Tag: Ohio State

Michigan vs. Ohio State Awards

Devin Funchess had 4 catches for 41 yards and 1 touchdown

Let’s see more of this guy on offense . . . Drew Dileo. I wish Dileo (5 catches, 60 yards, 1 touchdown) had another year left in him. I just think he’s one of the more dependable peripheral wide receivers at Michigan. He has had a couple balls go through his hands this year, but this passing offense goes a whole lot better when he’s in the game, as compared to . . . say . . . Jeremy Jackson.

Let’s see less of this guy on offense . . . Power Al Borges. It’s crazy how Michigan’s offense started to get going a little bit once Borges realized that Michigan can’t overpower teams with a bunch of baby-faced offensive linemen and a 195 lb. tailback. He went from a power team with a finesse running back to a finesse team with power running backs, and now things seem to be clicking a little bit.

Let’s see more of this guy on defense . . . Ben Gedeon. Actually, I want James Ross to return to his WILL position as soon as possible, but Gedeon’s someone I’m looking forward to watching develop over the next couple years. The coaching staff has done a good job of identifying talent at the inside linebacker positions, and Gedeon (6 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack) has looked solid for a true freshman who got thrown into the fire due to injuries.

Let’s see less of this guy on defense . . . Josh Furman. Furman (3 tackles, 1 pass breakup) gets lost out there. He was beaten for a 53-yard touchdown early, was slow to react in the running game, and took some bad angles. Hopefully Jarrod Wilson can return from his injury in time for the bowl game.

Play of the game . . . Devin Funchess’s bubble screen. In a play reminiscent of the Indiana game, Funchess took a bubble screen to the right, leaped over cornerback Doran Grant, and sprinted up the right sideline for 22 yards before getting pushed out of bounds. This isn’t anything new, but for a 6’5″, 235 lb. guy to make these kinds of plays is pretty amazing.

Player of the game . . . Devin Gardner. Gardner had his second-best game ever with a 32/45 effort that resulted in 451 yards and 4 touchdowns, along with 9 carries for 10 yards and 1 touchdown. A chunk of that came with a bum ankle. That’s the most passing yards and touchdowns in the history of The Game. He looked beaten up for the past few games, but he looked rejuvenated in this one. Honorable mention goes to Jake Butt (5 catches, 85 yards, 1 touchdown) and Jeremy Gallon (9 catches, 175 yards, 1 touchdown).

Ohio State 42, Michigan 41

Freshman tight end Jake Butt caught this touchdown pass to tie the game at 35 (image via MLive)

And that’s why this is such a great rivalry. When Michigan was 8-3 last year going up against an 11-0 Ohio State, it took some late field goals for the Buckeyes to win 26-21. When Michigan was 7-4 this year going up against an 11-0 Ohio State, it took a botched two-point conversion for the Buckeyes to escape with a 42-41 victory. Michigan has a very talented, capable football team. When they execute and play up to their capabilities, they can hang in there with just about anyone.

Devin Gardner played his behind off. Gardner must have had the adrenaline flowing early in the game, because he looked like a different player out there. The guy has looked bruised and battered for the past several weeks, but this week didn’t show it until late in the game when he tweaked his ankle. He finished the game 32/45 for 451 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions; he also ran 9 times for 10 yards and 1 touchdown. That’s arguably his best career performance, even though it came in a loss. His numbers were a little better in this year’s Notre Dame game, but that game also featured an ugly interception thrown in his own endzone. If he can stay healthy, this is the type of player Gardner should be every week.

The two-point conversion, Part I. I was critical of Brady Hoke’s decision to go for it on 4th-and-2 against Northwestern, so I’m not being a Hoke slappie when I say that I think going for two was the best decision at the end of the game. Michigan was the underdog. While they were playing better than they have in weeks, the defense wasn’t up to par (no James Ross or Jarrod Wilson, Carlos Hyde and Braxton Miller ran for a ton of yards, etc.) and Gardner was gimpy. If you extend the game there, you run the risk of having to slug it out for the extent of overtime with your most dynamic performer hobbled or potentially knocked out of the game. Hoke is a fairly aggressive coach when it comes to decision-making, and while it didn’t work this time, I think he usually makes the right call.

