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University of Massachusets Athletics
1998 Football Newcomers
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Head Football Coach Mark Whipple wasted no time in making his mark on the University of Massachusetts program, compiling a recruiting class based heavily on speed and big-play ability at the skill positions. Whipple announced the signing of 31 student-athletes for the 1998-99 academic year.
"We wanted speed first, then size and character, and we feel we accomplished just that," said Whipple. "We have attracted a quality class from all over the country, but we still landed some of the top talent in our home state."
Twenty (20) of the 31 individuals who signed letters of intent are skill position players, including eight wide receivers, four defensive backs, three quarterbacks, three running backs, one tight end and one quarterback/defensive back. The Minutemen also added four defensive linemen, three offensive linemen, three placekickers and one linebacker.
Junior * QB * 6-3 * 205
Escondido, Calif (Palomar JC)
Enters fall practice as the starting quarterback ... Atlantic 10 All-Academic candidate ... Excellent in-the-pocket passer who should flourish in Mark Whipple's new offensive system ... Enrolled at UMass prior to the spring semester and shined during spring drills with the Minutemen ... Threw for 183 yards, including a 92-yard touchdown, in the spring game ... Earned a spot on the Dean's List in the spring semester, posting a 3.5 GPA ... Played for Mark Eldridge at Palomar Junior College in San Marcos, Calif. (outside San Diego) during his freshman and sophomore seasons ... Completed 47-of-84 passes (.560) for 703 yards with three touchdowns during his sophomore campaign ... Went 73-of-153 (.477) for 1,010 yards with six touchdowns as a freshman ... Played for Rob Gilster at Orange Glen High School in Escondido, Calif. ... Threw for over 2,400 yards during his high school career.
"Todd is a very mature quarterback who comes from a pass-oriented offense. He has the ability to make big plays at anytime during the course of a game, and he's going to be asked to make some big plays in our offense." - UMass tight ends coach Brian Crist
Freshman * DL * 6-3 * 260
Cherry Hill, N.J. (Cherry Hill West)
Played for Keith Britton at Cherry Hill West High School ... Saw action on both sides of the ball during his high school career, but will be asked to play on the defensive line at UMass ... Recorded 83 total tackles (43 solo) with 12 sacks, 20 quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles as a senior ... Also recorded 43 "pancake" blocks during his senior campaign ... First-team All-Conference choice at offensive line and defensive line as a senior ... Second-team All-Group defensive lineman during his senior campaign ... Participated in the Jersey South Shore All-Star Game after his senior season, recording two sacks in the contest ... Earned All-Conference honors in track during his junior year.
"Khalil is a very athletic defensive lineman who has a natural nose for the football. He has a great motor and will be a perfect fit for our defensive system." - UMass running backs coach Mike Cassano
Freshman * WR * 5-9 * 175
Temple Hills, Md. (Potomac)
Will be forced to sit out the 1998 season due to NCAA academic requirements ... Played for Erik Knight at Potomac High School ... Three-year starter at wide receiver who also shined as a return specialist ... Had 32 receptions for 602 yards (18.8 avg.) with eight touchdowns during his senior campaign ... Posted 14 carries for 235 yards (16.8) with two touchdowns and averaged an eye-opening 33.5 yards per punt return with two touchdowns as a senior ... First-team All-League and All-County choice in his senior year ... Played in the Maryland - Pennsylvania All-Star Game in mid-July, showcasing the top senior talent in the two states ... Also the leading scorer on his basketball team as a senior.
