UMass Football Spring Practice - Part 4

by Kevin McCaskill Jr.

4/21/26 * 7:30 AM

(AMHERST, MA) - The Minutemen continue their early preparation for the 2026 season.

(UMass LB Tim Hinspeter goes through drills @ Spring Practice. Photo Credit: UMass Athletics)

This article has insights from practices on 4/14 & 4/16. Tuesday’s practice was in the Bubble; Thursday’s practice on the field @ McGuirk.

One aspect about Tuesday’s practice that stood out was how connected the Defensive Unit is to one another. They call out plays with the coaches, verbally and with hand signals. Once again, there was no tackling in this session but defenders were in the right place to make a play. If things progress how they are, the Defensive Line will be able to get pressure on the QB, especially in MAC conference play. The defense got an INT in a simulated game situation.

Last Thursday was the first day I got to see the Offensive Line go through their drills. The group overall looks good. It looks they will have more of an advantage in the run blocking game. They should be able to open up lanes for RBs. They have good depth @ OL also.

Returning RB Da’Marion Alberic has looked good throughout these sessions. He has experience from last season. He should get meaningful snaps in the 2026 season.

(Former UMass QB AJ Hairston hands the ball of to RB Da’Marion Alberic. Photo Credit: Kevin McCaskill Jr., FPM)

Speaking of Alberic, the Minutemen have a lot talent @ the skill positions: TY Harding, JWT, Joe Griffin Jr, Elijah Faulkner, Kezion Dia-Johnson, Dallas Elliot, Drew Alsup, Reece Adkins, Max Dowling, Owen Anderson and Matt Ogunniyi. As long as the QB position is solidified, the Minutemen have options to get the ball too.

The most intriguing and arguably most important part of the Spring Practices has been the QB Competition. Will “Pop” Watson has been the most consistent of the QB group. RJ Johnson has improved each practice. He made some nice throws during game simulations. He also has good pocket awareness. Aedan McCarthy has a strong arm but his accuracy is still a work in progress.

Over the course of the Spring Practices, Johnson’s accuracy has improved. He made some completions in tight windows as the month has unfolded.

Watson still the looks the best of the 3 QBs. That should put him in a great position for Fall Camp.

Being @ 10+ hours of Spring Practice, there was a shift in the music selection. Early in the practices, the playlist was a majority of Hip Hop/Rap songs. Last week, there was more EDM, uptempo music. There was still some Hip Hop/Rap but the distribution of songs was more even last week.

This Tuesday is the last day the media can be at practice.

Saturday is the Spring Game where we’ll all get to see if the new formula can work in Amherst to turn this program toward consistent winning football.