The two-point conversion, Part II. What I didn’t like was the play call. Maybe Ohio State was expecting it, but I was fully ready for Michigan to roll Gardner out to the right, where Drew Dileo had motioned into a trips look. And while that seems like an obvious call, it puts [an admittedly hobbled] Gardner on the edge, where he can make a play with his feet – or it puts him in an easier throwing situation with a rub route, a shovel pass, etc. On a critical play like that, I like to put my players in a situation that makes them  comfortable, regardless of what the other team might do. Yes, Ohio State may have been expecting a rollout, but that doesn’t mean they could have stopped it.

The brawl. I would love to sit here and say that the Buckeyes started it and they’re clearly the enemy, but that was instigated by a crew of Michigan players who were intentionally crowding freshman returner Dontre Wilson after the play. Wilson needs to be smarter and not let stuff like that get to him, but the Michigan guys lit the match. I was glad that more players weren’t ejected, but there probably could have been a couple more if the referees wanted to really take control. As it turned out, things worked in Michigan’s favor, since all they lost was special teamer Royce Jenkins-Stone; the Buckeyes lost an integral part of their offense and special teams in Wilson and a starting offensive guard, Marcus Hall, who proceeded to give two middle fingers to Michigan’s crowd as he went to the tunnel, all the while stomping and throwing things in a childish temper tantrum. Hopefully that will result in a suspension for Hall.

Michigan was in a bad place defensively. I have made no secret of not being a fan of Josh Furman’s abilities at safety, and he was the culprit on a couple big plays, including a 53-yard touchdown pass to Devin Smith. Starting safety Jarrod Wilson was supposedly in a cast on the sideline, so I guess he wasn’t an option, but Furman just isn’t up to snuff as a safety. Despite very good speed, he doesn’t recognize routes or read plays very well. It looks like he’ll be in line to start next to Wilson next year, since both Courtney Avery and Thomas Gordon graduate, so hopefully his extended experience this season helps him improve. Meanwhile, the Wolverines were missing leading tackler James Ross after he got injured against Iowa last week. As far as I know, Ohio State was at full strength on defense, but the Wolverines’ loss of two key players defensively – and the absence of placekicker Brendan Gibbons, who might have nailed a field goal instead of forcing Hoke to go for it on an ill-fated fourth down – could have made a difference.

Devin Gardner’s fumble wasn’t a fumble. His knees were down when the ball came out. Replay should have overturned the fumble. At the very least, the call should have “stood” but the referee said replay “confirmed” the fumble. Of course, that last sentence is pretty inconsequential.

The running backs are good? Freshman De’Veon Smith led the team with 7 carries for 57 yards, including a 38-yarder. His lack of breakaway speed was apparent, so hopefully people will stop saying that he’s fast just because he ran away from a bunch of tiny kids at Warren Howland; but he did break a solid tackle attempt on that 38-yarder, so that’s something. Senior Fitzgerald Toussaint had 5 carries for 33 yards and 1 touchdown, along wtih 4 receptions for 48 yards. Freshman Derrick Green had 12 carries for 47 yards. Overall, those guys combined for 24 carries, 137 yards, and 1 touchdown, which is a pretty solid day.

The offensive line is good? Hahahaha, just kidding, guys. No, the offensive line isn’t good, but it has improved over the past few weeks. Michigan State and Nebraska were the nadir of the line, and now it has progressed to a mediocre level. I’ve said for a couple years that I think 2014 is where the offensive line starts to get it together, despite the losses of Taylor Lewan and Michael Schofield, the latter of whom has never particularly impressed me. However, those running backs mentioned above were tackled for a grand total of zero  losses, a clear improvement from weeks past. The line still allowed 6 tackles for loss thanks to 3 sacks of Gardner, a couple Gardner runs, and a Devin Funchess run.

Al Borges and Darrell Funk are saved? Boy, oh boy. If you’re an Al Borges hater, this performance might have been the worst thing for you. If Michigan came out and laid an egg offensively, I think Borges would have definitely been out the door after the season. He still might, but this makes it a tougher call. The same goes for Funk, the offensive line coach. Of course, Hoke and athletic director David Brandon are paid to look at things objectively, not just in the aftermath of one of Michigan’s best offensive performances this year. The overall product on the field has been subpar for the majority of the year. I like that Borges eventually capitulated to running bubble screens, the bubble screen draw, and various other screens, but it took too long for Michigan to get away from running power and iso this year. The Wolverines had a heyday with screens to Funchess, Gallon, Toussaint, and Butt in this game, and for good reason.

