UMass hosts an annual clam bake for their recruits and this year it provided them with their first three recruits, according to a report from Mark Chiarelli of 247Sports. It has been a slow start to the 2016 recruiting cycle for the Minutmen, but they landed a some key prospects to start their class. Defensive tackle Leyshawn Askew, wide receiver Taylor Edwards, and defensive end and outside linebacker Leon Flanagan announced their commitments this past Saturday.
Hustle Belt was fortunate enough to catch up with one of the Minutemen's newest commits, Leyshawn Askew. "I just loved the place and the people," he told Hustle Belt. Askew will be entering his senior season at Wayne Hills High School in Wayne, New Jersey. The 6-foot-6 285 pound prospect was also reportedly in conversation with Kentucky, Pitt, West Virginia, and Stoney Brook. Shortly after committing at the clam bake, Askew took to Twitter to announce his decision.
It's Official ‼️ Committed To The University Of Massachusetts #UMASS #Minutemen pic.twitter.com/nO6VUEAwXX
— LeyshawnAskew (@leyshawnaskew) July 25, 2015
"I want to win a starting spot," Askew told Hustle Belt. "Also (I want to) just provide on the field the best way as possible for my team."
Wide receiver Taylor Edwards was another commitment that UMass landed on Saturday. The 6-foot-4 228 pound receiver is rated as a three-star prospect with reported offers from UConn, Delaware, Old Dominion, and Wake Forest, according to 247Sports. The incoming senior at Alexis I. Dupont High School in Wilmington, Delaware will be looked highly upon by the Minutemen staff with the loss of a big offensive weapon, senior wide receiver Tajae Sharpe. Edwards has also spent some of his time at the tight end position in high school and could also possibly play some tight end at UMass.
Last, but certainly not least, the Minutemen landed a commitment from a hybrid defensive end and outside linebacker, Leon Flanagan. Flanagan stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 195 pounds and will be entering his senior year at Curtis High School in Staten Island, New York. His spin moves and pass rushing abilities will make him a good fit for the Minutemen defense.
Check out some of highlight tapes of the newest Minutemen below, courtesy of Hudl:
DT Leyshawn Askew:
WR Taylor Edwards:
DE/OLB Leon Flanagan: