be coming in and playing CB for UMass. He's got a very good chance to see the field right away next season, and his commitment is a big one for the Minutemen staff as he is an exceptional talent. Having he and his brother on the field next season is going to be a boon to the UMass secondary (Brandon redshirted last year).</p>
<p>This article from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gwinnettprepsports.com/schools/brookwood/recruiting-notes-mangram-brothers-will-reunite-at-umass/article_f54021ed-34f6-59ac-81ff-fa06bcd01135.html"><b>Gwinnett Prep Sports</b></a> has some quotes from Mangram about his decision to attend UMass, notably the chance to play with his brother and UMass' excellent engineering program.</p>
<p>Andrew Ford is a big get for the Minutemen at QB. Ford originally signed with Virginia Tech in the class of 2014 cycle and redshirted his lone season in Blacksburg. He transferred out to Lackawanna CC and graduated from there in December of 2015, which gives him three years of eligibility remaining for the Minutemen. He's a big, strong-armed kid that had some serious interest coming out of high school, and he may fit the more traditional pocket passer role in head coach Mark Whipple's offense. He'll be in competition right away with Ross Comis, who many believed to be the heir apparent to the starting job once Blake Frohnapfel graduated. One thing is for sure, the QB competition in the fall in Amherst is going to be fierce.</p>
<p>Of note: Cody Banks was originally a class of 2015 recruit who committed to the University of Central Florida during that cycle. However he never officially signed with UCF last year and thus is eligible to play right away for UMass. He'll be coming in as a TE. Also, the Minutemen got a pledge from big two-way lineman <a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/player/zuriel-davis-81653">Zuriel Davis</a> out of Andrew Jackson HS in Jacksonville, FL (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3160707/highlights/283985376/v3">Hudl</a>) over the past weekend as well, but as <a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/Article/UMass-Recruiting-Positive-Momentum-Continues-43319322">first reported by the <b>Maroon Musket</b></a>, his commitment was not yet accepted by the Minutemen staff due to some pending academic concerns. The staff like Davis and we may see him sign on Wednesday anyway if they feel he can do enough to qualify for next year. He's an extremely talented and disruptive force that UMass would love to have in Amherst.</p>
<p>The Minutemen's class as currently constituted ranks #78 nationally per the <a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/Season/2016-Football/CompositeTeamRankings">'Team Rankings' over on 247Sports</a>. This is by far the highest-ranked class UMass has ever assembled, and it will likely go down as the best in school history up to this point in time as well. UMass' ranking also puts them 2nd among MAC schools, trailing only Western Michigan (#65 nationally) and well ahead of the next closest team the Miami RedHawks (#93 nationally).</p>
<p>There was a concern that UMass might have difficulty recruiting as they began the journey into the unknown as an independent, however this year's class has proven those concerns to be unfounded, at least for now. The Minutemen will look to continue their strong recruiting year tomorrow on National Signing Day and perhaps even add more players to this already impressive group. We'll have all the coverage for you here on the <b><i>Belt</i></b>, make sure to check it out.</p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting/2016/2/2/10897922/umass-football-recruiting-2016-minutemen-commitment-list-national-signing-dayMichael Traini2016-01-20T17:37:37-05:002016-01-20T17:37:37-05:00UMass adds two commitments
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<p>The Minutemen have kept up their strong pace on the recruiting trail, securing commitments from two players in the past four days as they build towards National Signing Day.</p> <p> </p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #cc1e3d; font-weight: bold; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; background-color: #ffffff;"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4401295/MAC-Recruiting-football-banner.png" width="100%" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%;"></a></p>
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<p>The Massachusetts Minutemen have continued their solid work on the recruiting trial and have secured verbal commitments from two players this week, adding pledges from Arlington, TX (Sam Houston HS) RB Peytton Pickett on Sunday and Philadelphia, PA (Simon Gratz HS) OL RaQuan Thomas on Tuesday.</p>
<p>Pickett adds more depth and skill to the UMass backfield, and he is the 3rd running back to commit to the Minutemen in this cycle, following Tyshaun Ingram and Tyler Thompson. The Minutemen also saw two true freshman get the lion's share of the carries this past season in Marquis Young and Sekai Lindsay, but after those two the depth at the position was lacking. Pickett, along with Ingram and Thompson, provide UMass with great depth and balance at the RB slot and give head coach and offensive coordinator Mark Whipple a lot of options with regards to both formations and play-calling.</p>
<p>About a month ago there was some confusion with regards to Pickett's status, as it was reported that he had signed with UTEP and was enrolling early for the spring semester (Pickett has graduated from Sam Houston High). You can read more in <a target="_blank" href="http://www.minerrush.com/2015/12/18/10613990/utep-football-2016-rb-peytton-pickett-signs-with-utep">this article</a> from our colleagues over at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.minerrush.com/" style="font-weight: bold;">Miner Rush</a>, but as it turns out that information was incorrect. Pickett was not bound to UTEP and committed to UMass after officially visiting the school on January 14th and an in-home visit on Sunday. He will not enroll early at UMass however, he will enroll in the fall.</p>
