2025 RB Elijah Faulkner Talks UMass Commitment
The 5-foot-10 running back joins Minutemen after successful high school career at Central Catholic (PA).
On Tuesday, UMass picked up three major 2025 commitments, the first being Pennsylvania running back Elijah Faulkner. The Pittsburgh native committed to the Minutemen despite offers from nine other schools, including conference foes, Eastern and Central Michigan.
The biggest factor in his commitment to join head coach Joe Harasymiak?
Trust.
“I just trust Coach Harasymiak because of his resume and he's a genuine person, a genuine guy I could talk to him, not even about football, and he just did a great job on the official visit,” Faulkner told Minuteman Command.
“He just showed me that I could trust him because it's not just personal, he wants to win and he's doing it for UMass.”
The 5-foot-10, 190-pound running back was a standout in high school, capping off a successful career at Pittsburgh power Central Catholic with a Class 6A district title. Faulkner tallied 1,648 yards and 20 touchdowns during his senior season.
The recruiting process between Faulkner and UMass gained steam pretty quickly. The Central Catholic product received his offer on Jan. 10th, visited on Jan. 24th and officially committed Tuesday.
After his visit, he knew UMass was the best place to continue his football career.
“It was just the coaching staff and the school,” Faulkner said. “I just really liked the vibe of the school and when I got there I just knew it was the place for me.”
But his relationship with the coaching staff actually began when running backs coach Jeremy Larkin offered him when he was with Youngstown State. The bond between the two played a key part in Faulkner coming to Amherst.
“Coach Larkin was a big influence on my decision and I just felt so comfortable with it,” Faulkner said. “Him being from another school and coming and recruiting me again and offering me, just showed his belief in me.”
And with two more 2025 recruits announcing their commitment to UMass Tuesday in offensive linemen Garrett Cooper and Gavin Wilson, Faulkner is looking forward to building relationships with his future blockers.
“I'm really happy about them. They seem like great guys. I'm looking forward to building a relationship as well as having a sense of protection in the future. It’s good to look forward to.”