Top 2025 WPIAL Running Back Commits to UMass

Elijah Faulkner is arguably the top senior running back to come out of the WPIAL. The Central Catholic product led the largest classification in rushing with 1,648 yards and 20 touchdowns as he went out on top with a Class 6A district title.

After a successful final season of high school football, Faulkner announced where he will continue his playing career at the Division I level.

On Tuesday, Faulkner officially committed to the UMass Minutemen via X.

100% COMMITTED @UMassFootball

Thank you Lord , my parents, my family , my friends ,my coaches and the ones that supported and prayed for me throughout this journey. I’m very excited to start my next stage of life!@CoachLehmeier @timothysasson @CoachLark_28 @coachharasymiak pic.twitter.com/DZz8AZBph6

— Elijah Faulkner (@ElijahFaulk123) January 28, 2025

“My decision to go to Umass was that I could see myself there and felt a genuine belief in the program and the people in the program,” Faulkner told Pittsburgh Sports Now. “The people within Umass are great the coaching staff and recruiting analysts are amazing.”

The 5-foot-10, 190-pound prospect selected UMass, who offered on Jan. 10 of this year, over other offers from Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, Navy, Fordham, Howard, Youngstown State, Furman, Villanova and Cornell.

Faulkner made his decision after taking an official visit to the UMass program located in Amherst, Mass. from Jan. 24-25.

“What I took away from it was that it was a very nice school with a great education as well as diversity on campus,” Faulkner said. “What stood out about the school was how big the campus was and how many things there were to do on your free time.”

While on his visit, Faulkner reconnected with UMass running backs coach Jeremy Larkin, who originally recruited the running back prospect for a different D-I school.

“Coach Larkin prompted my decision to go to UMass. He was previously at Youngstown State where he gave me an offer. When he took the job at UMass, he decided to offer me again and I can’t be more grateful for him for believing in me,” Faulkner said.

During his senior season, Faulkner was an impact player for the Vikings offense that defeated North Allegheny 45-14 in the only WPIAL title game of the senior’s career. The running back totaled 192 yards on the ground, along with a touchdown.

Central Catholic running back Elijah Faulkner in the Class 6A WPIAL Championship. Nov. 16, 2024 // Ed Thompson. PSN.

“It felt like a relief off my shoulders that all our hard work wasn’t for nothing. I’m happy I got a ring to show my dedication to Central Catholic and be in the history books,” Faulkner said.

Faulkner thrived as a workhorse and physical back with speed. He believes his skills on the field can translate from Central Catholic to the Division I level.

“My play style is fast, physical and efficient. I think that style would fit into UMass offense and any offense,” he said

Check out the Hudl highlights of Elijah Faulkner here.