Post-Spring Review | Wide Receiver
UMass has some new, exciting faces in the room. But talent needs to result in on-field production.
The chemistry was already there. As well, it should have been.
Pop Watson and Joe Griffin Jr. spent years making plays together at Springfield Central High School and even before that as members of the youth program, the Springfield Tigers.
With both now in Amherst, it looked as if they simply picked up where they left off during UMass practice this spring.
What UMass may not have expected was how quickly Watson would develop a similar rapport with T.Y. Harding.
The Griffin-Watson reunion generated plenty of excitement, but Harding’s spring may have been just as encouraging. Combined with the emergence of several young receivers and the addition of transfer Devin Matthews, the position left spring looking deeper, more explosive and more versatile than it did a year ago, despite losing the room’s most productive - and maybe the locker room’s most productive - player in Jacquon Gibson, who transferred to Virginia.
Wide receiver was one of the most intriguing position groups on the roster entering the spring and it only became more intriguing over the last several weeks.
Griffin looks to be the headliner.
UMass head coach Joe Harasymiak made it clear during the spring that the 6-foot-3, 208-pound receiver “has to be the guy” for the Minutemen this fall and it wasn’t difficult to see why.
The former Boston College and Wisconsin transfer gives UMass a physical presence that simply doesn’t exist on many MAC rosters. His size, catch radius and ability to win contested balls will make him a difficult matchup for opposing defensive backs and he consistently flashed throughout the spring while reconnecting with Watson.
What was more surprising was Harding’s connection with the new quarterback.
The 5-foot-9, 180-pound senior has always been one of the most talented players on the roster, but injuries and inconsistent play from those around him have often prevented him from fully showcasing that ability. This spring offered some reasons for optimism.
Harding looked healthy. He looked confident. And he looked completely comfortable in new offensive coordinator Max Warner’s offense.
Watson and Harding connected repeatedly throughout the spring and there were times when Harding looked like the most difficult player on the field to cover. UMass fans have known about his talent for years. This could be the season the rest of the MAC learns about it too.
If Griffin and Harding become the one-two punch they appeared capable of becoming this spring, the Minutemen could have one of the better receiving duos in the conference.
The biggest wildcard in the room remains Matthews.
The 5-foot-9, 185-pound East Texas A&M transfer was limited during the spring, but people inside the program continue to speak highly of his potential impact.
Matthews brings a different skill set than Griffin. He can create separation quickly, threaten defenses vertically and should also provide value in the return game. Several people around the program believe he can become the type of weapon Harding has been at his best.
Beyond the top of the depth chart, UMass appears to have more young talent than it has had in recent years.
Kezion Dia-Johnson continues to flash.
The 6-foot, 185-pound redshirt sophomore has consistently shown the ability to make plays when given opportunities. The challenge moving forward is turning those flashes into consistent production over the course of a season. The talent has never been in question.
The same can be said for Elijah Pedro.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound redshirt freshman continues to look like a promising young option. Pedro saw limited action last season, but his athletic ability remains obvious and it would not be surprising to see his role expand significantly this fall.
Dallas Elliott may not receive as much attention as some of the others, but the 6-foot-2, 195-pound redshirt senior continues to look like a dependable option. He could prove to provide valuable depth and experience.
Among the freshmen, David Moore Jr. generated immediate buzz as an early enrollee this spring.
The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder consistently looked dependable while also showing the type of long-term upside that excites coaches. Moore rarely looked overwhelmed and seemed to make steady progress throughout camp.
Possibly the most surprising breakout at the position was freshman Drew Alsup.
The 5-foot-9, 175-pound receiver arrived early and with little fanfare, but quickly earned the respect of coaches with his approach, work ethic and attention to detail. Whether his immediate impact comes on offense, special teams or both, it feels increasingly difficult to imagine him not finding a role somewhere.
And while he wasn’t present for spring practice, many inside the program are eager to see what incoming freshman Kai Owens will bring as a summer arrival.
The 6-foot-2, 175-pound Illinois native finished his high school career with more than 1,600 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns and possesses the size and athleticism to compete for opportunities sooner rather than later.
Losing Gibson was an undeniable blow and if the receivers end up having a better season than the one Gibson had for the Minutemen a year ago, it will probably be due to improved quarterback play as much as anything.
But collectively, there is more talent in the room.
Griffin gives UMass a legitimate matchup problem. Harding appears poised for a breakthrough season. Matthews could add another explosive dimension. And the group of young receivers behind them gives the position a foundation that extends beyond 2026.
There are still plenty of questions to answer once the games begin.
But based on what UMass showed this spring, wide receiver has a chance to be one of the strengths of the football team this fall.
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!