This was a great game. Even without Michigan’s final touchdown, this was a great game. Michigan could have pulled off a whopper of an upset, and even though they lost a heartbreaker, they should be proud of the game the played. Stepping back from the “Michigan should be winning these games more often” mindset that a lot of entitled fans have, this particular team was overmatched in every single phase of the game. Ohio State’s closest win this season was a 7-point victory against Wisconsin, and their Big Ten wins this year have averaged a score of 47-20. When I did my game preview, I felt that Ohio State was better at running the ball, throwing the ball, stopping the run, and stopping the pass . . . and the statistics backed that up. On top of those categories, the Buckeyes had momentum and a championship-winning head coach on their side. All those advantages added up to a one-point victory. Regardless of what teams 1 through 133 accomplished, team 134 should be proud of its effort and execution yesterday.

Video: The enemy is made of people, too

Ohio sports anchor Dom Tiberi’s daughter was killed in a car accident in mid-September, prompting the Buckeyes to give him a hug as they went out for their next game.

Preview: Michigan vs. Ohio State

Rush Offense vs. Ohio Sate Rush Defense
Michigan is now 101st in yards/game with 129 and #114 with just 3.16 yards/carry. It’s ugly. Michigan’s interior offensive line is getting abused on a weekly basis, and there’s no help in sight. Long-time starter Fitzgerald Toussaint is averaging 3.4 yards/carry, while freshman Derrick Green has taken the bulk of the carries for the past couple weeks and is still averaging only 3.1 yards/carry. Quarterback Devin Gardner is Michigan’s big-play threat in the running game, but he looks battered and a step slower than he did in the first half of the year. The Wolverines have allowed 102 tackles for loss so far this year, second-worst in the nation to Idaho. Ohio State is #6 in the country and giving up just 95 yards/game on the ground, along with a 2.89 yards/carry average, which is good for #3 in the country. Their leading tackler is junior weakside linebacker Ryan Shazier (6’2″, 230 lbs.) with 109 stops, followed by redshirt senior free safety C.J. Barnett (6’1″, 204 lbs.) with 61. Yes, the leading tackler has 48 more tackles than the next guy. The entire front four was recruited by Michigan coming out of high school – freshman strongside end Joey Bosa (6’5″, 275 lbs.), junior defensive tackle Michael Bennett (6’3″, 285 lbs.), junior nose tackle Joel Hale (6’4″, 310 lbs.), and sophomore weakside end Noah Spence (6’4″, 252 lbs.). Shazier leads the team with a whopping 20.5 tackles for loss, while Spence, Bennett, and Bosa have 12.5, 10, and 9, respectively, and the Buckeyes rank #26 in the country with 75 tackles for loss as a team. The front four are going to overwhelm Michigan’s offensive line, and Shazier is going to be free to roam.
Advantage: Ohio State

Pass Offense vs. Ohio State Pass Defense
Michigan has been tumbling in their pass efficiency, now ranking #46 in the nation (138.5) in that category, along with #63 at 234 yards passing/game. Gardner completes just 58.7% of his passes and has thrown 17 touchdowns to 11 interceptions. Wide receiver Jeremy Gallon has surpassed a thousand yards and now sits at 71 catches for 1,109 yards and 8 touchdowns. Tight end/wide receiver hybrid Devin Funchess is a 6’5″, 235 lb. mismatch nightmare who has 43 catches for 686 yards and 5 scores, although Michigan rarely goes to him in the red zone. Gardner has been sacked 32 times, good enough for #112 in the country. Ohio State is #81 in passing defense, giving up 238 yards/game through the air with a 122.7 passer rating allowed (#50). They have made 13 interceptions, which is #34 in the nation, and the leading interceptors are cornerbacks redshirt junior Bradley Roby (5’11”, 192 lbs.) and junior Doran Grant (5’11”, 191 lbs.), both of whom have 3 picks and 1 touchdown. Spence leads the team with 7 sacks, while Shazier is just behind with 6.5; overall, the Buckeyes are #2 in that category with 36 on the year. Last year backup defensive tackle Adolphus Washington beat All-America left tackle Taylor Lewan for a sack, so one can only imagine what this front will do to Michigan’s line this year. Michigan’s receivers can beat OSU’s secondary if Gardner has time, but that’s a tall order.
Advantage: Ohio State

