In early June, UMass made what was considered by many to be one of its most important personnel addition of the offseason. Just a month or so later? That important addition is no more.
According to MassLive.com, head coach Mark Whipple confirmed that Drew Harris is no longer a part of the Minutemen football program. There was no specific reason given for the abrupt divorce, although the head coach didn’t appear too happy when discussing it.
“He’s gone. He left. It just wasn’t a good fit,” Whipple said. “Personally, he was a good kid, but it just wasn’t a good fit for the program.”
Based on his pedigree, Harris was expected to make an immediate and significant impact this season.
The four-star recruit was rated as the No. 22 running back in the country in the Class of 2012. With offers from, among others, Arizona State, Arkansas, Georgia, Miami, Michigan State, Penn State, South Carolina and West Virginia, the Pennsylvania native signed with Virginia Tech. Unfortunately, Harris failed to qualify academically and spent 2012 and 2013 at a prep school and a New York JUCO, respectively.
To where Harris may ultimately end up next is unknown.
“We’ve got too many other issues to worry about things I can’t control,” Whipple said when asked what Harris next career move will be
There was some concern that Harris may not qualify academically at UMass, however, although it’s unclear if that aspect played a role in the departure.
(Photo credit: UMass athletics)