Meet New UMass DE Jerry Washington
The Minutemen added one final piece to their 2025 recruiting class with Arizona edge rusher Jerry Washington.
Yes, UMass worked the Transfer Portal heavy this spring.
And yes, the Minutemen also spent a ton of time recruiting high school prospects in the 2026 and 2027 classes.
But, UMass also managed to reach back and add one more piece to its 2025 recruiting class last week with the addition of Arizona edge rusher Jerry Washington.
The 6-foot-2, 245-pounder signed with San Diego State back in December, but ultimately parted ways with the Aztecs.
“There was some unfortunate stuff that happened at San Diego State,” Washington told Minuteman Command.
“Nobody did anything wrong on either side, but I ended up opening up by recruitment again and UMass was really interested in me”
When the Minutemen staff found out the Desert Edge High School prospect was still available, they pounced.
“I think the words they used were that they were ‘lucky to find me,’” Washington says. “Hearing those words really made me excited because they see me as a valuable player.
“I like the way that they communicate, their coaches and everything, they're so close, they all seem amazing. It just made me really want to work with them.”
Washington heard from several UMass coaches, including defensive line coach Nyeem Wartman, defensive line assistant Kayon Whitaker and even head coach Joe Harasymiak.
Harasymiak has often talked about looking at the person more than the person’s ability to play or coach and Washington appreciates that outlook.
“Before they even wanted to offer me or anything, they took a look into my personality,” says Washington. “They asked my coaches about me, they talked to my family about me. You could be an amazing football player, but if you don't have a personality to match it, I don't think you'll communicate.
“They're big on personalities here because you don't want somebody coming into your program and making it toxic, especially when you're trying to build something new.”
Washington, who has since moved into Amherst for good, visited campus before making his decision final.
“The visit was amazing,” he says. “They made my family feel at home. They made everybody feel amazing. They're really good people.”
And of course, Washington felt confident in the on-field opportunities provided at UMass.
“I feel like I get a really good chance and I get to start something new,” he says. “They've got a whole new coaching staff and that means that everybody gets to earn a spot. I feel like there's a really good chance of me earning that spot.”
He’s fired up to have found a new home.
“I'm so excited to get to know the community, get to work, and I want to build a nice fan base for people,” he says. “It's a college town and I want to feel all the love, not only from football, but from other people around. And I want to give it to others too.”
And he wants UMass fans to know they’re getting a player who is going to give it his all in all aspects.
“They're going to get a player who's going to try his hardest. I'm not going to stop trying. Every snap, I'm giving 100 percent effort; in the weight room, in class, in everything I do, I'm giving 100 percent effort.”
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