Rush Defense vs. Ohio State Rush Offense
The Wolverines give up just 116 yards/game, good enough for #14 in the country, and the 3.23 yards/carry allowed is #15. It’s a very solid crew. The problem last week against Iowa arose when third-leading tackler Desmond Morgan (69), the middle linebacker, left in the first quarter with an injury, only to be followed out of the game by leading tackler James Ross (81), the weakside linebacker. Weakside end Frank Clark leads the team with 12.5 tackles for loss, and both strongside linebacker and utility defensive lineman Jibreel Black have 7.5 on the year. The Buckeyes have an experienced offensive line with fifth year senior Jack Mewhort (6’6″, 308 lbs.), senior Andrew Norwell (6’6″, 316 lbs.), fifth year senior Corey Linsley (6’3″, 297 lbs.), fifth year senior Marcus Hall (6’5″, 315 lbs.), and sophomore Taylor Decker (6’7″, 315 lbs.) from left to right. That’s a significant size advantage compared to Michigan’s undersized defensive front. Ohio State gains 315 yards/game on the ground (#6 nationally) and averages 6.91 yards/carry (#1). They’re led by senior Carlos Hyde (6’0″, 235 lbs.;1,064 yards, 13 touchdowns), junior quarterback Braxton Miller (6’2″, 215 lbs.; 738 yards, 5 touchdowns), and redshirt senior Jordan Hall (5’9″, 191 lbs.; 519 yards, 8 touchdowns). Every offensive player who has notched a carry this season averages 5.32 yards per carry or higher. This is strength against strength but . . .
Advantage: Ohio State

Pass Defense vs. Ohio State Pass Offense
Michigan is the #80 pass defense in the nation in giving up 237 yards/game through the air, but they’re #32 in passer efficiency rating allowed (118.17). Blake Countess grabbed his fifth interception of the year last week, and Raymon Taylor pulled in his fourth; those two have combined for the most interceptions by a cornerback duo since Charles Woodson (8) and Andre Weathers (2) combined for 10 picks in 1997. Overall, Michigan is #13 nationally in that category with 16 picks. The Wolverines are 69th with 21 quarterback takedowns, led by Clark and Cameron Gordon with 5 and 4, respectively. Ohio State throws for 216 yards/game, which is 77th in the nation. Miller and fifth year senior backup Kenny Guiton (6’3″, 208 lbs.) have combined for a 164.92 passer rating, though, which is #8. They don’t need to throw the ball as much when they run it so well. Miller has 19 touchdowns and 4 interceptions, while Guiton has 12 and 2. I mention both because Guiton is a very capable passer who started some games while Miller was hurt and still plays in certain packages because of his abilities; Guiton could probably start for most other Big Ten teams. The Buckeyes spread out the ball well, although defenses have adjusted to junior Devin Smith (6’1″, 198 lbs.; 40 catches, 591 yards, 7 touchdowns) as a big play threat. Senior Corey Brown (6’0″, 190 lbs.) leads the team with 49 receptions for 596 yards and 9 scores. Junior tight end Jeff Heuerman (6’6″, 252 lbs.), the son of a former Michigan basketball player, has 22 catches for 314 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Buckeyes have allowed just 13 sacks this year, good enough for #11 in the country. The Wolverines have improved their passing defense in recent weeks and might be able to prevent big plays, but Miller’s scrambling ability and the lack of a pass rush should allow the Buckeyes to march the ball down the field.
Advantage: Ohio State

Roster Notes

• Players who held Michigan offers include CB Eli Apple, OT Darryl Baldwin, TE Marcus Baugh, DE Michael Bennett, S Devan Bogard, DE Joey Bosa, S Corey Brown, CB Cameron Burrows, CB Gareon Conley, OT Taylor Decker, OT Kyle Dodson, RB Bri’onte Dunn, LB Curtis Grant, CB Doran Grant, DT Joel Hale, RB Jordan Hall, OG Marcus Hall, TE Jeff Heuerman, DT Michael Hill, QB Cardale Jones, OT Evan Lisle, QB Braxton Miller, DE Steve Miller, OG Billy Price, CB Armani Reeves, DE Chris Rock, DT Tommy Schutt, WR Devin Smith, DE Noah Spence, S Ron Tanner, S Jayme Thompson, TE Nick Vannett, DE Adolphus Washington, and LB Camren Williams
• DE Chris Rock signed with Michigan in 2011 and redshirted that year before quitting the team and walking on at Ohio State prior to the 2013 season.
• CB Gareon Conley was once committed to Michigan.
• Graduate assistant Bryant Haines was a Butkus Award finalist under Brady Hoke when Hoke was head coach at Ball State.
• The only Michigan native on Ohio State’s roster is freshman walk-on OG Ben Moffitt from Shelby Township (MI) Eisenhower.

