The Professor - The Coaching Career of James Xavier

[Captain Canada]

Redshirt freshman Will Perry hops into transfer portal ahead of Spring Camp

AMHERST, MA -- The UMass Minutemen will have one less body in their quarterback room, as redshirt freshman quarterback Will Perry has opted to enter the transfer portal mere days before the team is expected to open up their spring camp.

Perry, out of Andover, Massachusetts, stands at 6-foot-2 and 195 lbs and attended St. Thomas More in Connecticut. Perry saw the writing on the wall, with fellow redshirt freshman A.J. Hairston opting to stay put and compete for the job with the assumed-starter, redshirt sophomore Ahmad Haston. Redshirt senior Ryan Jankowski has also opted to stay put and finish his career at the University of Massachusetts.

The team was reportedly in on former Buffalo QB Jack Shields to make his way over from the transfer portal before he opted to Northwestern instead, which allegedly sealed the deal for Perry to continue his collegiate career elsewhere.

Similarly, wide receiver Jimmie Bartow and running back Donta Whack have also entered the transfer portal, both feeling as though they have lost their standing in the depth chart with the incoming players.

[Captain Canada]

2025 Schedule

Date	Opponent	Result	Record
8/31	vs #17 Boston College	--	--
9/7	OFF	--	--
9/14	at Buffalo	--	--
9/21	at Central Michigan	--	--
9/28	at Ohio	--	--
10/5	at Bowling Green	--	--
10/12	at Toledo	--	--
10/19	OFF	--	--
10/26	at Western Michigan	--	--
11/1	vs #4 NC State	--	--
11/8	at Ball State	--	--
11/15	vs Marshall	--	--
11/22	vs UConn	--	--
11/30	vs Kent State	--	--

[Captain Canada]

A new season, a new conference, and a new(ish) quarterback have UMass ushering in a new era

Heightened expectations for an offense that may be lacking enough talent to meet them

AMHERST, MA -- For Coach James Xavier, his first season with UMass was about gaining familiarity and getting used to the dynamic of college football. He now says all of that is out of the window. After a successful season that saw the Minutemen with their best record in recent history and their first Bowl victory in program history, they are joining a new conference and see only opportunities to set the world on fire.

However, their immense roster turnover and lacklustre recruiting class might be the biggest challenge standing in the way. Now that they play in the MAC, the quality of competition has shot way up. They will also be starting their season off against Bill O'Brien and his #17-ranked Boston College Eagles

Instead of weathered, senior quarterback Taisun Phommachanh taking the reins as the leader of the offense, they will have redshirt sophomore Ahmad Haston leading the way after taking the starting job midway through last season, having a largely up-and-down season. He will be entering the season as the de facto star of the offense, losing two of his top targets with wide receiver Jakobie Keeney-James and tight end Dominick Mazotti to graduation.

"[Jakobie] groomed that wide receiver room into having heightened expectations for themselves," commented Haston on what he is expecting from his offensive weapons. "It's not that we just become a run-first, second, and third team now that he's gone. I know guys like T.Y. [Harding] are chomping at the bit to get going. We're definitely going to air this thing out."

Speaking of the run game, C.J. Hester is largely looking like he will be the premier running back out of the backfield over Jalen John due to his dynamic running style, despite his 1,000 yards on the ground. The team is also looking to feature youngster Da'Marion Alberic in the run game more often, as he brings the most speed to the rotation.

An area of concern is the depth of the offensive line. Losing premier starters like Brayden Bohme and Ethan Mottinger hurts a team that was already lacking in size. Coach Xavier isn't as concerned as most pundits.

"Everyone is so worried about the quality of our guys that we're bringing in. They've got size, they've got fight, and they've got technique. They knew that what they brought last season sometimes held us back. Our goal is to work as one cohesive unit and get a good push up front for four quarters. I like that room. They're starving to prove themselves."

Quarterback
Current Roster: #5 Ahmad Haston (Rs So, 6’0”, 200lbs), #8 AJ Hairston (Rs Fr, 6’3”, 215 lbs), #9 Ryan Jankowski (Rs Sr, 6’3”, 210 lbs)
Analysis: Everyone in Amherst knows that UMass' season lives and dies by the performance of Ahmad Haston. He took the job because of his ability to take what the defense gives him, his precision passing, and his ability to extend plays with his legs. It's a little intriguing what a prospect like Hairston brings to the table; he seemingly has the biggest arm of the three. Jankowski probably won't see time, but according to coaches, he's a coach-in-waiting.

