It was the dream that drove Drew Alsup to become a star at Central Catholic, then led him on a journey to a prep power, where he dominated against the best in New England.
Now, that lifelong ambition — to play college football against the best the country has to offer — has become a reality.
After a breakout season at the Williston Northampton School, Alsup will continue his football career at Division I FBS UMass Amherst, he announced on Thursday.
“I couldn’t be more excited,” said Alsup. “I chose UMass because coach (Joe) Harasymiak and his staff believe in me and what I can become. The opportunity to play FBS football in my home state is incredibly exciting, and the proximity to my family allows them to come to many games.
“While the program may not appear to be headed in the best direction from an outside perspective (0-12 in 2025), I believe that the inner workings of the program are truly special and something I want to be a part of.”
The former Eagle-Tribune All-Star at Central Catholic (class of 2025) made his college decision on the heels of a monster postgraduate season at Williston Northampton (Easthampton, Mass).
In 10 games for the Wildcats, Alsup delivered 64 catches for 1,310 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning First Team All-NEPSAC honors. He topped 200 receiving yards and scored twice in a win over Phillips Academy.
Alsup also earned offers from Division 1 Boston College, Stonehill, Georgetown, Davidson and Elon, before choosing the Minutemen.
“For as long as I can remember, Drew’s dream has been to earn a Division 1 football scholarship,” said his dad, Haverhill High football/track legend Andy Alsup, who starred on the gridiron at Northeastern University. “I honestly don’t know anyone more driven or focused. He’s obsessed with the game and obsessed with getting better, day in and day out. Every bit of work he’s put in has been worth it — and this is just the beginning of the next chapter. I’m incredibly proud of him and can’t wait to see what comes next.”
Drew began to emerge as a Division 1 college recruit last fall as a senior at Central Catholic, when the receiver/defensive back intercepted four passes and caught 30 passes for over 400 yards.
The 5-foot-9, 175-pounder then took his talent three hours from home, to Williston Northampton, where he solidified himself as a star.
“I’m really proud of becoming league champs in the hardest league in New England and making it to the New England championship game,” said Alsup. “My goal for this season was to prove that I could compete with and dominate against the best talent in New England. I feel like I met those expectations, and more importantly was able to develop a lot as a player and student of the game.
“I played both outside and slot this season, and my role was to create separation and be reliable when the ball came my way to gain trust from new coaches and QB. I also played some cornerback each week depending on the game plan as well as contributing on nearly all special teams returning punts and kicks.”
Alsup said he embraced the challenge of elite NEPSAC competition, as he prepares to take on college football.
“The level of competition from high school ball to prep school ball was definitely a step up,” he said. “Everyone is bigger, faster, and more technically sound. I kept reminding myself that if I wanted to compete at the highest level in college, I needed to be able to compete against the best prep school teams first. I leaned on my coaches, and I’ve become a more polished route runner, gotten faster, and my overall football IQ has improved a lot.”
“There have been many ups and downs throughout my long recruiting process, and I’m grateful for every coach who has believed in me. I’m very excited to be committed to UMass and have the opportunity to play D1 FBS football and be part of something special there.”
TWITTER: DWillisET