UMass picked up a big commitment on Monday in the transfer portal when former BB&N and Arizona linebacker Tyler Martin announced he has committed to UMass.

https://twitter.com/tylermartin5bbn/status/1604885074671013891?s=46&t=hN1vCz-VthybEGpswBAVMQ

It was widely expected that Martin would commit to UMass thanks to his relationship with Don Brown. Brown offered Martin a scholarship when he was at Michigan and Martin had committed to Michigan. After Brown left however and went to Arizona, Martin decommitted and followed him to Tucson.

When Brown took the UMass job last off-season, it was widely speculated that it was only a matter of time before Martin came home and followed him to Amherst and now he has.

Martin will have a chance to play right away. He is a long, rangy linebacker who is athletic and can align all over a defensive front. He has natural instincts and can make plays against the run and the pass. He will also add an element of toughness to the defense.

UMass needs to land more local talent this off-season both in recruiting and in the portal. Getting a commitment from Martin is huge. He will be an important part of the Minutemen defense for years to come.