UMass WR T.Y. Harding Sees, Feels Differences
T.Y. Harding says things feel different with some new faces & new connections this year in Amherst.
T.Y. Harding has been in Amherst long enough to recognize when something feels different.
As UMass works through another offensive transition under new offensive coordinator Max Warner, the fifth-year senior wide receiver believes this group is ahead of where it was a year ago and more connected in the process.
“I feel like just as an offense, we’re starting to execute a little faster than we did last year,” Harding said after the team’s second practice of the spring. “We’re starting to understand it a little more. I feel like we’re off to a faster start.”
That comfort starts with Warner, whose energy and approach have resonated early with the group.
“I love Coach Warner,” Harding said of the former Bowling Green offensive coordinator. “He’s a great coach. He brings a lot of energy to the offense, which is what we need. We can relate to him and connect to him.”
The early progress has shown up on the field, but Harding believes one of the biggest differences is how quickly players have been able to settle into the system compared to last spring.
“I would say we’re off to a faster start,” he said.
A big part of that early success has been the connection between Harding and transfer quarterback Pop Watson.
“I love Pop,” Harding said. “Our connection right now is honestly way faster than I thought it was going to be. He understands everything.”
That chemistry has translated immediately in practice.
“We’ve (only) had one incompletion (on about 10 passes), so we’re damn near 100 percent on connection,” Harding said of himself and Watson.
Harding has taken on an increased leadership role within the wide receiver room, helping guide a group that includes Devin Matthews, Joseph Griffin Jr., Elijah Pedro, Kezion Dia-Johnson, David Moore, Drew Alsup and Dallas Elliott.
“I’m one of the older guys in the group now, so I’m trying to take a bunch of them under my wing in everything we do, whether it’s catching punts, running routes or learning the plays,” he said.
The depth of the room is something Harding believes can become a strength.
“The biggest thing about this wide receivers room that I’m proud of is everyone can play,” he said. “If anyone has to step in, I feel comfortable with anyone going out there and executing.”
That confidence extends beyond the pass-catchers and reflects what Harding sees as a much tighter team overall.
“The biggest difference…is just off the field,” he said. “We are just so connected as a team, which is what you really need to win games. In order to be good on the field, you have to trust your brothers.
“Doing different things off the field together, staying together as a team has been amazing, a lot of chemistry. It makes you want to block for your brother, fight for your brother next to you.”
That connection has stood out compared to last season.
“This time last year, we weren’t as connected as we are now,” Harding said. “So that’s something I’m really excited for.”
Harding’s perspective carries additional weight after missing most of last season following shoulder surgery, a setback that gave him time to refocus physically and mentally.
“I feel healthy,” he said. “I’m ready to go win some games with the squad we’ve got now.”
With that return comes added responsibility.
“They’re going to need me,” Harding said. “I’m going to have to step up a lot.”
Conditioning has been a major point of emphasis as he works back into full form.
“That’s literally what I’m here for, to run,” Harding said. “Being able to play full speed the first play of the game and the last play of the game is something I take pride in.”
While Harding has seen plenty of change during his time in Amherst, his belief in the program has remained steady. Head coach Joe Harasymiak has played a major role in that.
“I don’t trust anybody more in this world right now more than Coach H,” Harding said. “I trust everything he has going for us.”
That trust, combined with his connection to the program and his teammates, continues to drive Harding.
“I’ll die for UMass,” he said. “Whatever it takes for UMass to win, I’ll do it.”
After everything he’s experienced, Harding knows exactly what he wants out of his final season.
“I need to win here.”
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