UMass WR T.Y. Harding Excited For Season
T.Y. Harding brings star power to a diverse and versatile 2025 receiver room in Amherst
Although there has been change all over the UMass football roster, the wide receiver department remains one of the few position groups with a steady dose of 2024.
The Minutemen suffered their biggest loss over the offseason, losing Detroit Lions wide receiver Jakobie Keeney-James, who was by far the most productive pass-catcher in last year's offense.
However, T.Y. Harding cemented himself as a star for the future.
Harding is the current leader of the new UMass wide receiver room. His contagious energy and passion for the school has earned him a reputation that makes him a fan favorite. After last season's victory over Wagner where Harding finished with a rushing touchdown, punt return touchdown and 49 receiving yards, he emphasized his love for the school and the journey all the way from scout team. That day, the young wideout made a name for himself.
“It’s amazing that I’m already in my fourth year here,” the redshirt junior said at a press conference on Wednesday, following the first day of training camp. “A lot of people look up to me and they know I’ve been here for one of the longest on the team. A lot of guys look up to me and I enjoy that.
“I’m a team guy, a team person and I just try to talk to everyone as much as I can. I feel like being a leader now is something I’ve been waiting on. This is a moment I’ve been looking forward to, so being able to just be a leader for my hometown state and my team is just amazing.”
This attitude is something new Minutemen wide receiver coach Jordan Hogan has tried to build around.
Hogan worked last with the San Francisco 49ers, where he helped coach stars like Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and many more throughout the early years of his career.
His experience, coupled with the football brain of first-year offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian, brings new schemes and strategies for players to adjust to.
“The adjustment with the new offense has been good,” Harding said. “Through the spring it was more rocky but being able to have the organized team activities over the summer while being able to get the scripts and practice the offense while the coaches aren’t here (has been great). I feel a lot more comfortable with our offense after being able to practice this summer.”
Fellow redshirt junior Jacquon Gibson has played a big part in the new offense, and is preparing to be the opposite wide out of Harding. Last season he ended with 23 receptions and 270 yards. He has improved his burst at the line of scrimmage and is looking for a breakout campaign in his fourth year with the program.
After UMass confirmed Gibson and Harding’s returns to Amherst, they dipped into the transfer portal, bringing in three new wideouts.
Tyree Kelly and Jake McConnachie bring size and leaping ability that wasn’t available in seasons past.
Kelly stands at 6-foot-3, 205-pounds, and has a massive wingspan. Last season at USF he played in 11 games on special teams, and is now looking to play an offensive role with the Minutemen.
The 6-foot-5 McConnachie came from Pittsburgh, where he caught one pass in five years for a touchdown. Despite the lack of high level game experience at wideout, both showed a sense of solidity and consistency. Both shined in the spring game, and will be big names to look out for in the upcoming season.
“I don’t feel pressure at all,” Harding said. “I got great guys with me. Jacquon Gibson is an amazing guy and we came here together in 2022. He’s going to be outside with me, so having him and other guys like Jake McConnachie, Tyree Kelly and all the guys in our room helps me feel no pressure because I know if I’m not having a good day, they’re going to pick me up.”
The one wide receiver Hogan and Bajakian brought in post-spring game was Donnie Gray out of Northwestern as a graduate transfer. Bajakian coached the 6-foot-2, 210-pounder, with the Wildcats, and Gray also attended Deerfield Academy, just 15 minutes north of Amherst. He elevates the receiver room as someone who can burn a defensive back with speed and quickness.
“Donny’s been amazing,” Harding said. “One of the people I’m close with is Donnie Gray. He brings a lot of speed to our group. Speed, versatility and he can play inside or outside, so being able to have Donnie with us as a veteran in the room (is amazing). He also came with Coach Bajakian two years ago from Northwestern. He already knows the offense so we don’t have to really teach him up too much so he already can come in and just play for us.”
Harding was fired up to get back out on the field and prepare for the season.
“The first practice was amazing. We’ve been waiting… It’s Christmas morning. We are excited to be back out there.”
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