Visitors
Here’s a link to the lengthy visitors list for this weekend.


Predictions

• We see Shane Morris at QB for an extended time, which will not go well.
• Carlos Hyde runs over Michigan’s defense for 160 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Michigan’s quarterbacks get sacked 6 times and throw 2 picks.
• Devin Funchess has a big game.
• Ohio State 31, Michigan 17

Last Time They Played . . . 

• Devin Gardner went 11/20 for 171 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception
• Roy Roundtree had a 75-yard touchdown catch
• Denard Robinson ran 10 times for 122 yards, including a 67-yard touchdown
• Ohio State 26, Michigan 21

Visitors: Michigan vs. Ohio State

Joshua Alabi – DT – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Alabi is a 6’5″, 270 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Tennessee, and others. The Volunteers appear to be the early favorite. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, #29 OT, and #270 overall. UPDATE: Alabi will be headed to MSU instead.


Jason Alessi – S – Birmingham (MI) Brother Rice: Alessi is a 6’0″, 170 lb. prospect for 2014 with offers from Air Force, Akron, Harvard, and Yale. He’s committed to Michigan as a lacrosse player but was recently offered a preferred walk-on spot with the Wolverines. (Highlights.)

Trevon Avery – CB – Grand Blanc (MI) Grand Blanc: Avery is a 6’1″, 165 lb. prospect for 2015 with no offers at this time. He’s a 3-star quarterback to Scout. He’s also the younger brother of Michigan senior defensive back Courtney Avery.

Jerome Baker – LB – Cleveland (OH) St. Benedictine: Baker is a 6’1″, 205 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Florida, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Ohio State, and Tennessee, among others. He recently declared Ohio State his clear #1, and it would be a huge surprise if he went anywhere else. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, #6 ATH, and #66 overall. (Highlights.)

Kei Beckham – CB – Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison: Beckham is a 6’0″, 155 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Cincinnati, Illinois, and Kentucky, among others. He’s a former teammate of Michigan freshman defensive back Reon Dawson and linebacker Mike McCray. (Highlights.)

Ian Bunting – TE – Hinsdale (IL) Central: Bunting committed to Michigan in April.

George Campbell – WR – Tarpon Springs (FL) East Lake: Campbell committed to Michigan in August.


Freddy Canteen – WR – Elkton (MD) Eastern Christian Academy: Canteen committed to Michigan in June.


Stefan Claiborne – WR – Clinton Township (MI) Chippewa Valley: Claiborne is a 6’1″, 168 lb. prospect for 2016 with no offers at this time. He also visited Ann Arbor a couple weeks ago for the Nebraska game. (Highlights.)


Brian Cole – WR – Saginaw (MI) Heritage: Cole is a 6’2″, 190 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Tennessee, among others. Rumors keep swirling about him going back and forth between favoring Michigan and MSU, so it’s anybody’s guess right now. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, #5 ATH, and #58 overall. (Highlights.)


Mason Cole – OG – Tarpon Springs (FL) East Lake: Cole committed to Michigan back in February.

C.J. Conrad – TE – La Grange (OH) Keystone: Conrad is a 6’5″, 225 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Duke, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, #8 TE, and #228 overall. As a junior in 2013, he had 59 receptions for 924 yards and 14 touchdowns. (Highlights.)


Jashon Cornell – DE – St. Paul (MN) Cretin-Derham Hall: Cornell is a 6’4″, 245 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from just about everywhere. He’s a 247 Composite 5-star, #1 WDE, and #15 overall. So far he’s the only weakside end Michigan has offered in the class of 2015, and that appears to be purposeful as Michigan pursues him as their #1 guy. Cretin Derham is known for sending guys to Notre Dame, but they’ve had a number of elite recruits in recent years (Michael Floyd, James Onwualu, Seantrel Henderson) so it’s worth keeping up a good relationship. (Highlights.)


Shaun Crawford – CB – Lakewood (OH) St. Edward: Crawford committed to Michigan in August. UPDATE: Crawford can no longer attend the game.


