2028 MA CB Anthony Whaley Talks Latest UMass Stop
Top 2028 Massachusetts CB Anthony Whaley recaps his most recent trip to Amherst.
UMass continues to make inroads with in-state defensive back Anthony Whaley.
The 2028 cornerback recently returned to Amherst for Junior Day and came away encouraged after spending time with the Minutemen staff and learning more about how the defense operates.
“It was a good time there,” Whaley said. “I enjoyed it. The coaches were good. I got to spend time with the defensive coordinator and the DB coach.”
Whaley currently holds four offers from UMass, UConn, Syracuse and Rhode Island among others.
The Springfield Central standout said much of the conversation during the visit focused on how he could potentially fit in the scheme.
“They were just teaching me about the defense and how it would be if I was to come to UMass and if I was a good fit there,” he said. “I thought I was a good fit.”
The 5-foot-11, 170-pounder noted that some of the concepts he saw looked familiar.
“The coverage that they run, it’s similar to the coverage that we run at Central,” he explained. “They like to run Cover 2, a lot of zone.”
The visit also gave Whaley a chance to get a better sense of the coaching staff.
“I think they’re good people, good coaches,” he said. “They showed us some practice film and how they are when it comes to practice and game time.”
Whaley also spent time with head coach Joe Harasymiak during the trip.
“He was talking about how he’s building the program back up and how he wants people from Massachusetts to be able to come to UMass and enjoy their time there,” Whaley said. “I really liked Coach. I enjoyed him. He’s a good person and a good coach.”
The in-state connection could play a role as the Minutemen continue to recruit the Springfield native. Springfield Central has already sent multiple players to Amherst, including Pop Watson and Joe Griffin and 2027 offensive lineman GaVin English, who is committed to the Minutemen.
Whaley said those relationships make the program feel familiar.
“They wanted to be able to bring people from Central into UMass and try to build the program back to where they want it to be at,” he said.
He plans to return to Amherst several times over the coming months as the recruiting process continues.
“I’m going to make it down there for a couple of spring practices and the spring game,” he said. “And get down there for a lot of home games since Pop and Joe are there.”
Those upcoming trips will give him a closer look at the program’s daily environment.
“Just the competitiveness,” he said when asked what he’ll be watching for. “To see how competitive they are and how hard they work in practice.”
Whaley is also planning visits to Rhode Island, Syracuse and UConn as he continues building relationships with those regional programs.
With his recruitment still early, Whaley said the most important factor will ultimately come down to the people inside the program.
“The connection I have with the head coach and everyone else on the coaching staff.”
Your one-stop-shop for all your sports marketing needs… Owned and Operated by UMASS Grads.
We specialize in providing top-quality marketing & printing services for coaches, athletic directors, and sports marketing professionals.
Get Fan Ready!