2016 Recruiting
Gregg Wiggins
#592 ( #42 OLB)
***
OVR:80
(+1)
Opa-locka, FL
6'1 209lbs
Wiggins wanted to stay close to home but all of his offers dried up after he wasn't cleared academically. Wiggins took a year at a JUCO to get his grades in order but was no longer graded as a 5 star. Wiggins comes in with blazing speed (87/96) for a LB. He could even play safety if needed. It is always nice to redshirt everybody, but Wiggins may be too much of a playmaker to keep of the field.
Brian Mason
#1001 ( #52 G)
***
OVR:67
Palm Harbor, FL
6'0 272lbs
Mason was one of the few Florida recruits who wanted to get away from home. And why not leave the sunshine state for the snow and cold of the Northeast. Mason will add more depth to the OL which is always needed. The signing of Mason also keeps the Florida pipline alive for the future.
Bryan Branch
#75 ( #19 ATH)
****
OVR:80
(+6)
Forest, MS
6'2 188lbs
Branch brings an abundance of talent to UMass. He can play all back 7 positions on defence as well as being a dynamic WR. Branch has blazing speed (96/89) and great size. The decision will be made in spring ball whether to get on the field right away as a CB or redshirt and become a possible record setting WR.
UMass fended of a late offer from Nebraska, but in the end, Branch wanted to go to a place where he had a shot at competing for a title.
Mark Kemp
#190 ( #15 HB)
****
OVR:75
(+4)
Bastrop, LA
5'10 195Lbs
Kemp is the more traditional HB for this system with his breakaway speed and still has the ability to break a tackle or two. Viriginia Tech jumped in with a late offer but the chance to play for titles at UMass was too much to pass up. Look for Kemp to redshirt and then primarly be a KR/
PR his first year on the field while be subbed in during certain packages.
Lamar Glover
#4 ( #3 ATH)
*****
OVR:80
(+1)
Sioux Center, IA
6'3 228Lbs
Glover is likely the highest rated recruit to ever come to UMass. The coaching staff has done their homework on him and the off the field problems are worth the risks if he can even reach half of his potential. Glover has the perfect size and arm talent to be a game changing quarterback. He also played some safety in HS and loved to lay a hit. There is a small posibility the Glover may start day one. It all depends on how the other QB's progress during spring ball.
Justin Brown
#489 ( #27 T)
***
OVR:76
(+5)
New Britain, CT
6'3 274Lbs
You know your program is on the rise when you can start landing highly rated OL. Brown will redshirt and likely be a 4 year starter whether it be at Tackle or moving to Guard. He will need to add some bulk to his frame.
Justin Alston
#769 ( #41 CB)
***
OVR:70
(+2)
Balch Springs, TX
5'10 163Lbs
Alston is a good depth signing at a thining out CB room. Has decent speed(91/85). Will need to add some weight to his frame to be able to compete with the big boys. Also had offers from Michigan, Texas, and Nebraska but choose UMass after his campus visit.
Johny Smith
#1084 ( #38 SS)
***
OVR:67
(+2)
Montclair, NJ
6'3 216lbs
Smith will be a likely canidate to move to LB when he comes to UMass.
Michael Berry
#1469 ( #105 CB)
***
OVR:65
(+3)
Victorville, CA
5'11 180lbs
Berry will be a key for depth and special teams for the future.
Jason Jackson
#1267 ( #109 DT)
***
OVR:79 (JUCO)
Burke, VA
6'6 270lbs
Jackson will plug an upcoming hole at DT and allow others to redshirt and grow while he is the stop gap.
Dustin Washington
#127 ( #26 WR)
****
OVR:67
(-2)
North Logan, UT
6'5 207lbs
Jeff Smith
#1808 ( #160 OLB)
**
OVR:65
(+6)
Greensboro, NC
6'0 215lbs
Drew Smith
#1407 ( #116 OLB)
***
OVR:65
Monroe, NC
6'2 217 lbs
Stan Rogers
#147 ( #13 DE)
****
OVR:78
(+3)
Sun City West, AZ
6'6 244 lbs
Recruiting Ranking
#22 National
#2 AAC