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2015 Season Countdown: #68 Blake Bars

Blake Bars

Name: Blake Bars
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 281 lbs.
High school: Nashville (TN) Montgomery Bell
Position: Offensive guard
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #62
Last year: I ranked Bars #76 and said he would be a third string guard. He did not see game action.

Well, Bars is moving up in the world – he went from #77 in 2013 to #76 in 2014, and now he’s all the way up to #68 in the countdown. I said last year that Bars would be a third-stringer, and that held true. He did not play at all despite the early blowout against Appalachian State when it seemed like everyone got in the game.

It’s Bars’s fourth year on campus, and he’s still listed at 281 lbs. That’s not a good number for an offensive lineman in the Big Ten. So far he has only played in one game, that coming during the 2013 season. While he has taken snaps in practice at almost every position across the offensive line, including center, there are other backups ahead of him at each position: center (Patrick Kugler), guard (David Dawson), and tackle (Logan Tuley-Tillman). Unless injuries devastate the offensive line, Bars probably won’t be anything more than a mop-up guy.

Prediction: Backup offensive guard

Visitors: June 26-28, 2015

Egg Harbor City (NJ) Cedar Creek wide receiver Ahmir Mitchell

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With the exception of Gary, the players below will be in town Wednesday through Friday.

2016
Rashan Gary – DT – Paramus (NJ) Catholic: I wrote a scouting report on Gary back in May (LINK). His Crystal Ball has 44% of votes in favor of Alabama and 38% for Michigan.

Brad Hawkins – WR – Camden (NJ) Camden: Hawkins is a 6’1″, 202 lb. prospect with offers from Auburn, Florida, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Rutgers, and South Carolina, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #38 wide receiver, #203 overall, and #7 in the Garden State. As a junior in 2014, he caught 51 passes for 748 yards and 11 touchdowns while also rushing for 255 yards and 2 scores; on defense, he made 40 tackles and 3 picks, all 3 of which he returned for touchdowns. Michigan and South Carolina seem to be the two front-runners. UPDATE: Hawkins rescheduled his visit for July 18th.

Hit the jump for the rest of the visitors.

Ron Johnson, Jr. – DE – Camden (NJ) Camden: I did a scouting report on Johnson in late May (LINK). Much like teammate Hawkins, the choice seems to be between Michigan and South Carolina.

Ahmir Mitchell – WR – Egg Harbor City (NJ) Cedar Creek: Mitchell is a 6’3″, 206 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Rutgers, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #6 athlete, #77 overall, and #3 in his state. As a junior in 2014, he caught 47 passes for 881 yards and 12 touchdowns. I have heard some talk that some teams see Mitchell as a tight end eventually, but I think he looks like a guy who can remain at wide receiver. The Brady Hoke staff’s recruitment of Mitchell tailed off since they were basically the only team recruiting him as a safety, but things have picked up now and 77% of the 247 Sports Crystal Balls are in favor of Michigan.

Naseir Upshur – TE – Philadelphia (PA) Imhotep: I also did a scouting report on Upshur (LINK). Miami leads with 50% of the Crystal Balls, but Michigan is second with 29%. The Wolverines have also offered his teammate, 2016 offensive guard Johncarlo Valentin.

2017
Cesar Ruiz – C – Camden (NJ) Camden: Ruiz is a 6’4″, 290 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Auburn, Miami, North Carolina, Penn State, and Rutgers, among others. He’s a 247 Sports 4-star, the #1 center, and #257 overall for his class. There’s a good chance that Ruiz will be offered by Michigan on the visit, and if either or both of his teammates commit, that would be a strong pull to Ann Arbor for Ruiz.

2015 Season Countdown: #69 Andrew David

Andrew David

Name: Andrew David
Height: 5’9″
Weight: 170 lbs.
High school: Massillon (OH) Washington
Position: Kicker
Class: Freshman
Jersey number:
Last year: David was a senior in high school. He made 12/17 field goals (long of 58), averaged 37.5 yards/punt, and averaged 60.0 yards/kickoff.  He was a 247 Composite 3-star, the #9 kicker, and #1872 overall.
TTB Rating: N/A

David committed almost exactly two years ago today in June of 2013. Even through the coaching change, he stayed solid with Michigan and had a couple pretty good years. A solid all-around athlete, he also played baseball and tried out for the starting quarterback job (which was won by 2017 Ohio State commit Danny Clark). As a senior in 2014, he hit field goals of 58, 51, 50, and 49 yards, missing just once from 50+ yards.

