Posts by: Thunder

2021 Season Countdown: #81 Greg Crippen

Name: Greg Crippen
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 285 lbs.
High school: Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy
Position: Center
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Last year: Crippen was a senior in high school (LINK).
TTB Rating: 65

Crippen is a native of the northeast, which seemed to give Michigan the edge early in his recruitment, considering the Don Brown respect in that part of the country. But he spent some time committed to Notre Dame. When he decommitted, there were rumors that the Fighting Irish were okay with losing him. But either way, Michigan was there to pick up the pieces.

There was a little bit of buzz in the spring that Crippen had moved into the two-deep, but from what I can gather, that was more due to injuries and absences than outplaying other guys on the roster. It’s tough to play interior line as a freshman, and Michigan has recruited well along the offensive line over the past few cycles. I expect Crippen to redshirt this fall.

Prediction: Redshirt

Alessandro Lorenzetti, Wolverine

Windsor (CT) Loomis Chaffee offensive tackle Alessandro Lorenzetti committed to Michigan on Friday night. He picked the Wolverines over offers from Georgia, Michigan State, and Penn State, among others.

Lorenzetti is listed at 6’6″ and between 275-285 lbs., depending on the source.

RATINGS
ESPN: Unranked
Rivals: 3-star OT, 5.6 grade
247 Sports: 3-star, 88 grade, #94 OT

Hit the jump for more on Lorenzetti’s commitment.

Kevonte Henry, Wolverine

Lawndale (CA) Leuzinger outside linebacker/defensive end Kevonte Henry committed to Michigan on Friday afternoon. He picked the Wolverines over Arizona, Oregon, and USC, among others.

Henry is listed at 6’4″ and 225 lbs.

RATINGS
ESPN: N/A
Rivals: 3-star WDE, 5.6 grade
247 Sports: 3-star, 88 grade, #60 LB

Hit the jump for more.

2021 Season Countdown: #82 Jeffrey Persi

Name: Jeffrey Persi
Height: 6’7″
Weight: 302 lbs.
High school: Mission Viejo (CA) Junipero Serra
Position: Offensive tackle
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #79
Last year: I ranked Persi #96 and said he would redshirt (LINK). He redshirted.
TTB Rating: 82

I labeled Persi last year as a giant boom-or-bust prospect, and the jury is still out on him. There was very little buzz about him last season and during the off-season, even when Michigan suffered a bunch of offensive line injuries last fall. Persi was a tight end early in his high school career, so it makes sense that he was not ready to play in the Big Ten as a true freshman.

Persi presumably remains unready going into 2021. Michigan returns starter Ryan Hayes at left tackle. The right tackle position is a little uncertain, but Persi does not appear to be in the mix to replace Jalen Mayfield. It could be Andrew Stueber, Trente Jones, or Karsen Barnhart, but no one seems to think it will be Persi out there at right tackle on September 4 against Western Michigan.

Prediction: Backup offensive tackle

Jayden Denegal, Wolverine

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Apple Valley (CA) Apple Valley quarterback Jayden Denegal committed to Michigan on Wednesday evening. He picked the Wolverines over offers from Auburn, Georgia, Michigan State, and Utah, among others.

Denegal is listed at 6’4″ and 215 lbs.

RATINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 83 grade, #9 pocket passer, #163 overall
Rivals: 3-star, 5.7 grade, #19 pro-style QB
247 Sports: 3-star, 89 grade, #17 QB

Hit the jump for more.