2026 OL Cristian Alvarez Explains UMass Commitment
St. Joseph Regional's (N.J.) Cristian Alvarez joins the Minutemen after two June visits to Amherst
Cristian Alvarez felt at home as soon as he arrived in Amherst for an unofficial in June and the 2026 New Jersey offensive lineman announced his commitment to UMass shortly after his official visit a couple weeks later.
While also receiving offers from Air Force, Army, Bryant and Bucknell, Alvarez ultimately decided that UMass is the best fit for his collegiate career.
The UMass coaching staff was a big reason why Alvarez made this decision, particularly head coach Joe Harasymiak and offensive line coach Kurt Anderson.
“Obviously, it starts with the coaches,” he said. “They give me a really good vibe. I think Coach Anderson is one of the best offensive line coaches you could get in the country, and Coach H was very straight up from the beginning. I think they're going to give me a really good opportunity there.”
The Minutemen officially offered the 6-foot-4, 290-pound junior back on May 14. His official visit was on June 13, but he took an unofficial earlier in the month and it didn’t take long for him to start sensing Amherst could be the place.
“As soon as I got on campus, I just felt like that was really home and I felt it was the best fit for me as a player and a person,” he said.
Alvarez currently attends St. Joseph Regional High School where he has a 4.0 GPA.
Alvarez is a versatile offensive lineman who can play tackle or guard. He excels at the line of scrimmage and does a great job of finishing his blocks, thanks to his strong hands and positive attitude.
With the current landscape, Alvarez will most likely be plugged in at guard.
Football isn’t the only thing he’s excited about with regard to UMass.
“The campus is beautiful and as far as the school goes, I think I'm going to study Business,” he said. “They have one of the better Business schools in the country, so that’s always good.”
The New Jersey native also has familiarity, as he’ll be joined by fellow Garden State prospects in the Class of 2026, with St. Peter’s Prep quarterback Tyler Bell and Don Bosco Prep defensive lineman Robert Ekins having also committed to UMass.
“It's pretty cool to have a couple of guys in the same league going to the same school,” said Alvarez.
As exciting as the recruiting can be at the start, Alvarez is glad it’s over.”
“I'm just really happy. It's been a long, stressful couple of months and I'm finally happy to know that I have a home and I don't have to worry about being recruited anymore.”
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