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University of Massachusets Athletics
Fifteen Commit To Massachusetts Football On First Day Of Early Signing Period
December 16, 2020 | Football
Minutemen add six to the offensive side, nine for defense
AMHERST, Mass. – University of Massachusetts football and head coach Walt Bell announced the signing of 13 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent and the addition of two undergraduate transfers on Wednesday. The 13 NLI signees include Javon Batten, Eni Falayi, Dorian Helm, Phil Jeffs, Jordan Mahoney, Jonathan Martin, Ryan Mosesso, Raiheem Olalekan, Brady Olson, Tray Pettway, Jamir Roberts, Aquan Robinson and Dominic Schofield. Massachusetts also officially announced the addition of defensive lineman Devin Baldwin (Rutgers; 2019-20) and defensive back Bryson Richardson (North Carolina; 2018-20) during Wednesday's signing day digital festivities.
The 13 signees and two transfers include six additions on the offensive side of the ball and nine for the defense.
On offense, Massachusetts added a pair of playmakers at tight end (Falayi, Mosesso) and wide receiver (Pettway, Roberts); respectively, as well as one quarterback to throw to them in Olson. Jeffs will block for the Minutemen from his spot on the offensive line. Batten, Helm, Mahoney and Richardson are defensive backs while Baldwin, Martin and Robinson fill roles as defensive linemen. Schofield will suit up at linebacker while Olalekan projects as a hybrid defensive end and linebacker.
Information on each signee follows below.
The 2020-21 FBS Early Signing Period continues through Fri., Dec. 18. Any additional signees will be announced through UMassAthletics.com and the team social media accounts (@UMassFootball).
University of Massachusetts Football Signees • Wed., Dec. 16, 2020
Devin Baldwin
Defensive Line • 6-4 • 260
Southfield, Mich. • Southfield A&T High School
Rutgers University
Before Massachusetts:
• Saw action in two games as a true freshman at Rutgers in 2019 and retained his redshirt eligibility
• Played against Michigan State (11/23/19) after he made collegiate debut on the defensive line against No. 2 Ohio State (11/16/19)
• Played for head coach Tim Conley at Southfield A&T High School
• Had 59 tackles, 12 sacks and three forced fumbles during senior season at Southfield A&T
• First team all-Michigan selection on defense by The Detroit News
• Also received first team all-North honors by The Detroit News
• Named honorable mention all-Michigan by the Associated Press
• Rated as the No. 24 recruit in Michigan by Rivals.com and 31st by 247Sports.com
Javon Batten
Defensive Back • 6-3 • 180
Brooklyn, N.Y. / Miami, Fla.
Erasmus Hall High School (N.Y.)
Before Massachusetts:
• Played for head coach Danny Landberg at Erasmus Hall
• Three-star recruit via 247Sports with a grade of 83
• Ranked No. 9 in the state of New York and among the top-50 athletes overall according to 247Sports
• Won back-to-back PSAL Championships at Erasmus Hall
• Chose Massachusetts over offers from Boston College, Buffalo, Central Michigan and UAB, among others
Eni Falayi
Tight End • 6-5 • 225
Peabody, Mass.
The Williston Northampton School
Before Massachusetts:
• Two-way player at the Williston Northampton School for head coach Tom Beaton
• Three-star recruit ranked No. 19 in Massachusetts with a grade of 80 according to 247Sports
• Also a three-star tight end and the No. 16 player in Massachusetts via ESPN
• Won recognition as All-Erickson League
• High school teammate of current Minuteman Dominik Behrens
• Chose Massachusetts over an offer from Coastal Carolina and interest from Boston College, Connecticut and Michigan, among others
Dorian Helm
Defensive Back • 5-11 • 175
Stone Mountain, Ga.
Stephenson High School
Before Massachusetts:
• Played at Stephenson High School for head coach Ron Gartrell
• Totaled 38 tackles (29 solo, nine assisted), 2.0 TFLs, 1.0 sacks, three pass breakups and an interception returned for a touchdown
• High school teammate of current Minuteman Viczaril Alobwede
• Was also a state finalist in track for Stephenson High School
• Also held offers from Liberty, Middle Tennessee State and Western Kentucky, among others
Phil Jeffs
Offensive Line • 6-6 • 270
Campbellford, Ontario
St. Thomas More School (Conn.)
