Harasymiak Wants More Violent UMass Defense in Year 2
UMass head coach Joe Harasymiak is counting on Tyler Martin, Timmy Hinspeter and a rebuilt defensive front to establish a new identity.
Joe Harasymiak doesn’t need much time to describe the identity he wants UMass’ defense to develop this season.
More connected. More aggressive. More violent.
That mindset has become one of the biggest points of emphasis for the Minutemen entering preseason camp after a winless first season under Harasymiak. While communication remains important, the second-year head coach believes his defense must also play with a far more physical edge.
“I think we’ve got to play a little bit more connected communication-wise,” Harasymiak said during last week’s MAC Football Kickoff.
“But, I think the word from a football standpoint, we’ve just got to play more violent. Like, this is a violent game. We’ve got to get downhill, we’ve got to attack blocks, we’ve got to destruct. Ultimately, we’ve got to take away the ball.”
Harasymiak believes that identity starts with the players leading the defense.
“I think our linebacker position is our leadership,” he said.
That responsibility falls primarily on redshirt senior Tyler Martin, the Acton, Mass., native who has become one of the Minutemen’s defensive leaders since transferring home from Arizona in 2023. Martin emerged as one of the defense’s most consistent performers in 2025, leading the Minutemen in tackles while establishing himself as one of the leaders of the locker room.
He’ll be joined by fellow redshirt senior Timmy Hinspeter, a former Rutgers linebacker who was among the team’s leading tacklers before suffering a season-ending injury against Buffalo. Harasymiak believes having both veterans healthy gives UMass an experienced foundation in the middle of its defense.
While the linebacker room returns proven experience, the defensive front will have a much different look.
“We have a brand new d-line,” Harasymiak said. “Literally a brand new d-line.”
One player the coaching staff is especially eager to get back is graduate defensive lineman Josh Nobles. The Camden, N.J., native transferred to UMass last year from Western Michigan after beginning his collegiate career at Jackson State, but never appeared in a game for the Minutemen after a preseason injury last year. Now healthy, Harasymiak believes Nobles can provide an immediate boost to an almost entirely rebuilt defensive line.
“We were excited about Josh Nobles last year as a transfer,” Harasymiak said. “He tore his Achilles at camp last year, so he’s coming back off that.”
Harasymiak also expects another year of experience to pay dividends in the secondary.
“Certainly rushing the passer and the secondary we’ve got some returning guys that kind of got their feet wet last year,” he said. “TJ Magee, Zeraun Daniel who we’re very excited about.”
Magee, a redshirt senior, arrived from Davidson last offseason and worked his way into a significant role at cornerback during his first season in Amherst before he too was lost to an injury.
Daniel, another senior, transferred from Georgetown before the 2025 campaign and also gained valuable experience while adjusting to the FBS level. With both defensive backs returning, Harasymiak expects the secondary to play faster, communicate better and help establish the identity he’s been preaching throughout the offseason.
“So, hopefully we can take that next step. They’re more connected and I’m excited about that.”
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