<p>Pickett committed to the Minutemen over offers from UTEP, Kansas, SMU, and New Mexico.</p>
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<p><strong>Recruiting Profile:</strong></p>
<p>Peytton Pickett | Committed to UMass | Arlington, Texas (Sam Houston) <br><br>RB | 5'10" | 194 lbs. | 247Sports Composite: 77, 0.7794 (★★)<a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/Article/247Rating-Explanation-81574">*</a> <br><br> Twitter: <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/getchu_5" style="background-color: #ffffff;">@getchu_5</a></p>
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<p> </p>
<p>UMass picked up its second commitment of the week yesterday in massive Philadelphia offensive lineman RaQuan Thomas. Thomas currently stands 6'4" and weighs 345 lbs. His size and strength will be a huge asset to the Minutemen offensive line as he projects to play guard at the next level for UMass.</p>
<p>Thomas is a terrific story as well. On October 4th, 2013, Thomas was shot five times at a gathering after a football game in Philadelphia. He was rushed to the hospital and survived, but had to go through some rigorous rehabilitation in order to get back on the football field. His hard work and dedication paid off and he'll be headed to UMass with a scholarship in hand this fall.</p>
<p>Make sure you check out these article on Thomas' recovery from the shooting from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.maxpreps.com/news/dZ-HCRsMqEibsSn9wA9xyQ/raquan-thomas-survives-gun-shots,-comes-back-to-star-on-simon-gratz-football-team.htm">MaxPreps</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://articles.philly.com/2014-11-06/sports/56396620_1_football-field-public-league-bulldogs">Philly.com</a>.</p>
<p>Thomas drew interest from numerous schools, mostly in the Northeast, and committed to the Minutemen over an offer from the hometown Temple Owls.</p>
<p> </p>
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<p><strong>Recruiting Profile:</strong> <br><br>RaQuan Thomas | Committed to UMass | Philadelphia, Pennslyvania (Simon Gratz) <br><br>OL | 6'4" | 345 lbs. | 247Sports Composite: 81, 0.7811 (★★)<a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/Article/247Rating-Explanation-81574">*</a> <br><br> Twitter: N/A</p>
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<p>Make sure to check out the highlights from both of the Minutemen's newest commits here, courtesy of Hudl:</p>
<p>Peytton Pickett:</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/2213006/highlights/310401406"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p>RaQuan Thomas:</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/3425704/highlights/133259377"></iframe></p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting/2016/1/20/10800236/2016-umass-football-recruiting-minutemen-add-two-new-commitmentsMichael Traini2016-01-16T11:00:03-05:002016-01-16T11:00:03-05:00UMass adds pledge from 3-star RB Tyler Thompson
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<p>The Massachusetts Minutemen added another talented player to the 2016 recruiting class on Friday with the commitment of 3-star RB Tyler Thompson</p> <p> </p>
<p><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #cc1e3d; font-weight: bold; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting" target="_blank"><img style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%;" width="100%" src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4401295/MAC-Recruiting-football-banner.png"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Massachusetts Minutemen have been recruiting well in the 2016 cycle, and the success continued Friday with the commitment of 3-star running back Tyler Thompson out of Oakhurst, NJ and Ocean Township High School.</p>
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<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Proud to announce that I'll be playing my next four years at The University of Massachusetts <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OptimusPrime16?src=hash">#OptimusPrime16</a>‼️ <a href="https://t.co/GOoN81lmRh">pic.twitter.com/GOoN81lmRh</a></p>
— T80 (@TylerTh0mpson8) <a href="https://twitter.com/TylerTh0mpson8/status/688187554202431490">January 16, 2016</a>
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<p>News of Thompson's commitment was first reported by the <a href="http://umass.247sports.com" target="_blank">Maroon Musket</a>:</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">UMass picked up a commitment from Tyler Thompson, a three-star running back from New Jersey, according to a source: <a href="https://t.co/OrSOji9lzF">https://t.co/OrSOji9lzF</a></p>
— Maroon Musket (@MaroonMusket) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaroonMusket/status/688144655389609989">January 15, 2016</a>
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<p>You can read the article from the Musket on Thompson's commitment <a href="http://umass.247sports.com/Article/Thompson-Commits-to-Minutemen-42864343" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p>Thompson chose the Minutemen over a host of high-profile offers including Vanderbilt, Pittsburgh, Virginia, Boston College, Syracuse and others. He was not a player that was linked to UMass over this cycle per the traditional recruiting services, but his pledge to the Minutemen makes an already good Minutemen class even better.</p>