"Tre will be a playmaker for our program in the future. He is a tough, explosive athlete who will become a threat offensively and on punt and kickoff returns." - UMass defensive line coach Keith Dudzinski
Freshman * PK * 6-0 * 160
Butler, Pa. (Butler)
Walk-on placekicker ... Played for Mark Farabee at Butler High School ... Three-year letterwinner who set 10 school kicking records during his high school career ... Led all Western Pennsylvania kickers in scoring (55 points) and field goals made (10-of-12) during his senior campaign ... The 10 field goals made were the second-most single-season total in Western Pennsylvania high school history ... Also converted 25-of-27 extra point attempts as a senior ... Three-time Quad A All-Conference selection, earning first-team honors during his senior season ... Only kicker honored on the Butler Eagle Sweet 16 All-Star team ... Three time Player of the Week by the Butler Eagle ... Team Co-Offensive Player of the Year as a senior, sharing the honor with Syracuse University recruit Troy Nunes ... Made the switch to football from soccer prior to his freshman year in high school.
"Jason is a very consistent kicker from an outstanding program. He will be a welcome addition to our special teams unit." - UMass running backs coach Mike Cassano
Freshman * WR * 6-2 * 195
Miami, Fla. (American)
Played for Bill Kramer at American High School ... Had a team-high 23 receptions for 336 yards and two touchdowns (long of 53 yards) as a senior ... Honorable mention All-Dade County choice by the Miami Herald during his senior campaign ... Team posted a 10-3 record as a senior, advancing to the second round of the Class 6A Florida state playoffs ... Recorded 15 catches for 209 yards and three touchdowns during his junior season ... Youngest football recruit in the state of Florida, as he did not turn 17 years old until late February ... Also a solid special teams player who shined on the punt coverage unit.
"Kion is an outstanding receiver wtih good size and speed. His athletic ability allows him to make big plays." - UMass wide receivers coach Gerard Wilcher
Freshman * PK * 6-0 * 180
Monmouth Junction, N.J. (Notre Dame)
Played for Darren Doherty at Notre Dame High School ... Two-time All-Colonial Valley Conference selection ... Averaged 43 yards per punt, including a long of 65 yards, during his senior year ... Was a perfect 20-of-20 in PATs as a senior ... Converted 5-of-6 field goals during his high school career ... Also lettered in baseball and ice hockey at Notre Dame.
"Todd didn't have the chance to show his potential during his senior season due to a lack of kicking opportunities. He does have a strong leg and his best years are ahead of him. He gives us some versatility in that he can handle both the placekicking and punting duties." - UMass linebackers coach Mark Michaels
Freshman * QB * 6-3 * 190
Broomall, Pa. (Marple Newtown)
Walk-on quarterback ... Two-year starter for Jim Smith at Marple Newtown High School, where he passed for 3,638 yards in his high school career (12th-best total in Delaware County history) ... Two-time News of Delaware All-County choice ... Led the Central League in passing with 1,904 yards during his junior campaign ... As a senior, he tossed for 1,734 yards while earning second-team All Central League and second-team All-Delco (Delaware County) honors ... Also a three-year starter in basketball and a two-year letterwinner in lacrosse.
"Keith is a raw talent who has a lot of potential for success with our program. He has a pretty strong arm and will benefit by coming from an offensive system which emphasizes the passing game." - UMass wide receivers coach Gerard Wilcher
Freshman * WR * 6-0 * 185
Neptune, N.J. (Neptune Senior)
Will be forced to sit out the 1998 season due to NCAA academic requirements ... Played for John Amabile at Neptune Senior High School ... Four-year letterwinner and three year starter at quarterback and defensive back ... Versatile athlete who will play wide receiver at UMass ... Should also contend for time as a return specialist ... First-team All-State choice on both offense and defense in his senior year ... Participated in the Governor's Bowl after his senior season, showcasing the top senior talent in New Jersey and New York ... High school team won the Class 4 (top class) state title during his senior campaign.
"DeShon is an extremely talented athlete. He comes from one of the best programs not only in New Jersey, but on the entire east coast. He is a big-time playmaker and a very elusive runner who will have a major impact on this program." - UMass running backs coach Mike Cassano
Junior * WR * 6-2 * 205
Brewster, N.Y. (Cayuga CC)
Two-year starter for Tom Namisnak at Cayuga Community College in Auburn, N.Y. ... Junior College All-America selection in his sophomore year at Cayuga ... Named the 1997 Mid-State Athletic Conference Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year ... In his two seasons at Cayuga, he posted 53 receptions for 1,296 yards (24.5 avg.) with 19 touchdowns ... Three-year letterwinner at wide receiver for Brian Walsh at Brewster High School.