Clarkson North High School
Before Massachusetts:
• Competed at Clarkson North High School for head coach Larry Jusdanis
• Three-star offensive lineman ranked No. 3 in Ontario with a grade of 80 according to 247Sports
• Also a three-star OL according to ESPN rated No. 4 in Canada
• Is the highest-rated offensive tackle in Canada and No. 2 OT among all international prospects
• Also attended St. Thomas More High School in Connecticut
Jordan Mahoney
Defensive Back • 5-11 • 165
Rock Hill, S.C.
South Pointe High School
Before Massachusetts:
• Played cornerback and receiver for South Pointe High School for head coach Devonte Holloman
• A three-star defensive back according to ESPN
• Rated a top-50 recruit in the state of South Carolina by 247Sports
• Had 33 tackles, nine pass breakups, two interceptions and two forced fumbles in 2020
• Older brother, Jaylen, is a starter on the Vanderbilt defense currently
Jonathan Martin
Defensive Line • 6-4 • 300
Suwanee, Ga.
Collins Hill High School
Before Massachusetts:
• Defensive tackle at Collins Hill High School for head coach Lenny Gregory
• Helped Collins Hill to the Georgia Region 8-AAAAAAA Championship in 2020
• Finished his 2020 season with 84 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 2.0 sacks and three quarterback hurries
• Chose Massachusetts over offers from South Alabama and Troy, among others
Ryan Mosesso
Tight End • 6-5 • 245
Marshfield, Mass.
Noble and Greenough School
Before Massachusetts:
• Played tight end and defensive end for Noble and Greenough head coach Panos Voulgaris
• Rated a three-star tight end and as the No. 15 player in Massachusetts according to 247Sports
• Also a three-star tight end and the 14th-highest rated player in Massachusetts according to ESPN
• Plays baseball at Noble & Greenough as well
Raiheem Olalekan
Defensive End/Linebacker
Owings Mills, Md.
New Town High School
Before Massachusetts:
• Played for head coach Mike Savage at New Town High School
• Three-star athlete with a grade of 80 and the No. 53 player in Maryland according to the 247Sports Composite list
• Also a three-star recruit and the 47th-ranked player in Maryland according to ESPN
• Listed among Maryland's Top 225 Football Players in 2021
• Also a standout on the New Town track and field team
• Former high school teammate of current Minuteman Gerrell Johnson
Brady Olson
Quarterback • 6-4 • 195
Bellingham, Mass.
Milford High School
Before Massachusetts:
• Three-star pro-style quarterback rated the No. 20 player in Massachusetts according to the 247Sports Composite listing
• Also a three-star QB according to ESPN and rates as the 15th-highest player in Massachusetts
• Played at Milford High School for his uncle, head coach Dale Olson
• Also coached by another uncle, Dana Olson, who is an assistant coach at Milford
• Attended Bishop Feehan High School prior to transferring to Milford
• Chose Massachusetts over offers from Colorado State and Georgia Tech, among other
Tray Pettway
Wide Receiver • 6-3 • 190
Prattville, Ala. • Prattville High School
Hutchinson Community College (Kan.)
Before Massachusetts:
• Three-star wide receiver with a grade of 81 according to 247Sports
• Ranked the No. 10 wide receiver, No. 17 in the state of Alabama and No. 72 among all JUCO players by 247Sports
• Played the 2019-20 school year at Hutchinson Community College for head coach Drew Dallas
• Appeared in eight games during the season at Hutchinson with 277 receiving yards and four touchdowns on only eight catches
• Helped Hutchinson go 10-2 overall and 5-2 in conference play during 2019, which included a 45-23 win over Monroe College in the Salt City Bowl
• Posted two catches for 126 yards and two TDs in an 85-3 win over Dodge City Community College (10/19/19)
• Notched two grabs, both for touchdowns, covering 42 yards in a 56-0 victory over Iowa Central Community College (11/9/19)
• Competed at Prattville High School for head coaches Chad Anderson and Caleb Ross prior to attending Hutchinson Community College
• Also competed in track and field at Prattville
Bryson Richardson
Defensive Back • 6-0 • 200
Buford, Ga. • Buford High School
The University of North Carolina
Before Massachusetts:
• Spent the 2018-19 seasons at the University of North Carolina
• Injured during the 2019 preseason and missed the year as a result
• Appeared in all 11 games in the secondary and on special teams during his rookie season in 2018
• Recorded four tackles, an interception, one pass breakup and a quarterback pressure in 2018
• Tallied a tackle, a pressure and a PBU at ECU (9/8/18)
• Posted his first career interception at Miami (9/27/18)
• Registered two tackles versus NC State (11/24/18)
• Ranked as the No. 37 safety nationally and the No. 83 player in the state of Georgia by ESPN.com
• Considered the No. 60 safety in the country and the No. 79 player in Georgia by the 247Sports composite
• Also rated as the No. 95 player in Georgia by Rivals
• Playing both safety and wide receiver, led Buford to a Region 8 title and a spot in the Georgia 5A state semifinals
• Helped Buford to a 4A state title as a freshman and back-to-back state finals appearances as a sophomore and junior
• Coached by John Ford at Buford
• High school teammates with UMass alumnus Martin Mangram (2016-19) at Buford
• Son of Gary and Michele Richardson
Jamir Roberts
Wide Receiver • 5-10 • 170
Owings Mills, Md.