<p>UMass should still have double-digit scholarship offers available for the remainder of the 2016 recruiting cycle, so it will be interesting to see how the rest of their class comes together.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Recruiting Profile:</strong> <br><br>Tyler Thompson | Committed to UMass | Oakhurst, New Jersey (Ocean Township) <br><br>RB | 5'11 | 190 lbs. | 247Sports Composite: 87, 0.8381 (★★★)<a href="http://247sports.com/Article/247Rating-Explanation-81574" target="_blank">*</a> <br><br> Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/TylerTh0mpson8" target="_blank">@TylerTh0mpson8</a></p>
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<p>Check out Tyler Thompson's senior year highlights, courtesy of Hudl:</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/2002665/highlights/292810377" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/umass-minutemen/2016/1/16/10777842/2016-umass-minutemen-recruiting-umass-adds-commitment-from-3-star-rbMichael Traini2015-12-28T19:30:20-05:002015-12-28T19:30:20-05:00UMass adds commitment from ATH Isaiah Rodgers
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<p>UMass continued its hot December on the recruiting trail yesterday as the Minutemen added a dynamic athlete from Florida to their 2016 recruiting class.</p> <p> </p>
<p><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #cc1e3d; font-weight: bold; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting" target="_blank"><img style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%;" width="100%" src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4401295/MAC-Recruiting-football-banner.png"></a></p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/umass-minutemen" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Massachusetts Minutemen</a> began the 2016 recruiting cycle somewhat slowly, and were the last FBS team to secure a commitment when they received their first two at the end of July. However they have been a team on fire recently, picking up their sixth commitment in the last two weeks when ATH Isaiah Rodgers out of Blake High School in Tampa, FL pledged to the Minutemen yesterday.</p>
<p>Rodgers was kind enough to speak with us briefly today, and he mentioned several factors that played in to his decision to commit to UMass.</p>
<p>"The coaches' relationship with me and with each other," Rodgers told us. "The strength of schedule they have, and [the opportunity to] go in right away and play. [There is a] great sports management program and they're even ranked #2 in the country in campus food."</p>
<p>All those factors were very important to Rodgers, but he also took time to check with other Minutemen recruits for their opinions, and hearkened back to the in-home visit UMass coaches Charles Walker and Steve Costello conducted with him and his mom.</p>
<p>"I also know like three commits they loved the campus," Rodgers said. "And our home visit was great, seeing the bond we have and my mom has with them."</p>
<p>Rodgers is listed as an athlete but told us that he was recruited and will be coming in as a cornerback. He has yet to see the UMass campus in Amherst but does have an official visit scheduled for January 22nd, 2016, a visit he is "very excited" for.</p>
<p>Rodgers will also be officially visiting Tennessee State and Samford of the FCS in January, and has already officially visited Eastern Michigan. Rodgers chose the Minutemen over offers from all those schools, along with Buffalo.</p>
<p>Rodgers is a very exciting athlete for UMass, and should also be able to contribute in the return game as well as at cornerback. UMass continues its good work in Florida as they have have four commitments from Sunshine State athletes, and are sure to secure more before the 2016 cycle is over.</p>
<p><strong>Recruiting Profile:</strong></p>
<p>Isaiah Rodgers | Committed to UMass | Tampa, Florida (Blake) <br><br>CB | 5'11 | 160 lbs. | <a href="http://247sports.com/player/isaiah-rodgers-88079" target="_blank">247Sports</a> Composite: NR <br><br> Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/rodgers_isaiah" target="_blank">@rodgers_isaiah</a></p>
<p>Make sure to check out Rodgers' highlight tape here, courtesy of <a href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3265919/isaiah-rodgers" target="_blank">Hudl</a>:</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/3265919/highlights/280716411" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting/2015/12/28/10679040/2016-umass-minutemen-recruiting-minutemen-isaiah-rodgers-highlightsMichael Traini2015-12-18T18:39:00-05:002015-12-18T18:39:00-05:002016 ATH Patrick Volcy commits to UMass
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/adeUhoOBNcXDgRTPy1B8elBsBNA=/2x0:797x530/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47814235/UMass-Recruiting.0.png" />
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<p>Patrick Volcy, a 2016 athlete out of Naples, Florida, has committed to the Massachusetts Minutemen. He officially visited Amherst during the first weekend of December, and his commitment was made official December 18th.</p> <p> </p>
<p><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #cc1e3d; font-weight: bold; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting" target="_blank"><img style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%;" width="100%" src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4401295/MAC-Recruiting-football-banner.png"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/umass-minutemen">Massachusetts Minutemen</a> picked up a commitment from Patrick Volcy today, an athlete out of the Minutemen's #1 recruiting grounds in Florida.</p>
<p>Volcy's official commitment today was <a href="http://umass.247sports.com/Article/Volcy-Officially-Commits-to-UMass-42132393" target="_blank">first reported by the Maroon Musket</a>.</p>
