UMass has secured a local recruit in the Class of 2022, receiving a verbal commitment from center back AJ Cucinotta (Dedham, Mass.) earlier this week.
Cucinotta is a standout for the New England Surf State Grey 2004 team, leading their three-man backline alongside wingbacks Isaac Heffess and Nik Kathiresan.
The 17-year-old enjoys a leadership role at New England Surf, and it’s expected that he’ll translate those qualities to the Minutemen, an Atlantic 10 program that’s made two of the last four NCAA tournaments.