The McDonogh School
Before Massachusetts:
• Played for head coach Hakeem Sule at McDonogh High School
• Three-star wide receiver with a grade of 80 according to 247Sports
• Ranked the No. 54 player in Maryland according to 247Sports
• Also a three-star recruit and the No. 50 player in Maryland according to ESPN
• Helped the McDonogh School finish 11-1 overall in 2019
• Posted 11 receptions for 293 yards and three touchdowns and tied for the team lead with four interceptions
• Also a member of the track and field team at McDonogh
• Studied and competed at Gilman High School as a freshman and sophomore prior to transferring to McDonogh
Aquan Robinson
Defensive Line • West Orange, N.J.
West Orange High School
Before Massachusetts:
• Three-star linebacker and the No. 13 player in Massachusetts according to 247Sports
• Played scholastically at Milford High School for head coach Dale Olson, including as a linebacker, defensive end and tight end
• Also a member of the Milford basketball and track and field teams
• Played alongside UMass football signee Brady Olson at Milford High School
Dominic Schofield
Linebacker • 6-3 • 230
Milford, Mass.
Milford High School
Before Massachusetts:
• Three-star linebacker and the No. 13 player in Massachusetts according to 247Sports
• Played scholastically at Milford High School for head coach Dale Olson, including as a linebacker, defensive end and tight end
• Also a member of the Milford basketball and track and field teams
• Played alongside UMass football signee Brady Olson at Milford High School
The 13 signees and two transfers include six additions on the offensive side of the ball and nine for the defense.
On offense, Massachusetts added a pair of playmakers at tight end (Falayi, Mosesso) and wide receiver (Pettway, Roberts); respectively, as well as one quarterback to throw to them in Olson. Jeffs will block for the Minutemen from his spot on the offensive line. Batten, Helm, Mahoney and Richardson are defensive backs while Baldwin, Martin and Robinson fill roles as defensive linemen. Schofield will suit up at linebacker while Olalekan projects as a hybrid defensive end and linebacker.
Information on each signee follows below.
The 2020-21 FBS Early Signing Period continues through Fri., Dec. 18. Any additional signees will be announced through UMassAthletics.com and the team social media accounts (@UMassFootball).
University of Massachusetts Football Signees • Wed., Dec. 16, 2020
Devin Baldwin
Defensive Line • 6-4 • 260
Southfield, Mich. • Southfield A&T High School
Rutgers University
Before Massachusetts:
• Saw action in two games as a true freshman at Rutgers in 2019 and retained his redshirt eligibility
• Played against Michigan State (11/23/19) after he made collegiate debut on the defensive line against No. 2 Ohio State (11/16/19)
• Played for head coach Tim Conley at Southfield A&T High School
• Had 59 tackles, 12 sacks and three forced fumbles during senior season at Southfield A&T
• First team all-Michigan selection on defense by The Detroit News
• Also received first team all-North honors by The Detroit News
• Named honorable mention all-Michigan by the Associated Press
• Rated as the No. 24 recruit in Michigan by Rivals.com and 31st by 247Sports.com
Javon Batten
Defensive Back • 6-3 • 180
Brooklyn, N.Y. / Miami, Fla.