<p>Volcy plays at Golden Gate High School in Naples, FL. We spoke with Volcy about UMass shortly after his official visit was completed in the first weekend of December.</p>
<p>"What really brought me to UMass was the positive vibe and the family like feeling there. It felt like a home away from home," Volcy said.</p>
<p>Volcy will be coming in as a defensive back for UMass, despite the fact that the majority of the film available on him highlights his skills at the wide receiver position. Of the other schools that were recruiting Volcy, Samford was looking at him as a defensive back as well. Appalachian State, UConn, and Mercer were recruiting him as a wide receiver, however Volcy chose the Minutemen over offers from all of them.</p>
<p>Volcy plans on studying sports management while at UMass, which is a good decision as the university is home to one of the best sports management programs in the country. Volcy is also very much looking forward to his time on the field for the Minutemen.</p>
<p>"As a player I wanna leave as one of the best players to come through," Volcy said, "and be a great teammate & leader."</p>
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<p><strong>Recruiting Profile:</strong> <br><br>Patrick Volcy | Committed to UMass | Naples, Florida (Golden Gate) <br><br>ATH | 6'3" | 190 lbs. | 247Sports Composite: unranked <br><br> Twitter: <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://twitter.com/LoveVolcy" target="_blank">@LoveVolcy</a></p>
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<p>Check out Patrick Volcy's highlights here, courtesy of <a href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1809309/patrick-volcy" target="_blank">Hudl</a>:</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/1809309/highlights/301820399" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting/2015/12/6/9859232/2016-umass-football-recruiting-ath-patrick-volcy-commits-to-minutemenMichael Traini2015-12-15T17:00:02-05:002015-12-15T17:00:02-05:003-star DB Cycoby Burch commits to UMass
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<p>UMass scored maybe their biggest commitment of the 2016 cycle yesterday as 3-star defensive back Cycoby Burch from Oak Ridge HS in Orlando, FL, committed to UMass over numerous other offers, including many from the Power 5.</p> <p> </p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #cc1e3d; font-weight: bold; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; background-color: #ffffff;"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4401295/MAC-Recruiting-football-banner.png" width="100%" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%;"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/umass-minutemen" class="sbn-auto-link">Massachusetts Minutemen</a> made a huge splash on the recruiting front yesterday when they earned the verbal commitment of DB Cycoby Burch out of Oak Ridge High in Orlando. Burch, a 3-star safety, was at one point committed to Wisconsin earlier this year and chose the Minutemen over several other offers including West Virginia, Syracuse, North Carolina, and Indiana.</p>
<p>Burch was busy taking in congratulations from all over last night but was kind enough to take a moment to speak to Hustle Belt about his commitment. When we asked him what the biggest factor is his decision was, Burch didn't hesitate: "The coaches and the relationships I have with all of them," he told us. "Especially [Tight Ends] Coach [Steve] Costello and [Inside Linebackers] Coach [Charles] Walker, shouts out to them."</p>
<p>Burch, who plays safety for Oak Ridge, told us that he was recruited by UMass for the same position, and that when he gets to Amherst he's looking to further his education by studying sports management.</p>
<p>Burch is a big time playmaker from the safety spot and his instincts and athleticism will be a huge boost to the UMass secondary. The Minutemen have made some significant inroads in recruiting Florida, and Burch's decision to come to UMass just shows how well the Minutemen coaching staff is doing in the Sunshine State. It could certainly lead to more Florida athletes making the decision to commit to the University of Massachusetts as well.</p>
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<p><strong>Recruiting Profile:</strong> <br><br>Cycoby Burch | Committed to UMass | Orlando, Florida (Oak Ridge) <br><br>DB | 6'1" | 190 lbs. | <a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/Player/Cycoby-Burch-76170">247Sports</a> Composite: 83, 0.8382 (★★★) <br><br> Twitter: <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/cycoby" style="background-color: #ffffff;">@cycoby</a></p>
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<p>Check out Cycoby Burch's highlights here, courtesy of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2218030/cycoby-burch">Hudl</a>:</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/2218030/highlights/182733375"></iframe></p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/umass-minutemen/2015/12/15/10224868/2016-umass-minutemen-football-recruiting-3-star-db-cycoby-burchMichael Traini2015-12-15T15:00:03-05:002015-12-15T15:00:03-05:00Local MA offensive lineman commits to Minutemen
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<p>UMass secured a commitment from its first Massachusetts native yesterday as OL James Reilly out of Norwell, MA, and Fork Union Military Academy (Fork Union, VA) pledged to the Minutemen.</p> <p> </p>
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<p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/umass-minutemen" class="sbn-auto-link">Massachusetts Minutemen</a> had a successful recruiting day yesterday as they secured two commitments, including one from their first Massachusetts native this cycle in OL James Reilly from Norwell. Reilly, who has spent this season prepping at Fork Union Military Academy in Fork Union, VA, was kind enough to speak with Hustle Belt about his decision to join his "dream school."</p>