"Sean has very good hands and has a knack for catching the ball in traffic. His two seasons of competing at the collegiate level will enable him to bring a little more maturity to our wide receiver corps." - UMass offensive assistant coach Brian Picucci
Junior * DB * 6-2 * 190
Hawthorne, Calif. (Saddleback CC)
Will be eligible to play as a junior in the upcoming season ... Slated as the top backup to Mike Smith at one corner position ... Spent last year as a cornerback at Saddleback Community College in Mission Viejo, Calif., playing under Bill Cunerty ... Led Saddleback with three interceptions and ranked second on the squad in pass breakups (11) and third in total tackles (63) ... Began his collegiate career as a safety at El Camino Community College in Torrance, Calif. ... All-Bay Area selection and All-State pick during his senior season at Leuzinger High School.
"Johnny is an extremely versatile athlete who could play cornerback or safety for us. He is a very physical defensive back with excellent coverage skills. He should be in the mix for playing time in the secondary this season." - UMass offensive line coach Dave Hoover
Freshman * DB * 5-10 * 180
Stamford, Conn. (Westhill)
Three-year starter at quarterback and defensive back for Bill Kurtz at Westhill High School ... Will be asked to play in the defensive backfield at UMass ... First team All-League choice at defensive back as a senior ... Played in the Connecticut East-West Shrine game after his senior year ... Also was the top scorer on his basketball team as a senior.
"Allen is a very good all-around athlete who will be a productive player for our program. His athleticism will be a plus for our defensive secondary." - UMass defensive line coach Keith Dudzinski
Freshman * QB/DB * 6-1 * 180
Milford, Mass. (Milford)
Three-year starter at quarterback and free safety for Dennis Breen at Milford High School ... One of the top high school products in central Massachusetts ... Passed for more than 1,000 yards and ran for more than 600 yards from his quarterback post during his senior season ... Also recorded 65 tackles (40 solo) with two interceptions as a senior.
"Steve is a versatile athlete who can play either side of the ball. We will evaluate his skills when he comes to fall camp and make a decision as to where he will best help the program." - UMass defensive coordinator Don Brown
Freshman * DE * 6-2 * 230
Bristol, Conn. (Bristol Central)
Played for Rob Thompson at Bristol Central High School ... Saw action at defensive end and running back during his high school career, but will be asked to play defensive end at UMass ... First-team All-State performer as a senior ... Recorded 86 tackles with seven sacks, four pass breakup and one fumble recovery during his senior year ... Also rushed for 527 yards on 101 carries (5.2 avg.) with nine touchdowns as a senior ... Three-time All-CCC South Conference selection ... Team captain and Academic All-Conference pick as a senior.
"Brian is a very passionate football player who brings tremendous ability and desire to the table. He will improve our defense tremendously during his time at UMass." - UMass defensive coordinator Don Brown
Freshman * DB * 6-1 * 180
Brockton, Mass. (Brockton)
Walk-on defensive back ... Four-year letterwinner for Armond Columbo at Brockton High School ... Two-year starter at safety ... First-team All-Conference performer as a senior, posting 115 total tackles with six sacks and one interception ... Earned his team's Golden Helmet Award, given to the Most Valuable Player ... Also an excellent track athlete ... Finished second at the state Class A meet in the 200 meters (22.3) ... All-Scholastic pick in both football, indoor and outdoor track by the Boston Globe in his senior year ... Earned first team All-New England honors in outdoor track as a senior ... First-team All-Conference choice in both indoor and outdoor track during his senior campaign.