Andrew David – K – Massillon (OH) Washington: David committed to Michigan in June.


Messiah DeWeaver – QB – Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison: DeWeaver is a 6’2″, 180 lb. prospect for 2016 with an offer from Louisville. He has visited Michigan several times and camped in Ann Arbor this past June. He attends the alma mater of current Michigan linebacker Michael McCray. (Highlights.)


David Edwards – QB – Downers Grove (IL) North: Edwards is a 6’6″, 225 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Illinois, Indiana, Syracuse, and Vanderbilt. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, #42 ATH, and #348 overall. Michigan is looking at him partially as a quarterback, but he also might be a tight end, and I think that’s the position where Edwards would be more likely to find a slot from Michigan, in my opinion. (Highlights.)


Brendan Ferns – LB – St. Clairsville (OH) St. Clairsville: Ferns is a 6’3″, 208 lb. prospect for 2016 with no offers at this time. He’s the younger brother of 2014 Michigan linebacker commit Michael Ferns.

Michael Ferns III – LB – St. Clairsville (OH) St. Clairsville: Ferns committed to Michigan in August of last year.


Jimmy Fitzgerald – QB – Champaign (IL) Centennial: Fitzgerald is a 6’3″, 205 lb. prospect for 2015 with a lone FBS offer from Illinois. As a sophomore in 2012, he completed 96/195 passes for 1,300 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He’s a 247 Composite 3-star, #26 pro-style QB, and #529 overall. Fitzgerald is one of the handful of quarterbacks that have been in touch with Michigan’s coaching staff.


Desmond Fitzpatrick – WR – Farmington (MI) Farmington: Fitzpatrick is a 6’0″, 170 lb. prospect for 2016 with offers from Indiana, Ohio, and Toledo. He has visited Michigan a couple times this season and also camped in Ann Arbor last June. (Highlights.)

Zach Gentry – QB – Albuquerque (NM) Eldorado: Gentry is a 6’6″, 215 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Louisville, New Mexico, New Mexico State, and San Diego State.

Lawrence Gordon – DE – Saginaw (MI) Arthur Hill: Gordon is a 6’5″, 230 lb. prospect for 2016 with no offers at this time. He has visited Michigan a couple times and appears to be one of the top few in-state prospects for his class.

Dele Harding – LB – Elkton (MD) Eastern Christian Academy: Harding is a 6’1″, 218 lb. prospect for 2016 with offers from UMass, Tennessee, and USC. He’s a teammate of 2014 Michigan commits Freddy Canteen and Brandon Watson. He visited Ann Arbor with his teammates back in July and genuinely seemed interested in Michigan at the time those two committed, partly because Michigan’s coaches intimated to him that he would be offered down the road but felt it was too early to offer many 2016 guys.


Damien Harris – RB – Berea (KY) Madison Southern: Harris committed to Michigan in August. He is having an outstanding junior season and was recently ranked the #17 overall prospect in his class by ESPN.


Drake Harris – WR – Grand Rapids (MI) Christian: Harris committed to Michigan in April. He did not play during his senior season due to a serious hamstring injury suffered in the preseason.

Daelin Hayes – LB – Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary’s: Hayes is a 6’2″, 210 lb. prospect for 2016 with no offers at this time. The younger brother of Michigan redshirt sophomore running back Justice Hayes, Daelin has visited Penn State and Notre Dame in recent weeks and appears enamored with those squads. The fact that his brother is mostly buried on the depth chart probably does not help.

Lavert Hill – CB – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Hill is a 5’11”, 165 lb. prospect for 2016 with no offers at this time. He’s the younger brother of Michigan freshman safety Delano Hill. He has visited Michigan for most home games this year.


Justin Hilliard – LB – Cincinnati (OH) St. Xavier: Hilliard is a 6’2″, 225 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Alabama, Iowa, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Ohio State, among others. His brother C.J. Hilliard is a 2014 commit to the Hawkeyes. I did a scouting report on Hilliard a couple weeks ago.


Elijah Holyfield – RB – Atlanta (GA) Woodward Academy: Holyfield is a 5’11”, 190 lb. prospect for 2016 with a lone offer from Boston College. As a freshman in 2012, he had 66 carries for 645 yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s the son of famed boxer Evander Holyfield. (Highlights.) UPDATE: Holyfield no longer plans to attend.