<p>"UMass really represents my home state. It has a nice family feel and they've always been my dream school," Reilly said. "When they offered it was a no-brainer. They're playing top quality D1 football and at the same time you receive a top education."</p>
<p>Reilly, who was an offensive guard in his high school and prep career, says the Minutemen are looking for him to play the same position, or perhaps shift to center.</p>
<p>When we asked Reilly if he had any specific goals for his first season in Amherst, he told us he was mainly looking to get acclimated to the program as a whole.</p>
<p>"Coming in I'm just going to take it day by day. Learning the pro-style schemes will be of utmost importance," Reilly said. "Physically I know I'm going to get bigger & stronger in the weight room. [Offensive Line] Coach [Shane] Waldron emphasized how I have the body to carry weight and stay mobile in doing so. [Strength and Conditioning] Coach [Mike] Golden is going to get me to maximize my growth potential."</p>
<p>Reilly is going to be able to join the Minutemen this winter as an early enrollee, and he told us that once he gets on campus he'll be looking to a course of study in the business area.</p>
<p>Reilly moves well for an interior lineman and like he says, he has a good frame for adding muscle without losing that ability to move. It's always nice for the Commonwealth's flagship to bring in recruits from Massachusetts, and Reilly may be the first this year but it is unlikely he will be the last.</p>
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<p><strong>Recruiting Profile:</strong> <br><br>James Reilly | Committed to UMass | Norwell, Massachusetts (Fork Union Military Academy, Fork Union, VA) <br><br>OG | 6'4" | 285 lbs. | <a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/Player/James-Reilly-76908">247Sports</a> Composite: NR <br><br> Twitter: <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Jreilly97" style="background-color: #ffffff;">@Jreilly97<br></a></p>
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<p>Check out Reilly's highlights here, courtesy of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6431525/james-reilly">Hudl</a>:</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/6431525/highlights/297875383"></iframe></p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/umass-minutemen/2015/12/15/10227204/2016-umass-minutemen-football-recruiting-massachusetts-ol-jamesMichael Traini2015-12-13T19:00:02-05:002015-12-13T19:00:02-05:00DE Sharif Saleem commits to UMass
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<p>Sharif Saleem, a big defensive end out of Euclid High School in Cleveland, Ohio, has committed to the University of Massachusetts for the 2016 season.</p> <p> </p>
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/umass-minutemen">Massachusetts Minutemen</a> added a big commitment to their 2016 recruiting class this past Friday as Sharif Saleem, a defensive end standing at 6'7" tall and tipping the scales at 250 pounds, has committed to UMass for the 2016 season. Saleem joins the Minutemen from Euclid High School in Cleveland, OH, and he was kind enough to speak with Hustle Belt about his commitment.</p>
<p>"UMass felt like home from the time I got there to the time I left!" Saleem told us. "And I loved the people and the players there. But what really sold me on UMass was the people and the community. I could see myself going there even if I didn't play football."</p>
<p>Saleem choose the Minutemen over offers from Kent State and Bowling Green, and was at one point committed to the Falcons in the spring before decommitting a few months ago. While there were some teams expressing interest in Saleem on the offensive side of the ball, UMass will be utilizing his talents on the defensive side.</p>
<p>"[UMass] sees me lining up in a 3-4, hand on the ground playing the strong side defensive end."</p>
<p>Saleem told us that he plans on being a stockbroker after football, and that he wants to study financial advising at UMass' prestigious Isenberg School of Management.</p>
<p>Saleem's high school teammate Anthony Johnson Jr. accompanied him on his official visit to UMass on the weekend of December 4th-6th and is also considering the Minutemen. When asked if he would try to convince Johnson Jr., a composite 3-star cornerback, to come to Amherst as well, Saleem said: "Of course I will that's my boy."</p>
<p>Saleem has a ton of potential and is a big get for the Minutemen as they look to fill out their 2016 class. He could be quite the force paired with some of the other young defensive linemen UMass has brought in over the past couple of seasons.</p>
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<p><b>Recruiting Profile:</b> <br><br>Sharif Saleem | Committed to UMass | Cleveland, Ohio (Euclid) <br><br>DE | 6'7" | 250 lbs. | 247Sports Composite: 77, 0.7700 (★★)<a href="http://247sports.com/Article/247Rating-Explanation-81574" target="_blank">*</a> <br><br> Twitter: <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://twitter.com/reef_saleem" target="_blank">@Reef_Saleem<br></a></p>
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<p>Check out Saleem's most recent highlights here, courtesy of <a href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3584371" target="_blank">Hudl</a>:</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/3584371/highlights/296001388" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640"></iframe></p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting/2015/12/13/10046306/2016-umass-football-recruiting-de-sharif-saleem-commits-to-minutemenMichael Traini2015-11-05T11:30:01-05:002015-11-05T11:30:01-05:00What's next for Minutemen in another lost season?