Running Back
Current Roster: #33 C.J. Hester (Jr, 5’11”, 195 lbs), #21 Jalen John (Rs Sr, 5’11”, 220 lbs), #32 Jackson Paradis (Rs Jr, 6’0”, 225 lbs), #30 Cookie Desiderio (Rs So, 6’1”, 225 lbs), #22 Da’Marion Alberic (Rs Fr, 5’10”, 180 lbs), #24 Trace Pullen (Rs So, 5’9”, 183 lbs)
Analysis: Reports out of UMass are that C.J. Hester has been getting the majority of the first-string snaps instead of the 1,000-yard rusher Jalen John. The widespread expectation is that they will split carries down the middle, with John getting more of the short-yardage carries. Da'Marion Alberic was getting a lot of looks, and they want to keep him from transferring out. Desiderio and Alberic are seemingly a year away from being the duo taking all the snaps.

Wide Receiver
Current Roster: #10 T.Y. Harding (Rs Jr, 5’9”, 180 lbs), #2 Jacquon Gibson (Rs So, 5’11”, 195 lbs), #80 Donte Lee Jr. (Rs Jr, 6’3”, 185 lbs), #14 Kezion Dia-Johnson (Rs Fr, 6’0”, 185 lbs), #82 Kenyon Massey (So, 5’10”, 180 lbs), #4 Tyseer Denmark (Rs Fr, 5’10”, 187 lbs), #17 Dallas Elliott (Rs So, 6’2”, 180 lbs), #12 Sam Staruch (Rs Jr, 6’1”, 180 lbs), #86 George Stewart (So, 6’5”, 211 lbs)
Analysis: The team loses three of their top four wide receivers (Jakobie Keeney-James, Starling Galban, and Frank Ladson Jr.), so this unit is taking a step back. They tried to stop the bleeding by adding the likes of Donte Lee Jr. and Tyseek Denmark through the transfer portal. T.Y. Harding is the bona fide number one threat in this offense, but don't sleep on Kezion Dia-Johnson. He's running some of the best routes of the bunch through camp.

Tight End
Current Roster: #85 Magnus Von Saldern (Rs Jr, 6’4”, 285 lbs), #16 Noah Staples (Rs Sr, 6’3”, 230 lbs), #87 Owen Anderson (So, 6’4”, 255 lbs), #35 Avion McBride (Rs Jr, 6’5”, 257 lbs), #84 Callum Wishnowsky (Fr, 6’3”, 231 lbs), #88 Jackson Ford (Rs Fr, 6’6”, 238 lbs), #89 Gabe Colombo (So, 6’2”, 242 lbs)
Analysis: The team has seen an exodus of their tight ends, losing Dominick Mazotti, Matt Smith, and Jaelyn Lay to graduation. The talent level has certainly gone down a level to Magnus Von Saldern, seen as more of a blocking tight end. The expectation is that Avion McBride will work himself into the starting lineup. The depth isn't too vast, but the Minutemen seem to be okay with moving away from depending too heavily on the tight end in the passing game at this point.

Offensive Tackle
Current Roster: #79 Ryan Mosesso (Rs Sr, 6’5”, 305 lbs), #75 Tanner Burlingame (Rs Fr, 6’5”, 305 lbs), , #77 Jaxon King (Jr, 6’7”, 310 lbs), #78 Eric Townes (Fr, 6’7”, 281 lbs)
Analysis: The team got hit pretty hard on the outside with losing most of their starting offensive line. Mosesso slots in as the most experienced tackle on the roster. Burlingame should probably be an offensive guard, but because of talent, he's going to be shifted to the right side. King figures to be a little too slot despite his immense size, but next year could be his year to get into the starting lineup. Townes is a building block to better things.

Offensive Guard
Current Roster: #57 Paul Tchio (Rs Jr, 6’5”, 305 lbs), #73 Brock Taylor (Rs Fr, 6’3”, 315 lbs), #54 Mao Glynn II (Rs Jr, 6’3”, 305 lbs), #66 Wyatt Terlaak (Rs Sr, 6’4”, 335 lbs), #53 Jake York (Fr, 6’7”, 281 lbs), #58 Eric Hurns (Fr, 6’1”, 320 lbs), #69 Ezekiel Ozougwu (Fr, 6’5”, 274 lbs), #68 Donte Finger (Fr, 6’3”, 279 lbs)
Analysis: Tchio is one of the better offensive linemen on the team at the moment - the team will certainly be running behind him as often as they can. Brock Taylor shifts in despite his lack of size, with Mao Glynn II shifting in on either side, which requires his talent. The guards are looking not too bad, and shoring up the interior line was a priority for Coach Xavier.

