UMass Adds Pair Of RBs Via Portal

Running back was a major need for the Minutemen this spring and they've addressed it with the additions of Juwaun Price & Brandon Hood.

Coming into the Spring Transfer Portal period, UMass made it clear; it was going to be very intentional with its pursuits.

The Minutemen weren’t looking for the same roster overhaul they employed back in December, when the coaching staff brought in more than two dozen new faces to give the program a jolt.

Spring practice gave Joe Harasymiak and his staff additional information on where they still needed to bolster the roster.

No position was in greater need than running back.

Just before the start of spring practice, CJ Hester entered the Portal and ultimately landed at Michigan. Just after the conclusion of spring practice, Brandon Campbell entered the Portal. With last year’s leading rusher, Jalen John, having entered the Portal back in December, UMass ultimately lost its five top rushers from 2024.

Now, they did add running back Rocko Griffin (UTSA/Vanderbilt) via the Portal in December and Griffin had the look of a true lead back all spring.

But even before Campbell’s departure, it was obvious running back would be an area of need following the spring. The Minutemen were in the market for a pair of backs to add to the Portal this spring and they’ve now accomplished that.

A week ago, Juwaun Price announced his commitment to UMass.

The 5-foot-10, 210-pound Arizona native began his collegiate career at New Mexico State. After redshirting in 2019 and seeing limited action in 2020, he racked up almost 700 yards on 135 carries and scored 10 touchdowns in 2021. He then transferred to Syracuse, where he flashed at times and even earned one start, but was derailed by an injury.

He played at North Texas last season. Price picked up 64 yards on 14 carries in the Mean Green’s first two games, but missed the rest of the season because of injury.

Price has also taken advantage of his chances as a returner on special teams to display how dynamic he can be with the ball in his hands.

One source connected with UMass and another who spent time with Price at Syracuse told Minuteman Command that Price has an extremely high ceiling and should provide an impact in Amherst.

UMass completed its Portal running back haul on Sunday, when former Colorado running back Brandon Hood announced his commitment to the Minutemen.

Hood didn’t see any action at running back in Boulder as a freshman this past season, but the Georgia native was a player Buffalo fans had high hopes for in the future.

In high school, Hood was a standout performer at Eagles Landing Christian Academy, a school that has produced multiple big-name college standouts over the years.

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