"Anthony is a great all-around athlete who runs extremely well. His speed allows him to simply run wide receivers down while in pass coverage. He is one of those lean, wiry athletic guys that you can always find a spot for on the field." - UMass wide receivers coach Gerard Wilcher
Freshman * PK * 5-9 * 155
Weymouth, Mass. (Weymouth)
Played for Ross Tortora at Weymouth High School ... First-team All-Scholastic punter and placekicker by the Quincy Patriot Ledger as a senior ... Averaged over 40 yards per punt during his senior season ... Set a school single-season record by connecting on 36-of-36 PATs as a senior ... Also converted 6-of-8 field goals in his senior year, including a long of 48 yards to beat Framingham ... Earned the Weymouth Golden Toe Award during his senior year.
"Bill is a very accurate and consistent placekicker. He placed most of his punts inside the five-yard line and did not miss an extra point in his senior year. Bill has the ability to compete for a starting position early on in his career." - UMass defensive line coach Keith Dudzinski
Freshman * OL * 6-3 * 275
Miami, Fla. (South Miami)
Played for Charlie Yanda at South Miami High School ... Three-year starter on the offensive line ... Saw action at all five spots on the offensive line during his high school career ... Third-team All-State pick as a senior ... First-team All-District and second-team All-County choice in his senior campaign ... Consistently graded out in the 90th percentile as a senior ... Also served as the long snapper in his senior year ... Won the state of Florida Class 6A heavyweight wrestling title as a senior ... Captured his high school's Athlete of the Year honor during his junior campaign.
"Maikel was one of the finest offensive linemen in the talent-rich state of Florida this year. His combination of quickness and size will help him become a valuable member of our offensive line unit. We are excited to have of player of his talents come to UMass." - UMass defensive coordinator Don Brown
Senior * WR * 5-11 * 180
Austin, Texas (SMU)
Will be eligible to play as a senior in the upcoming season ... Experienced I-A receiver who should make an immediate impact this year ... Transfer from Southern Methodist University, where he saw action in 26 career games in his first two-plus years ... Recorded 34 catches for 442 yards (13.0 avg.) with four touchdowns in his career at SMU ... Caught eight passes for 74 yards and two touchdowns in the first four games of his junior season (1997) before leaving the team ... Highlight game of his junior year came against Navy, when he had three receptions for 32 yards with one touchdown ... Also posted three catches for 33 yards against Arkansas ... Played in all 11 games as a sophomore (1996), ranking third on the team in receptions (20) and receiving yards (307) ... Had a career-best eight-catch, 89-yard effort at Wyoming ... Posted two grabs for 56 yards (including a career-long 41-yard catch) with one touchdown at Rice ... Recorded four catches of 25 yards or more ... Had 46 yards receiving against Missouri and 42 against both Navy and New Mexico ... Played in all 11 games as a freshman (1995), finishing with six catches for 61 yards with one touchdown ... Also had six kickoff returns for 109 yards (18.2 avg.), including a season-long 31-yard return ... Three-year letterwinner at quarterback and defensive back for David Halbrook at Austin Reagan High School ... Honorable Mention All-State pick in his senior season ... Earned All-District 26, Class 4A honors on offense and defense as a senior ... Named All-Central Texas by the Austin American-Statesman during his senior campaign ... Completed 64-of-129 passes for 978 yards with 10 touchdowns as a senior, while leading his team to an 8-1-1 mark ... Also rushed for 250 yards with six touchdowns ... Went 65-of-135 for 1,023 yards during his junior season ... Also ran track, anchoring the school's 4x100 relay, and played basketball in high school ... Won his high school's Trustee Award as a junior and senior, given to students who rate in the top 10 percent of their class academically.
"Jimmy's addition will have a big impact on our wide receiving corps this season. The maturity and experience he brings from having played at SMU which has a very productive passing attack will be a big plus for us. Not only should he put up some good numbers individually, but our younger receivers should learn a lot from him." - UMass wide receivers coach Gerard Wilcher
Freshman * WR * 5-10 * 180
Foxboro, Mass. (Xaverian)
Played for Charlie Stevenson at Xaverian High School ... Daily Transcript All-Star selection as a senior ... Two-time All-Catholic Conference pick ... Had 22 receptions for 235 yards during his senior season ... Most Valuable Player of the Thanksgiving Day Game as a senior.
