While the buzz stemming from recent reports indicating communication between UMass and the FBS’ Mid-American Conference remains, the biggest thing for the football program is that the Minutemen continue to have high success at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level if they have any hopes of moving up. And where that all starts is in the recruiting class.

The difference between FBS and FCS usually comes down to three things: size, speed and depth. During the past decade, the Minutemen have had the size. Perennially, UMass’ line can usually stack up to almost any FBS program in terms of weight and height. The Michigan game last year was a great example of this.

In terms of speed, though, the Minutemen haven’t been as successful. In recent years, UMass has put out a small group of guys who can run with the big boys. Anthony Nelson was that guy this year. Victor Cruz and Jeremy Horne, both of whom are currently on NFL rosters, did the same.

However – and this is where depth comes in as well – most FBS programs don’t have the athletes at each position that an FBS program does. For UMass, this comes in terms of wide receiver depth and athleticism of the secondary. Once again, the Michigan game last year was a great example of this.

So if the Minutemen are allegedly going to make the jump to FBS, they need to inject talent to fill in their holes in order to compete on that level. Fortunately for them, the 2011 Minutemen recruiting class went a ways in doing that.

This year’s class features three transfers from FBS schools, along with a more highly-touted freshman class. Going by ESPN.com’s rankings, the Minutemen signed one three-star recruit (a tight end), three two-star recruits (a quarterback, cornerback and wide receiver) and one one-star recruit (a tailback).

It may not sound like much, but it’s a solid haul for an FCS program. It features more gems than Delaware, New Hampshire or Appalachian State’s classes.

Here’s a quick overview of the key additions this year:

Transfers

UMass is a team that has always thrived on transfers. The 2010 Minutemen surpassed expectations in large part due to big-name transfers from now-defunct CAA schools, an FBS transfer in linebacker Mike Mele and a quarterback from a junior college program in Kyle Havens.

Next season, the Minutemen will bring in three players from FBS schools: Chris Burns, a redshirt junior running back from Pittsburgh, Kellen Pagel, a junior quarterback from Bowling Green and Ryan Campbell, a redshirt sophomore defensive back from Mississippi. Also coming in next season will be junior receivers Chase Danska, from Diablo Valley, the same school from which Havens transferred, and Andre Hill from Los Angeles Harbor Community College

Quarterback

Probably the biggest thing this recruiting class brings is more fuel to the fire for the ensuing quarterback battle. As opposed to the 2009 faceoff between Scott Woodward and Havens, the 2011 battle could be a four horse race.

Coming in next season will be 2-star recruit Mike Wegzyn out of Tennessee and the FBS transfer Pagel. Already in camp for the Minutemen are transfer Ian Shultis and three-star quarterback Brandon Hill from last year’s class. I shouldn’t bother with adjectives, since each of these players have “highly-touted” or similar labels often given to them from people that, honestly, have never seen them play a snap.

Running back

It appears Jonathan Hernandez will, once again, probably not be a pure feature back due to a transfer.

Burns, a highly-recruited back out of Pennsylvania, was mired in the No. 3 spot on the Panther’s depth chart last season before making the jump the FCS. The former No. 15 tailback recruit in the country according to Rivals.com didn’t get a whole lot of playing time at his old school and, like virtually all FBS transfers, will be looking to get some playing time in Amherst.

The Minutemen also added one-star running back Brian Dowling, along with unranked backs Jamal Wilson and Jordan Broadnax. Never underestimate a great name.

Secondary

Last season’s secondary, which saw underclassmen getting significant playing time is getting a huge boost in Campbell from Ole Miss and 2-star recruit Quayshun Smith.

Young players like Darren Thellen and Mike Lee played valiantly last season, but the secondary as a whole suffered against top-tier passing teams and in crucial moments. Michigan and New Hampshire’s passing numbers, combined with the late game collapse against Richmond’s freshman fourth-string quarterback were signs of what happens with a young secondary.

Nick O’Malley is a Collegian columnist. He can be reached at [email protected].