Joshua Jackson – WR – Saline (MI) Saline: Jackson is a 6’1″, 180 lb. prospect for 2016 with no offers at this time. He’s the younger brother of Michigan senior wideout Jeremy Jackson and the son of running backs coach Fred Jackson.


Sterling Jenkins – OT – Pittsburgh (PA) Baldwin: Jenkins is a 6’8″, 305 lb. prospect for 2015. I did a scouting report on him a few weeks ago.


Nick Johns – QB – Washington (DC) Gonzaga: Johns is a 6’3″, 215 lb. prospect for 2015 with an offer from Virginia. He’s another on the short list of quarterbacks Michigan has been in contact with for the upcoming recruiting cycle. He’s a 247 Composite 3-star, #30 pro-style QB, and #575 overall. (Highlights.)


Tyree Kinnel – S – Huber Heights (OH) Wayne: Kinnel committed to Michigan in August.


Darrin Kirkland, Jr. – LB – Indianapolis (IN) Lawrence Central: Kirkland is a 6’2″, 215 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Illinois, Indiana, Louisville, Northwestern, and Virginia Tech, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, #9 ILB, and #245 overall. He also visited for the Nebraska game. (Highlights.)


Thiyo Lukusa – OT – Traverse City (MI) West: Lukusa is a 6’5″, 300 lb. prospect for 2016 with an offer from Michigan State. He has visited Michigan a couple times this season and also camped in Ann Arbor in June. (Highlights.) UPDATE: Lukusa is no longer planning to attend.

Kendric Mallory – WR – Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison: Mallory is a 6’2″, 175 lb. prospect for 2014 with an offer from Illinois. He’s also the former teammate of Reon Dawson and Mike McCray.

Corey Malone-Hatcher – DE – St. Joseph (MI) St. Joseph: Malone-Hatcher is a 6’3″, 205 lb. prospect for 2017 with no offers at this time.

Alex Malzone – QB – Birmingham (MI) Brother Rice: Malzone is a 6’2″, 185 lb. prospect for 2015 with an offer from Bowling Green. He’s perhaps Michigan’s top in-state quarterback target for the class, but likely a second-level option if other national targets don’t pan out. (Highlights.)


Lawrence Marshall – DE – Southfield (MI) Southfield: Marshall committed to Michigan in May. Earlier in the spring, he had been committed to Ohio State.


Jalen Martin – WR – Harper Woods (MI) Chandler Park Academy: Martin is a 6’2″, 180 lb. prospect for 2016 with a lone offer from Eastern Michigan. He attends the alma mater of Michigan freshman wide receiver Csont’e York.


Ostell Martin – OT – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Martin is a 6’5″, 315 lb. prospect for 2016 with no offers at this time. He visited Michigan’s campus a couple times back in the spring.


Malik McDowell – DE – Southfield (MI) Southfield: McDowell is a 6’7″, 290 lb. prospect for 2014 with offers from all over the country. He has alternately been rumored to be a Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, and USC lean, but the current vibe is that Michigan would be the choice if he picked today.


Tanner Muse – LB – Belmont (NC) South Point: Muse is a 6’3″, 207 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Clemson, Michigan, North Carolina, and North Carolina State, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, #17 safety, and #297 overall, although I believe he’ll be a linebacker in college. UPDATE: Muse no longer plans to attend.


Michael Onwenu – DT – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Onwenu is a 6’2″, 310 lb. prospect for 2016 with no offers at this time.

Brady Pallante – DT – Naples (FL) Barron Collier: Pallante committed to Michigan in April as a greyshirt and became a full scholarship member of the 2014 class earlier this week.

Jacques Patrick – RB – Orlando (FL) Timber Creek: Patrick is a 6’1″, 210 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Miami, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, USC, Wisconsin, and numerous others. He claims a 4.51 forty and is a 247 Composite 4-star, #7 RB, and #82 overall. As a sophomore in 2012, he had 231 carries for 2,032 yards and 29 touchdowns. It will likely be an in-state battle for his services, but he was excited about his Michigan offer and has a cousin coaching at Detroit King. (Highlights.) UPDATE: Patrick can no longer attend the game.

Donovan Peoples-Jones – WR – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Peoples-Jones is a 6’1″, 170 lb. prospect for 2017 with no offers at this time.

Jabrill Peppers – CB – Paramus (NJ) Catholic: Peppers committed to Michigan in May. He’s in the midst of an outstanding senior season and was named 247 Sports’ #3 overall player. UPDATE: Peppers’ playoff practice schedule will prevent him from visiting this weekend.