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<p>The Massachusetts Minutemen were officially eliminated from bowl contention last Saturday when the lost to the Ball State Cardinals in Muncie. Where do the Minutemen go from here?</p> <p style="text-align: justify; ">In our last UMassChat Jesse and I hoped to bring Minutemen fans some good news. We hoped to be having this chat after a UMass victory that would start to right the ship for the rest of the season and get the Minutemen on the way to potentially, possibly, getting to .500. Alas, that is not the case this week, as we join you after another sorry effort and disappointing loss that was more of the same from the Minutemen this season.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify; ">Jesse and I spoke this week about what's gone wrong with the Minutemen offense, what can be done to fix it, and if changes should be made to personnel both playing and coaching. We also threw in some game predictions since technically that's what these chats are for but it doesn't really matter too much anymore. Enjoy.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">*****</h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Jesse Allen:</b> The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/umass-minutemen" class="sbn-auto-link">Massachusetts Minutemen</a> continued their 2013 nostalgia tour this weekend, falling to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/ball-st-cardinals" class="sbn-auto-link">Ball State Cardinals</a> on the road and only putting up 10 points on offense in the process. Offensive struggles were not the concern of many coming into this season, yet here we are, with the Minutemen failing to eclipse the two touchdown mark for the second time in three games. The backbreaker this week was a red zone pick thrown by <span>Blake Frohnapfel</span>, his fourth this season. How do you fix this offense?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Michael Traini: </b>There's a short-term solution and then a long-term solution that I would use to try and breathe some life back into the unit that was supposed to rival the best in the MAC this season.</p>
<p>In the short-term, I'd get some new blood on to the field and let the younger guys play. UMass has nothing left to lose this season, and nothing to play for except to possibly better their measly win total from last year. Some may argue that if they want to accomplish that they need to leave the veterans out of the field, but I believe the complete opposite.</p>
<p>The veterans on this team have shown nothing over four years except the ability to lose games in new and interesting ways and be real proud of themselves despite the fact that they have accomplished exactly nothing (Author's note: here and going forward any use of "seniors" or "veterans" needing to be benched or in any negative context excludes WR Tajae Sharpe, who is the lone bright spot on this Minutemen team). They've never had to fight for their shot, and as such have no idea how to deal with adversity, one of many reasons this team "doesn't know how to win" as we've heard so often. </p>
<div class="pullquote">They've never had to fight for their shot, and as such have no idea how to deal with adversity, one of many reasons this team "doesn't know how to win" as we've heard so often.</div>
<p> </p>
<p>This line of thought extends to the defense as well as the offense, the fact that they have never had to battle someone looking to take their spot, and because of that the team doesn't know how to play from behind or play while ahead, a startling combination of ineptness.</p>
<p>The younger players will come in hungry, looking to prove themselves and not taking anything for granted. They'll want to make a statement and show that they can be someone to be counted on in the future. That's the kind of fire I want to see on the field wearing Maroon & White as a fan and season ticket holder, not the same tired excuse for a team I've seen over the first eight games of this season.</p>
<p>UMass' schedule as an independent next season is brutal. They have four power conference opponents (three from the SEC) and BYU on the docket. It would be worth it to get some of your younger players some real game experience against opposition starters so that they have that in the bank going in to next season and beyond, where life as an independent for UMass is going to be very, very tough.</p>
<p>Frankly, this current group of seniors has not earned the right to stay on the field with their play this season.</p>
<p>Looking longer-term, you need to replace Mark Whipple as the offensive coordinator. Whatever he's doing, it isn't working, and the Minutemen look bad when they're trying to do it. They are an extremely predictable offense at this point because Whipple seemingly refuses to make a change when one should be made or stick with what's working when it is.</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/BobMcGovernJr" target="_blank">Bob McGovern Jr.</a> of the <a href="http://umass.247sports.com/" target="_blank">Maroon Musket</a> (<a href="https://twitter.com/MaroonMusket" target="_blank">@MaroonMusket</a> on Twitter), who's one of the best when it comes to UMass football, wrote a <a href="http://umass.247sports.com/Article/Monday-Morning-Read-Option-40731094" target="_blank">fantastic piece</a> on what's gone wrong for the Minutemen so far this season, much of it focusing on Whipple and his head-scratching at best personnel decisions. What is happening on the UMass offense is difficult to explain, but the part I happen to agree with is that there is some kind of combination of favoritism and incompetence that's preventing Whipple from succeeding while calling the plays. I suppose it goes without saying but you cannot have those things as an offensive coordinator. </p>
<div class="pullquote">There is some kind of combination of favoritism and incompetence that's preventing Whipple from succeeding</div>
<p><br id="1446734541858"></p>
