2025 OL Gavin Wilson Explains UMass Commitment
2025 South Carolina offensive lineman Gavin Wilson talks about why he believes in first-year UMass head coach Joe Harasymiak.
Gavin Wilson was clearly interested in UMass or the 2025 South Carolina offensive lineman wouldn’t have taken an official visit to Amherst last weekend, just weeks before National Signing Day.
And while on campus, head coach Joe Harasymiak, offensive line coach Kurt Anderson and the entire staff showed the 6-foot-6, 280-pounder enough to flip his commitment from Presbyterian to the Minutemen.
“I'd really say what Coach H is building over there,” Wilson said of the biggest reason behind his decision. “I really believe in it. When I was on my official, he put the time to really connect with my family.
Also, Coach Anderson and his experience obviously coaching in the NFL and in the Big Ten. I believe he's just the right coach to give it to the next level and teach me really good technique.”
The Greenville High School standout can see the changes Harasymiak is implementing.
“He's just establishing a new culture that wasn't there before and I respect that and I believe in that a lot,” Wilson said. “Just people taking accountability and not being lazy. Everything was more positive, to be honest. I feel like before, no one was really all-in.
“I want somewhere where everyone is all-in and has a bunch of energy.”
Wilson is also excited to play for a coach with Anderson’s background.
“He is great,” said Wilson. “I know it's going to be tough, but I'm ready for that. When he came down to Greenville, I just connected with him instantly. It was just there. I felt like, 'Yeah, this is the place for me. 100 percent.'
“I respect Coach Anderson a lot.”
Wilson was honored to be targeted by Anderson and Harasymiak.
“It felt great,” he said. “It made me feel really good because my recruiting process was definitely slow and obviously I was committed to FCS school. The fact that Coach Anderson took notice of me, it means a lot and shows that he believes in me and what I can do and what I can become at the next level.”
Wilson is excited about what he believes he’ll add to the program.
“I think I'll be able to bring positive energy, a new set of skills and heart and just physicality and violence,” he said.
Wilson was one of four official visitors to announce their commitment to UMass from the weekend, including fellow offensive lineman Garrett Cooper, running back Elijah Faulkner and receiver Elijah Pedro.
“I'm so hyped about those guys. I've already got a group chat going with them, so they're awesome,” said Wilson.
“I love Garrett. He's a great guy. I really connected with him.”