"Jason has great speed and will give us depth at the wide receiver position. He also possesses enough athletic ability to play on either side of the ball." - UMass wide receivers coach Gerard Wilcher
Freshman * DE * 6-1 * 240
Franklin, Mass. (Franklin)
Walk-on at defensive end ... Three-year starter at fullback and linebacker for Brad Sidwell at Franklin High School ... Leading tackler on his team with 103 stops (80 solo) as a senior ... Earned first-team All-Hockomock League honors at linebacker in his senior campaign ... Rushed for 849 yards and six touchdowns on 212 attempts during his senior season ... Also an excellent baseball prospect who may try to play both sports while at UMass.
"Paul is a tough, hard-nosed player who brings an excellent work ethic to our program. He is a very aggressive defender and an explosive hitter." - UMass defensive line coach Keith Dudzinski
Freshman * DB * 5-11 * 200
Doylestown, Pa. (Central Bucks West)
Played for Mike Pettine at Central Bucks West, one of the top high school football programs in the nation ... Starter at quarterback and defensive back in high school, but will be asked to play in the secondary at UMass ... Led Central Bucks West to a perfect 15-0 record and the Pennsylvania state championship during his senior season ... His high school was ranked No. 4 in the USA Today final national rankings ... First-team All-State pick as a defensive back by the Associated Press as a senior ... First-team All-Philadelphia Area and All-Suburban 1 Power 10 League selection during his senior season ... Recorded 81 tackles (42 solo) with three interceptions as a senior ... Ran for 1,090 yards and 13 touchdowns and passed for 718 yards and seven touchdowns in his senior campaign ... Participated in the Bucks County All-Star Game after his senior season.
"Corey is an outstanding defensive back with great athleticism and physical toughness. He comes from a great program, where they went undefeated, won the state title and were ranked as one of the top teams in the nation." - UMass defensive coordinator Don Brown
Freshman * OL *6-3 * 280
New Britain, Conn. (Avon Old Farms)
Played for Kevin Driscoll at Avon Old Farms last fall ... Has the versatility to play either the guard or tackle spots ... First-team All-Erickson League at Avon Old Farms ...Played for Len Cordo at New Britain High School in New Britain, Conn. ... First-team All State selection by the Hartford Courant as a senior.
"We're looking for Mike to come in and contribute right away. He is a very physical player that has an extra year of maturity, both mentally and physically, with the year of prep school at Avon Old Farms." - UMass linebackers coach Mark Michaels
Freshman * RB * 5-10 * 170
Somerville, Mass. (Malden Catholic)
Played for Richard Cullen at Malden Catholic High School ... Boston Globe Player of the Year as a senior ... Rushed for 4,366 yards and 70 touchdowns (both school records) on 571 carries during his four-year high school career ... Two-time All-Scholastic choice by the Boston Globe and Boston Herald ... Two-time Catholic Conference Most Valuable Player ... three-time All-Catholic Conference selection ... Posted 1,670 yards rushing and 24 touchdowns on 211 carries during his senior year ... Also played safety, recording 96 total tackles with four sacks and three fumble recoveries ... Selected to play in the Shriner's All Star Game following his senior season ... Had 1,570 yards rushing and 27 touchdowns (school single-season mark) on 202 carries as a junior ... Registered 1,051 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns on 151 carries as a sophomore ... Captain of his high school's indoor track team who specializes in the 50-yard dash ... Member of the Class B state champion 4x50 relay.