<p>I don't know who UMass would hand that job over to or bring in to take it over (and it wouldn't be easy to bring in new blood, Jesse and I can discuss UMass' woeful pay structure for its coaches in another chat) but something needs to change. They need someone in as the OC who has complete control of the offense and is allowed to implement their game plan the way they want to do it. Whipple would be better off just as the head coach of the Minutemen and allowing his assistants to run their personnel groups they way they see fit.</p>
<p>The problem is that none of these things is going to happen, at least not this season. Whipple spoke after the Minutemen's practice on Tuesday stating that he wouldn't even entertain the idea of starting younger players and that he's been clear from the start of the season who his top guys were. That kind of stubbornness does nothing but put the program further in a hole.</p>
<p>Check out the video, courtesy of <a href="http://connect.masslive.com/staff/DanielMalone/posts.html" target="_blank">Dan Malone from MassLive</a>. If you're not already following Dan on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/Daniel_Malone" target="_blank">@Daniel_Malone</a>) or are unfamiliar with his work, check him out. He's one of the hardest working guys in Amherst.</p>
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<p>The prime example is quarterback Blake Frohnapfel. Jesse tweeted during last week's debacle that I best be ready to give my opinion on Frohnapfel and if he should remain in as the starter:</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/rsox1221">@rsox1221</a> get ready to answer "should umass start comis" I expect at least 1k words.</p>
— Jesse Allen (@TheRealJAllen) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealJAllen/status/660547320103178242">October 31, 2015</a>
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<p>Since I'm not one to disappoint, here's your answer: YES. The Minutemen should absolutely start <span>Ross Comis</span> the remaining four games this season. Comis more than any other player needs to get real game experience against opposing starters to help prepare him for the gauntlet that is next season. Frohnapfel has regressed so badly from last season that he's part of the problem and not part of the solution.</p>
<p>But because Frohnapfel is Whipple's guy, whom he recruited to UMass to be the starter, he would never take him off the field, despite the fact that he deserves it. In fact, he went so far as to say the following, again courtesy of Dan Malone:</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Asked what he wants to see out of Frohnapfel over the next four games and he basically said he wants receivers to catch the ball.</p>
— Daniel Malone (@Daniel_Malone) <a href="https://twitter.com/Daniel_Malone/status/661692673783373826">November 3, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Asked if Whipple has been disappointed in QB results and he said Blake's been better this year than last year.</p>
— Daniel Malone (@Daniel_Malone) <a href="https://twitter.com/Daniel_Malone/status/661692956940877824">November 3, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>So apparently it's Frohnapfel's targets' fault he's struggling, it has nothing to do with the fact that he seems to have forgotten how to read a defense or the fact that when presented with a decision this season he far more often than not has made the wrong one. I'm a firm believer in the "Eye Test" as far as performance goes, but many others want to see the stats, even if they have heard the old axiom about "lies, damn lies, and statistics." Well I've got those for you too:</p>
<p>Blake Frohnapfel through 8 games:<br>2014 - 185/337.....2,483 yards.....54.9% comp.....7.4 yds/att.....18 TDs.....6 INTs<br>2015 - 211/353.....2,293 yards.....59.8% comp.....6.5 yds/att.....15 TDs.....7 INTs</p>
<p>The only thing Frohnapfel has improved so far this season is his completion percentage, so it seems like blaming the receivers for not catching the ball is a little off base, no? In every other aspect he's regressed. So both statistically and in-game performance-wise, the notion that Frohnapfel is better this year than last is a flat out lie. That's the favoritism issue that is going to continue to cause serious problems unless it's rectified, and I don't see it being rectified until Whipple is no longer the offensive coordinator.</p>
<p>It boils down to this: Once again, UMass has nothing to play for except for next year. So let the players who are going to be here next year have a chance to show what they can do. It cannot be worse than what we have seen so far.</p>
<p>Now that I've taken up so much time, it's Jesse's chance to lay out what he would do to change what has become a stagnant offensive team in Amherst. Jesse, please, take all the time you want and let us know what you would do to change what's happening.</p>
<p><b>JA: </b>Sometimes you just have to accept what's happening is what's happening, and there's not much to do to change that. I'm glad you brought up Frohnapfel's 8 game splits between 2014 and 2015, since if I posed to you before this season: "You get the exact same Blake Frohnapfel that you got last season for this season, do you take it or do you roll the dice?" you'd probably be okay with taking the deal. You'd expect the defense to improve. Frohnapfel was on the verge of bringing UMass to 5 wins last year before injury, there's no reason to complain about having the same old Frohnapfel. </p>
<div class="pullquote">Once again, UMass has nothing to play for except for next year.</div>
<p><br id="1446734645864"></p>
<p>Yet here we are, with a strong Twitter contingent asking for Ross Comis, current heir to the throne, because of a few very badly timed interceptions. There's no short term fix for the team, so I'm of two thoughts: The first is you keep throwing Frohnapfel and crew out there. Odds are Comis is not as good as current Frohnapfel (which, given the stats above, is not that bad), and it's unfair to risk ruining Tajae Sharpe's senior year in order to test out the future. It's not fair to Frohnapfel, who came here to start, who deserves to start after he did give UMass so much hope last season, and who's done so much for the team and the university.</p>