Martell Pettaway – RB – St. Clair Shores (MI) South Lake: Pettaway is a 5’9″, 185 lb. prospect for 2016 with no offers at this time. He has visited Michigan several times early in the process. (Highlights.)


Giovanni Rescigno – QB – Warren (MI) De La Salle: Rescigno is a 6’4″, 210 lb. prospect for 2014. He has no scholarship offers but was recently offered a preferred walk-on spot with the Wolverines. He has visited several times and is the teammate of 2014 Michigan commit Jared Wangler and best friends with freshman QB Shane Morris.


Darian Roseboro – DE – Lincolnton (NC) Lincolnton: Roseboro is a 6’4″, 265 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Auburn, Clemson, Michigan, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Ohio State, and Tennessee, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, #7 SDE, and #97 overall. UPDATE: Roseboro can no longer attend the game.

Joshua Ross – LB – Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary’s: Ross is a 6’2″, 190 lb. prospect for 2017 with offers from Oklahoma and Michigan State. He’s the younger brother of Michigan sophomore linebacker James Ross.


Tommy Roush – OG – Traverse City (MI) West: Roush is a 6’3″, 270 lb. prospect for 2016 with no offers at this time. He camped at Michigan back in June and also visited for a game earlier this season.


Prince Sammons – DE – Cincinnati (OH) Hills Christian Academy: Sammons is a 6’8″, 260 lb. prospect for 2016 with an offer from Cincinnati.

Wilton Speight – QB – Richmond (VA) Collegiate: Speight committed to Michigan in February. He recently completed a solid season.


Erik Swenson – OT – Downers Grove (IL) South: Swenson is a 6’7″, 285 lb. prospect for 2016 with offers from Illinois, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Ohio State, among others. He has long declared Michigan his leader. (Highlights.)


Demetric Vance – WR – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Vance is a 6’1″, 170 lb. prospect for 2016 with no offers at this time. He has garnered some hype for being perhaps the best wide receiver prospect out of Cass Tech in a while, but he still has a couple years to develop.

Jared Wangler – LB – Warren (MI) De La Salle: Wangler committed to Michigan in August.


Brandon Watson – CB – Elkton (MD) Eastern Christian Academy: Watson committed to Michigan in June.

Maurice Ways – WR – Detroit (MI) Country Day: Ways committed to Michigan in April. Here’s a look at how his senior season went.

Mike Weber – RB – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Weber is a 5’10”, 195 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Ohio State, and Tennessee. Michigan was the early favorite, but he seems to be leaning toward MSU after fellow 2015 running back Damien Harris committed to Michigan a few months ago. (Highlights.) UPDATE: Weber is no longer able to attend the game.


Tyrone Wheatley, Jr. – TE – Manlius (NY) Canisius: Wheatley is a 6’6″, 235 lb. prospect for 2016 with offers from Alabama, Michigan, Penn State, and others. He’s the son of Tyrone Wheatley, a former Michigan and NFL running back who is the current running backs coach for the Buffalo Bills. The presumed favorite is the Wolverines.


Jhonny Williams – DE – Berrien Springs (MI) Berrien Springs: Williams is a 6’6″, 237 lb. prospect for 2014 who is committed to Missouri. He has also received a Notre Dame offer, and while Michigan’s offer is intriguing, it seems that his choice will come down to Mizzou or the Fighting Irish. (Highlights.) UPDATE: Williams will not be in attendance, and he changed his commitment to the Fighting Irish.

Mykelti Williams – S – Indianapolis (IN) Warren Central: Williams is a 6’0″, 195 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Akron, Indiana, and Ole Miss. He claims a 4.5 forty and is a 247 Composite 3-star, #35 safety, and #565 overall. (Highlights.)

Reagan Williams – LB – Jackson (OH) Jackson: Williams is a 6’3″, 232 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Kent State and Ohio. As a sophomore in 2012, he had 94 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks. (Highlights.)


Khari Willis – RB – Jackson (MI) Lumen Christi: Willis is a 6’0″, 187 lb. prospect for 2015 with no offers at this time. (Highlights.)


Chase Winovich – LB – Clairton (PA) Thomas Jefferson: Winovich committed to Michigan in June. He just completed an impressive senior season of playing quarterback and linebacker.