"We're very happy that the Boston Globe Player of the Year is coming to UMass. That is a great statement for the direction our program is headed. We feel his talents will be a nice fit in our offense." - UMass running backs coach Mike Cassano
Freshman * LB * 6-4 * 215
Somerville, N.J. (Somerville)
Will be forced to sit out the 1998 season due to NCAA academic requirements ... Played for Kevin Carty at Somerville High School ... Saw time as a linebacker and running back during his high school career, but will be asked to play linebacker at UMass ... First team All-State selection as a senior ... Recorded 110 total tackles (63 solo) with six tackles for-loss, three forced fumbles and one interception (returned for touchdown) in his senior season ... Had 134 rushing yards on 24 carries (5.4 avg.) with one touchdown and nine catches for 228 yards (25.3 avg.) with one touchdown as a senior ... Played in the prestigious New Jersey North-South All-Star Game, registering eight tackles in the contest.
"Damon is a very gifted athlete who possesses a very unique combination of size and speed. He has the potential to become a dominant force for us at linebacker in the near future." - UMass running backs coach Mike Cassano
Junior * DL * 6-3 * 245
North Hollywood, Calif. (Los Angeles Valley JC)
Will be eligible to play as a junior in the upcoming season ... Slated to be the backup to Aaron Parker at one defensive tackle spot ... Two-year starter at defensive tackle for Gary Barlow at Los Angeles Valley Junior College in Van Nuys, Calif. ... Earned Honorable Mention All-Western State Conference honors during his sophomore season, recording 36 tackles (24 solo), including two-tackles-for-loss, one sack and one fumble recovery ... Played his high school ball for Mike Alberhini at Grant High School in Sacramento, Calif.
"Pat is an excellent competitor who is an extremely physical player. He runs very well for his size and is a tenacious defender and very good pass rusher. He will add a lot to the mix in our defensive line with his competitive instincts." - UMass offensive line coach Dave Hoover.
Freshman * WR * 5-10 * 180
Holyoke, Mass. (Holyoke)
Played for Ray Mitchell at Holyoke High School ... Two-time All-Western Massachusetts selection by the Springfield Union News ... Also a two-time All-Hockomock League performer ... Set a school-record with 39 receptions during his junior season ... Also saw time at cornerback while in high school.
"Rafael will be a very solid player in our offensive system. He has outstanding hands and a great feel for the game. He will be a dependable wide receiver for our program." - UMass wide receivers coach Gerard Wilcher
Freshman * FB * 5-11 * 210
Brooklyn, N.Y. (Abraham Lincoln)
Played for his father, Mike Schoenfeld, at Abraham Lincoln High School ... Saw action at both fullback and linebacker while at Abraham Lincoln ... Posted 430 yards rushing and four touchdowns on 74 carries (5.8 avg.) and grabbed 10 catches during his senior season ... Also recorded 70 total tackles from his linebacker post as a senior ... Earned first-team Academic All-State honors during his senior campaign ... First-team All-League selection as a senior ... Team MVP and captain during his senior year ... Played in the Dick Reilly All-Star Game, showcasing the top senior talent in the Brooklyn area.
"Seth was a productive athlete on both sides of the ball at Abraham Lincoln. We think his talents are best suited at fullback in our program. He should be a contributor down the road here at UMass." - UMass linebackers coach Mark Michaels
Freshman * QB * 6-2 * 200
Monroe, N.Y. (Monroe Woodbury)
Will compete with Ed Campbell for the number three spot at quarterback in fall practice ... Enrolled at UMass as a freshman at the beginning of the spring 1998 semester ... Had an impressive spring practice with the Minutemen, completing 9-of&endash,18 passes for 145 yards with two touchdowns in the spring game ... Played for Patrick D'Aliso at Monroe Woodbury High School ... Completed 68-of-145 passes (.469) for almost 900 yards and 14 touchdowns during his senior campaign ... Also compiled almost 600 yards rushing and seven touchdowns as a senior ... All-Orange County choice by the Middletown Times Herald Record during his senior year ... All-Orange County Coaches Association pick as a senior ... paced his high school team to an 8-3 mark during his senior campaign ... Two-time team Most Valuable Player and captain ... Also a two-year letterwinner in both basketball and baseball.