<p>On the other hand, this is a football team, and football is business. You want to see what Comis brings to the table, and there's no time like the present. If Marquis Young, Ross Comis, and the new guard can get some vital experience now, why not? This season is lost at this point anyway; the second we lost to Kent State the season was effectively over. Let the kids come in, and at least know where you stand come offseason recruiting.</p>
<p>Personally, I'd like to see Frohnapfel finish the season. I think he's gotten a bad rap because his receivers create no separation, and the loss of a yard per attempt screams this. If no receivers besides Sharpe (who suffers through double and triple teams) can get open downfield, or create enough separation to pick up yards after the catch, then what's Frohnapfel to do? Yes, he's made some horribly poor decisions, like running out the back of the end zone against Kent State, sliding short of the sticks against FIU, four red zone interceptions, but he's also the best we've got on the roster. To think otherwise is crazy. What does need to be done is a cleaning of the house at all coordinator positions in the off-season. This offense should not be this bad, this defense shouldn't have been allowed to be this inconsistent.</p>
<p>What lineup gives the Minutemen the best shot at beating Akron?</p>
<p><b>MT: </b>While I have a great deal of respect for Frohnapfel as a student-athlete and as a person, I'd rather see what Ross Comis and some younger, hungrier guys can do against Akron and the rest of UMass' schedule. You brought up the red zone INTs, but it's not just the <i>red zone</i>, it's in the opponent's <i>end zone</i>. Four times that's happened, and the two in the last two weeks have been particularly egregious. You mention how he was brought here to start and brought a lot of hope, which is true, but the hope was only fine last season when it was warranted. This season was about results: on-field performance and wins and losses. Frohnapfel's results as the starter are not good. A 3-7 record last year (hurt the last two games but appreciably better than 2012/13 and the source of the hope) followed up with a 1-7 record so far this year, where the team has been decidedly worse. That's just not getting it done, and it's worth pointing out that Frohnapfel had another extraordinarily bad INT overturned on a penalty against FIU and the Minutemen BARELY won that game; they are a play or two away from being 0-8. </p>
<div class="pullquote">I'd rather see what Ross Comis and some younger, hungrier guys can do against Akron</div>
<p> </p>
<p>Watching him play, he is not the same guy who helped bring that hope to UMass last season, he's a bad decision waiting to happen. Is that in part because he is missing a Jean Sifrin-like tight end? I believe that is absolutely a part of it. Is it because the coaching on this team has some SERIOUS issues? I believe that is absolutely part of it. But he's no longer getting it done on Saturdays, and I'd like to see if Comis can.</p>
<p>I would have taken that hypothetical deal you mentioned had you brought it up pre-season, yes. Give me the same guy as last year and I would believe UMass would be in good shape. But Frohnapfel is not the same guy from last year. I ran the stats out but like I said: "Lies, damn lies, and statistics." The stats don't tell the whole story with Frohnapfel this season, you have to have watched him play to see how far he's taken a step back, and it's not pretty.</p>
<p>Tajae Sharpe's senior year wouldn't be ruined in my opinion either. First, he's already cemented himself as an <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft" class="sbn-auto-link">NFL draft</a> pick; he could take the rest of the season off if he wanted to. Second, Comis is no slouch, and while his action this season has been against back-ups, he's shown the ability to make tough throws and the grit to both stand in and take a hit and run the ball effectively if necessary. With what's coming down the pike for UMass in 2016, Comis needs to get some looks against starters to help build up the game reps and experience he's going to need when he's thrown to the SEC wolves. </p>
<div class="pullquote">He's already cemented himself as an NFL Draft pick</div>
<p><br id="1446734763839"></p>
<p>The Minutemen's best shot at beating Akron comes from giving guys who have been chomping at the bit a chance to show what they can do. The younger guys won't play with complacency, they'll play with some fire (we hope). They'll be excited, not just going through the motions. The season is over, and it's time to reward the younger players who have earned a chance to play.</p>
<p>You can make the argument that since Akron and the rest of UMass' schedule won't be playing younger guys that UMass shouldn't either, that the guys who have been out there should be the ones to keep playing. But given the choice between what I've been subjected to all season or something (anything) else, I'll take the unknown at this point because I can't take any more of the known.</p>
<p>Speaking of those coordinators, how would you go about rectifying that situation? We're in agreement that both need to be changed promptly once the season mercifully ends. </p>
<div class="pullquote">This season has been an utter disappointment and it's time to move on</div>
<p><br id="1446734944795"></p>
<p><b>JA:</b> We are. This season has been an utter disappointment and it's time to move on. Part of moving on will be getting rid of the past. Regardless of what happens in the next four games, UMass will be looking at a lot of fresh faces on both sides of the ball next season. If we don't also see fresh faces on the sideline, Whipple will have a lot of explaining to do, because the current regime isn't getting it done, and we can both agree on that. Let's get game predictions. Give me UMass by 3, because I'm still a believer.</p>
<p><b>MT:</b> Like I said last week, my faith was there unless they showed me they weren't worthy. They weren't. Akron 28, UMass 13.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">*****</h4>
<p>That's a wrap on this week's chat, but be sure to join us next week when Jesse and I look ahead to the Minutemen's road trip to Ypsilanti and we'll recap whatever transpires on the Gillette turf this coming Saturday as well.</p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/2015/11/5/9672266/umass-minutemen-recap-preview-week-10-umasschatMichael TrainiJesse Allen