Center
Current Roster: #55 Benjamin Roy Jr. (Sr, 6’2”, 295 lbs), #64 Peyton Miller (Rs So, 6’3”, 310 lbs), #51 George Vela (Fr, 6’0”, 288 lbs), #65 Tanner Volk (Fr, 6’5”, 304 lbs)
Analysis: Roy Jr. moves to center out of pure necessity; he's arguably the most talented lineman on the team (could make a good argument between him and Tchio), and if Miller improves the way they expect him to, a realignment throughout the offensive line could be coming. For now, he's good enough to hold his own and play a position he's never played.

[Captain Canada]

#1 OG in the nation Lamarcus Prall would change everything for UMass recruiting if the Minutemen are able to get his commitment.

Minutemen going big game hunting with "lofty" recruiting board

AMHERST, MA -- After a rather disappointing recruiting cycle last year for head coach Don Brown and co. that had the Minutemen scrambling in the transfer portal after the season ended, the team has hit the ground running with an impressive recruiting board designed to fill a lot of needs right away with more renowned talent.

If UMass could have been accused of anything, it was playing it too conservative with their targets last year. Despite a rather impressive season, they targeted players in their backyard or surrounding areas who were likely to already be interested in coming to Amherst rather than selling on the future. Now, the team has tasted success, and players are flocking to join the experience.

Quarterback isn't too pressing of an issue, but getting some more bodies in the room is a priority. The team dips into the New Jersey pipeline once again for Zack Hoffman, who has expressed wanting to get his decision over with earlier in the cycle. He's predicted to go to rival UConn, so stealing him away would be a huge win for the Minutemen. As for Iwuchukwu, the Minutemen are further down on the ladder, despite him playing more similarly to current quarterback Ahmad Haston's style of play.

As for skill position, no one currently has UMass listed as their number one destination, but they are certainly in the mix. The team would love to get Ryan O'Doyle and Tanner Sanders, especially. O'Doyle is a route-running king while Sanders is more of a physical receiver with his incredible measurables.

As for the trenches, the team is looking at their prized jewel, the number one offensive guard in the nation in Lamarcus Prall. However, he is currently leaning to the other team from Massachusetts, seeing all but guaranteed to be heading to Boston College. UMass sees its season debut against the Eagles as potential ground to gain in his recruitment.

2025 UMass Recruiting Board

Quarterback
#172 QB Zack Hoffman | 6’4”, 210 lbs | Paramus, NJ | 3-star | UConn, Old Dominion, Buffalo, James Madison, UMass
#236 QB Keke Iwuchukwu | 6’0”, 202 lbs | Lynchburg, VA | 2-star | North Carolina, Auburn, New Mexico, Pittsburgh, Wake Forest

Running Back
#73 HB Baraka Long | 6’0”, 193 lbs | Camden, NJ | 3-star | Army, UConn, UMass, James Madison, Buffalo

Wide Receiver
#197 HB Javier Darnold | 5’10”, 199 lbs | Brooklyn, NY | 2-star | Army, Akron, UConn, UMass, James Madison
#116 WR Tanner Sanders | 6’3”, 209 lbs | Bronx, NY | 3-star | UConn, Temple, Rutgers, Wake Forest, Appalachian State
#173 WR Taylor Bohannon | 6’1”, 182 lbs | Camden, NJ | 3-star | UConn, Rutgers, Wake Forest, Appalachian State, UMass
#18 WR Keke Gee | 5’8”, 188 lbs | Needham, MA | 4-star | Rutgers, Penn State, Boston College, UConn, Army
#34 WR Ryan O’Doyle | 5’11”, 172 lbs | West Hartford, CT | 4-star | Rutgers, Penn State, Boston College, UConn, Army

Tight End
#23 TE J.J. Cheek | 6’2”, 234 lbs | Hillside, NJ | 4-star | UConn, UMass, James Madison, Western Kentucky, Temple
#34 TE Emmett Stephen | 6’5”, 228 lbs | Red Bank, NJ | 3-star | Army, UConn, UMass, James Madison, Ohio
#127 TE Dave Gatson | 6’5”, 230 lbs | Willington, CT | 2-star | UConn, Akron, Buffalo, Boston College, Temple

Offensive Line
#91 OT Gideon Odeyingbo | 6’4”, 319 lbs | Philadelphia, PA | 2-star | UCLA, San Diego St, Wisconsin, Northwestern, USF
#134 OT Chad Westbrook | 6’5”, 312 lbs | Hamden, CT | 2-star | UConn, Buffalo, Northwestern, Boston College, Akron
#79 OT Nick Boyce | 6’6”, 303 lbs | Edison, NJ | 3-star | Buffalo, James Madison, Army, Central Michigan, UConn
#67 OG Nate Matlock | 6’3”, 296 lbs | Trenton, NJ | 3-star | Army, UConn, UMass, James Madison, Ohio
#1 OG Lamarcus Prall | 6’2”, 318 lbs | Boston, MA | 4-star | Boston College, Penn State, Rutgers, Syracuse, Maryland
#8 OG Steven Sweat | 6’4”, 313 lbs | Malden, MA | 4-star | Penn State, Boston College, Rutgers, UConn, Army
#24 OG Sam Toone | 6’1”, 324 lbs | Peabody, MA | 3-star | UConn, Buffalo, Army, Boston College, Temple
#59 C Brian Quick | 6’2”, 297 lbs | Sparta, NJ | 3-star | Army, UConn, UMass, James Madison, Ohio