"Kelly is a very athletic quarterback who has the skills to drop back and throw as well as throw on the run. He is an outstanding team leader and will be a very positive addition to the team." - UMass tight ends coach Brian Crist
Freshman * OL * 6-4 * 285
Elizabeth, N.J. (Elizabeth)
Played for Jerry Moore at Elizabeth High School ... Super Prep preseason All-America selection prior to his senior year... Associated Press first-team All-State pick as a senior ... Team captain who led his team to the Section 2, Group 4 state title during his senior campaign ... First-team All-Conference and All-Area choice ... Five-time Lineman of the Week in his conference during the regular season... Attended the same high school as former UMass defensive end Jeron Alston (1994-97).
"Craig is a big, physical offensive lineman with a defensive mentality. He is a versatile athlete who can play any position on the offensive line. He has also shown the ability to be a team leader on a winning program." - UMass defensive line coach Keith Dudzinski
Freshman * TB * 6-2 * 215
Paterson, N.J. (Passaic Tech)
Will be forced to sit out the 1998 season due to NCAA academic requirements ... Extremely talented runner who played for John Iurato at Passaic Tech, the same high school which produced current UMass starting tailback Marcel Shipp ... Four-year letterwinner and two-year starter at Passaic Tech ... Has been timed at 4.3 seconds in the 40-yard dash ... Won the Passaic County 100-meter crown with a mark of 10.8 seconds ... Two-time Prep Stars Magazine All-America choice ... Rushed for 1,160 yards and 17 touchdowns on 109 carries during his senior season ... Also caught three passes for 107 yards, threw for two touchdowns from his tailback post and made five interceptions and 24 tackles from his safety position as a senior ... Named a New Jersey Super 100 pick as one of the top 100 high school seniors in the state ... Most Valuable Player of the prestigious New Jersey East-West All-Star Game, rushing 20 times for 148 yards, including an 85-yard touchdown ... Third-team All-State selection in his senior campaign ... Tabbed an All-Passaic County pick by the Newark Star Ledger and North Jersey Herald-News as a senior.
"Ken is a big-time talent. He is a big, bruising runner with breakaway speed who is a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball." - UMass running backs coach Mike Cassano
Freshman * TE * 6-3 * 210
Doylestown, Pa. (Central Bucks West)
Played for Mike Pettine at Central Bucks West, one of the top high school football programs in the nation ... Starter at tight end and defensive end in high school, but will be asked to play tight end at UMass ... Led Central Bucks West to a perfect 15-0 record and the Pennsylvania state championship during his senior season ... His high school was ranked No. 4 in the USA Today final national rankings ... Excellent blocking tight end who helped his team rush for over 500 yards in the state championship game, setting a Pennsylvania state title game record ... Recorded 104 tackles (40 solo) with seven sacks and 11 pass breakups from his defensive end post as a senior ... First-team All-Philadelphia Area and first-team All Suburban 1 Power 10 League selection during his senior season ... Second-team All-League pick at defensive end as a senior.
"Greg is an outstanding athlete with tremendous agility and quickness. He is a perfect mix athletically to play tight end in our offensive scheme." - UMass linebackers coach Mark Michaels
Freshman * WR * 5-7 * 160
Pompano Beach, Fla. (St. Thomas Aquinas)
Speed receiver who should make an immediate impact at the wide receiver spot as a true freshman ... Played for George Smith at St. Thomas Aquinas High School ... Had 20 receptions for 386 yards and nine touchdowns during his senior season ... Also averaged 24.2 yards per kickoff return and 12.8 yards per punt return, including one punt return for a touchdown ... Most Valuable Player of the Division 5 state title game ... Second-team All Broward County selection ... Led his high school to the Florida state championship as a senior ... Also an exceptional track athlete, who won the national high school championship in the 100 meters (10.43) this summer in North Carolina ... Won the Florida state title in the 200 meters and finished second in the 100 meters.
"Adrian comes from a great high school program in Florida. He has outstanding speed and quickness, and we will be looking for him to contribute as a freshman." - UMass wide receivers coach Gerard Wilcher