Erasmus Hall High School (N.Y.)
Before Massachusetts:
• Played for head coach Danny Landberg at Erasmus Hall
• Three-star recruit via 247Sports with a grade of 83
• Ranked No. 9 in the state of New York and among the top-50 athletes overall according to 247Sports
• Won back-to-back PSAL Championships at Erasmus Hall
• Chose Massachusetts over offers from Boston College, Buffalo, Central Michigan and UAB, among others
Eni Falayi
Tight End • 6-5 • 225
Peabody, Mass.
The Williston Northampton School
Before Massachusetts:
• Two-way player at the Williston Northampton School for head coach Tom Beaton
• Three-star recruit ranked No. 19 in Massachusetts with a grade of 80 according to 247Sports
• Also a three-star tight end and the No. 16 player in Massachusetts via ESPN
• Won recognition as All-Erickson League
• High school teammate of current Minuteman Dominik Behrens
• Chose Massachusetts over an offer from Coastal Carolina and interest from Boston College, Connecticut and Michigan, among others
Dorian Helm
Defensive Back • 5-11 • 175
Stone Mountain, Ga.
Stephenson High School
Before Massachusetts:
• Played at Stephenson High School for head coach Ron Gartrell
• Totaled 38 tackles (29 solo, nine assisted), 2.0 TFLs, 1.0 sacks, three pass breakups and an interception returned for a touchdown
• High school teammate of current Minuteman Viczaril Alobwede
• Was also a state finalist in track for Stephenson High School
• Also held offers from Liberty, Middle Tennessee State and Western Kentucky, among others
Phil Jeffs
Offensive Line • 6-6 • 270
Campbellford, Ontario
St. Thomas More School (Conn.)
Clarkson North High School
Before Massachusetts:
• Competed at Clarkson North High School for head coach Larry Jusdanis
• Three-star offensive lineman ranked No. 3 in Ontario with a grade of 80 according to 247Sports
• Also a three-star OL according to ESPN rated No. 4 in Canada
• Is the highest-rated offensive tackle in Canada and No. 2 OT among all international prospects
• Also attended St. Thomas More High School in Connecticut
Jordan Mahoney
Defensive Back • 5-11 • 165
Rock Hill, S.C.
South Pointe High School
Before Massachusetts:
• Played cornerback and receiver for South Pointe High School for head coach Devonte Holloman
• A three-star defensive back according to ESPN
• Rated a top-50 recruit in the state of South Carolina by 247Sports
• Had 33 tackles, nine pass breakups, two interceptions and two forced fumbles in 2020
• Older brother, Jaylen, is a starter on the Vanderbilt defense currently
Jonathan Martin
Defensive Line • 6-4 • 300
Suwanee, Ga.
Collins Hill High School
Before Massachusetts:
• Defensive tackle at Collins Hill High School for head coach Lenny Gregory
• Helped Collins Hill to the Georgia Region 8-AAAAAAA Championship in 2020
• Finished his 2020 season with 84 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 2.0 sacks and three quarterback hurries
• Chose Massachusetts over offers from South Alabama and Troy, among others
Ryan Mosesso
Tight End • 6-5 • 245
Marshfield, Mass.
Noble and Greenough School
Before Massachusetts:
• Played tight end and defensive end for Noble and Greenough head coach Panos Voulgaris
• Rated a three-star tight end and as the No. 15 player in Massachusetts according to 247Sports
• Also a three-star tight end and the 14th-highest rated player in Massachusetts according to ESPN
• Plays baseball at Noble & Greenough as well
Raiheem Olalekan
Defensive End/Linebacker
Owings Mills, Md.
New Town High School
Before Massachusetts:
• Played for head coach Mike Savage at New Town High School
• Three-star athlete with a grade of 80 and the No. 53 player in Maryland according to the 247Sports Composite list
• Also a three-star recruit and the 47th-ranked player in Maryland according to ESPN
• Listed among Maryland's Top 225 Football Players in 2021
• Also a standout on the New Town track and field team
• Former high school teammate of current Minuteman Gerrell Johnson
Brady Olson
Quarterback • 6-4 • 195
Bellingham, Mass.
