2027 Avon OL Hampton Bachelder Likes What He's Seen So Far From UMass

2027 Avon Old Farms offensive lineman Hampton Bachelder has several offers, including one from the Minutemen.

Hampton Bachelder keeps finding his way back to Amherst, and that may say as much as anything at this stage of his recruitment.

The 2027 offensive lineman plays at Avon Old Farms in Connecticut but is originally from Marblehead, Mass.

He returned to UMass earlier this month for Junior Day, building on a relationship that dates back to last winter when he first picked up an offer from the Minutemen.

Bachelder has now been on campus multiple times, and that familiarity has helped strengthen his connection with the program despite staff turnover, including the move from Kurt Anderson to Brian White as the Minutemen’s offensive line coach.

Anderson’s departure didn’t change much about how Bachelder views the Minutemen since he’d already established a relationship with White.

“That’s my guy,” Bachelder said of White.

Continuity has played a key role in keeping UMass firmly in the mix with the 6-foot-4, 285-pounder, but his interest in the program also runs deeper than just relationships.

“I guess part of it is the opportunity to represent the state of Massachusetts and Massachusetts football,” Bachelder said. “I think the football up here is really underrated and the opportunity to represent Massachusetts, my home state, is a really special opportunity.”

That perspective has been reinforced during his time at Avon Old Farms, where he’s surrounded by players from across the country who have helped shape his view of New England football.

“I have teammates who have played national schedules for teams down south,” he said. “They think that Avon, Choate and the best of the best in New England can hang with the best teams from Tennessee or wherever.”

Bachelder’s confidence in UMass also stems from his belief in the people leading the program, including head coach Joe Harasymiak.

“I just think they’re good people,” he said. “I think people make the place. They’re passionate, they love what they do and if you’re a smart guy, a good person and you’re really passionate about what you do, I think a lot of times you’re going to find success.”

His latest visit was more streamlined, centered around Junior Day activities and a walkthrough of the facilities, including a look at the program’s updated locker room.

“It was good,” Bachelder said. “I think UMass has impressive facilities. They have their own building, it’s pretty nice.”

While UMass has established itself as a consistent presence in his recruitment, Bachelder is still early in the process and not rushing into any decisions.

“I’m not really at a place where I know what my next steps are with any schools yet,” he said.

UMass is competing alongside a group of service academies and regional programs that have prioritized him early. Bachelder currently holds offers from UMass, Holy Cross, Navy, Maine, Air Force, Army, Rhode Island and Old Dominion.

Army, Navy, Air Force and Holy Cross, especially, have shown serious interest.

As he continues working through his options, Bachelder said his focus will be on long-term development.

“As an offensive lineman, I think it’s a very developmental position. I think the opportunity to really get better is really important. A place where I can become the best football player possible.”

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