Defensive Line
#19 DE Dave Yates | 6’2”, 247 lbs | Irvington, NJ | 3-star | Army, UConn, UMass, James Madison, Ohio
#109 DE Connor Leverett | 6’2”, 246 lbs | Brooklyn, NY | 3-star (JUCO) | Army, UConn, UMass, James Madison, Ohio
#77 DE Sateki Street | 6’5”, 275 lbs | Brooklyn, NY | 3-star | Army, UConn, UMass, James Madison, Ohio
#102 DT Alec Brooks | 6’0”, 300 lbs | Bronx, NY | 2-star | Army, Akron, UConn, UMass, James Madison
#12 DT Trayvion Connor | 6’1”, 284 lbs | Roanoke, VA | 4-star | Boston College, Navy, Ohio State, North Carolina, Appalachian St

Linebacker
#57 OLB James Wakefield | 6’1”, 224 lbs | Melrose, MA | 3-star | Eastern Michigan, UMass, Kent State, Arkansas State, Central Michigan
#28 OLB Brooks Rimpf | 6’3”, 223 lbs | Ashburnham, MA | 3-star | Eastern Michigan, UMass, Kent State, Arkansas State, Central Michigan
#61 OLB Jaden Jefferson | 6’2”, 235 lbs | Pittsburgh, PA | 3-star | Kent State, Penn State, Temple, James Madison, Eastern Michigan
#12 OLB Kevin Winton | 6’1”, 218 lbs | Gardena, CA | 3-star | UNLV, San Diego St, Fresno State, New Mexico St, USC
#24 MLB Marquee Iverson | 6’3”, 243 lbs | Deerfield Beach, FL | 3-star | Alabama, Georgia, Miami, Bowling Green, Georgia Southern
#76 MLB Levone Pleasants | 6’2”, 215 lbs | Ramsey, NJ | 3-star | Rutgers, Temple, Penn State, Kent State, James Madison
#87 MLB Cameron Sullivan | 5’11”, 221 lbs | Severna Park, MD | 2-star | North Carolina, James Madison, Virginia, Buffalo, New Mexico

Defensive Back
#179 CB Dominique Amerson | 5’9”, 194 lbs | Roswell, GA | 2-star | Auburn, New Mexico, Indiana, Georgia Tech, Wake Forest
#202 CB Antwaun Montague | 6’1”, 195 lbs | Columbus, OH | 2-star (JUCO) | Akron, Ohio, Bowling Green, Ball State, Cincinnati
#50 FS Craig Goodin | 5’11”, 218 lbs | Wallingford, CT | 3-star (JUCO) | UConn, Buffalo, Western Kentucky, Army, Temple

Athlete
#127 ATH Zhaire McCracken | 5’11”, 196 lbs | Elizabeth, NJ | 3-star | Rutgers, Temple, Penn State, Kent State, James Madison

[Agent]

Big shoes for Haston to fill. Hope he can do it.

[Chillcavern]

Someone’s going bigger game hunting than I am

Here’s hoping you can get some of that OL talent…if the #1 OG is a 4-star, it’s a great sign that you’ve got some 3-star linemen starting quite interested.

Also: separate recruits you’ve got on the board there combine to have my name. I know who I’m hoping you get on the team

[James]

Let's see if you can compete against BC to start the season.

[Captain Canada]

Big shoes for Haston to fill. Hope he can do it.

I hope he pans out and produces or Soapy won't let me hear the end of it

Someone’s going bigger game hunting than I am

Here’s hoping you can get some of that OL talent…if the #1 OG is a 4-star, it’s a great sign that you’ve got some 3-star linemen starting quite interested.

Also: separate recruits you’ve got on the board there combine to have my name. I know who I’m hoping you get on the team

Hoping we get some gems early. A huge class might shake things up timeline-wise going forward

Let's see if you can compete against BC to start the season.

Here's hoping. Offense has to come correct

[Soapy]

Let's hope some of these 1 stars can develop into solid players down the road. Next season might be a tough challenge.

spoiler alert: they won't

We lost to Kansas?

[Soapy]

also a recruiting tip: too much dip on your chip

Start your board small, enough to put at least 25-40 points into each player. As you land more players and free up points, then you add to the board.