Milford High School
Before Massachusetts:
• Three-star pro-style quarterback rated the No. 20 player in Massachusetts according to the 247Sports Composite listing
• Also a three-star QB according to ESPN and rates as the 15th-highest player in Massachusetts
• Played at Milford High School for his uncle, head coach Dale Olson
• Also coached by another uncle, Dana Olson, who is an assistant coach at Milford
• Attended Bishop Feehan High School prior to transferring to Milford
• Chose Massachusetts over offers from Colorado State and Georgia Tech, among other
Tray Pettway
Wide Receiver • 6-3 • 190
Prattville, Ala. • Prattville High School
Hutchinson Community College (Kan.)
Before Massachusetts:
• Three-star wide receiver with a grade of 81 according to 247Sports
• Ranked the No. 10 wide receiver, No. 17 in the state of Alabama and No. 72 among all JUCO players by 247Sports
• Played the 2019-20 school year at Hutchinson Community College for head coach Drew Dallas
• Appeared in eight games during the season at Hutchinson with 277 receiving yards and four touchdowns on only eight catches
• Helped Hutchinson go 10-2 overall and 5-2 in conference play during 2019, which included a 45-23 win over Monroe College in the Salt City Bowl
• Posted two catches for 126 yards and two TDs in an 85-3 win over Dodge City Community College (10/19/19)
• Notched two grabs, both for touchdowns, covering 42 yards in a 56-0 victory over Iowa Central Community College (11/9/19)
• Competed at Prattville High School for head coaches Chad Anderson and Caleb Ross prior to attending Hutchinson Community College
• Also competed in track and field at Prattville
Bryson Richardson
Defensive Back • 6-0 • 200
Buford, Ga. • Buford High School
The University of North Carolina
Before Massachusetts:
• Spent the 2018-19 seasons at the University of North Carolina
• Injured during the 2019 preseason and missed the year as a result
• Appeared in all 11 games in the secondary and on special teams during his rookie season in 2018
• Recorded four tackles, an interception, one pass breakup and a quarterback pressure in 2018
• Tallied a tackle, a pressure and a PBU at ECU (9/8/18)
• Posted his first career interception at Miami (9/27/18)
• Registered two tackles versus NC State (11/24/18)
• Ranked as the No. 37 safety nationally and the No. 83 player in the state of Georgia by ESPN.com
• Considered the No. 60 safety in the country and the No. 79 player in Georgia by the 247Sports composite
• Also rated as the No. 95 player in Georgia by Rivals
• Playing both safety and wide receiver, led Buford to a Region 8 title and a spot in the Georgia 5A state semifinals
• Helped Buford to a 4A state title as a freshman and back-to-back state finals appearances as a sophomore and junior
• Coached by John Ford at Buford
• High school teammates with UMass alumnus Martin Mangram (2016-19) at Buford
• Son of Gary and Michele Richardson
Jamir Roberts
Wide Receiver • 5-10 • 170
Owings Mills, Md.
The McDonogh School
Before Massachusetts:
• Played for head coach Hakeem Sule at McDonogh High School
• Three-star wide receiver with a grade of 80 according to 247Sports
• Ranked the No. 54 player in Maryland according to 247Sports
• Also a three-star recruit and the No. 50 player in Maryland according to ESPN
• Helped the McDonogh School finish 11-1 overall in 2019
• Posted 11 receptions for 293 yards and three touchdowns and tied for the team lead with four interceptions
• Also a member of the track and field team at McDonogh
• Studied and competed at Gilman High School as a freshman and sophomore prior to transferring to McDonogh
Aquan Robinson
Defensive Line • West Orange, N.J.
West Orange High School
Before Massachusetts:
• Three-star linebacker and the No. 13 player in Massachusetts according to 247Sports
• Played scholastically at Milford High School for head coach Dale Olson, including as a linebacker, defensive end and tight end
• Also a member of the Milford basketball and track and field teams
• Played alongside UMass football signee Brady Olson at Milford High School
Dominic Schofield
Linebacker • 6-3 • 230
Milford, Mass.
Milford High School
Before Massachusetts:
• Three-star linebacker and the No. 13 player in Massachusetts according to 247Sports
• Played scholastically at Milford High School for head coach Dale Olson, including as a linebacker, defensive end and tight end
• Also a member of the Milford basketball and track and field teams
• Played alongside UMass football signee Brady Olson at Milford High School
Players Mentioned
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