Kicking situations are always iffy, especially when new guys arrive on the scene. David has practiced extensively without using a tee for kicks, but he has never been in front of over 100,000 peoples or on national television. Then again, his primary competition for the placekicking job (walk-on Kyle Seychel) has only stood on the sideline in front of that many people. David is an accomplished high school kicker, but maybe it will take some time for him to adjust to the pressure of the college game. I’m ranking him at #70 because Michigan has other guys who can do the job even if he starts and falters. My guess is that he does not begin the year as the placekicker or kickoff guy, and he almost certainly won’t be punting in college.

Prediction: Backup kicker

ESPN 300 for 2016 updated

Hartland (WI) Arrowhead offensive tackle Ben Bredeson is Michigan’s top-ranked recruit to ESPN

ESPN updated their top 300 players for 2016 (LINK). Here’s what it looked like back in April (LINK). Movement for Michigan commits:

– Ben Bredeson dropped from #53 to #56
– Brandon Peters dropped from #142 to #152
– Michael Onwenu jumped from off the list to #255
– Matt Falcon dropped from #243 to #258
– Erik Swenson dropped from #300 to being off the list

Hit the jump for the rest of Michigan’s offerees:

5-stars:
1. Rashan Gary – DT – NJ
2. Greg Little – OT – TX (Texas A&M)
4. Willie Allen – OT – LA
5. Ed Oliver – DT – TX (Houston)
8. Jacob Eason – QB – WA (Georgia)
9. Devin Asiasi – TE – CA
10. Levonta Taylor – CB – VA (Florida State)
11. Malik Henry – QB – CA (Florida State)
14. Lyndell Wilson – LB – AL

4-stars:
17. Dexter Lawrence – DT – NC
19. Trayvon Mullen – CB – FL
21. Kareem Walker – RB – NJ (Ohio State)
22. Dwayne Haskins, Jr. – QB – MD (Maryland)
24. Rahshaun Smith – DE – GA (Clemson)
25. Shea Patterson – QB – LA (Ole Miss)
26. Janarius Robinson – DE – FL (Florida State)
27. Brandon Jones – S – TX
28. Isaac Nauta – TE – GA (Florida State)
29. Jonah Williams – OT – CA (Alabama)
30. Kaden Smith – TE – TX (Stanford)
36. Marlon Davidson – DE – AL
37. K.J. Costello – QB – CA (Stanford)
39. Deontay Anderson – S – TX
40. Nate Craig-Myers – WR – FL
44. Mique Juarez – LB – CA (USC)
46. Nigel Knott – CB – MS
48. Jordan Elliott – DT – TX (Houston)
50. Devin Duvernay – WR – TX
51. Ben Davis – LB – AL
54. Michael Menet – OT – PA (Penn State)
55. John Broussard – CB – AL (Auburn)
56. Ben Bredeson – OT – WI (Michigan)
59. Liam Eichenberg – OT – OH (Notre Dame)
60. Caleb Kelly – LB – CA
64. Jauan Williams – OT – DC
65. Lokeni Toailoa – LB – CA (UCLA)
67. Patrick Bethel – DE – FL
69. Boss Tagaloa – DT – CA
70. Miles Sanders – RB – PA (Penn State)
71. Justin Madubuike – DE – TX
73. Daniel Joseph – DE – IL
74. Mecole Hardman – ATH – GA
75. Sam Bruce – WR – FL (Miami)
76. Rahssan Thornton – DE – Texas (LSU)
79. Demetris Robertson – WR – AL
85. Marquill Osborn – CB – NC (Tennessee)
86. Chris Owens – OG – TX (Alabama)
88. Josh Hammond – WR – FL (Florida)
89. Jean Delance – OT – TX
91. Kendell Jones – DT – TX (Alabama)
92. E.J. Price – OT – GA
95. Devin White – ATH – LA
98. Shaquille Quarterman – LB – FL (Miami)
99. Charlie Woerner – TE – GA
101. David Long, Jr. – CB – CA
103. Ron Johnson, Jr. – DE – NJ
105. Eric Cuffee – CB – TX
106. Eli Stove – WR – FL (Auburn)
112. Michael Jordan – OT – MI (Ohio State)
113. Chris Daniels – DT – TX
114. Erroll Thompson – LB – AL
115. Tyler Vaughns – WR – CA
120. Michael Eletise – OG – HI
121. Damar Hamlin – CB – PA
122. Clark Yarbrough – OT – VA (Stanford)
123. Diondre Overton – WR – NC
124. Marquel Dismuke – S – CA (Nebraska)
127. Khalid Kareem – DE – MI
128. Keyshon Camp – DT – FL
130. Isaiah Chambers – DE – TX
131. Austin Myers – OT – TX (TCU)
132. Lamar Jackson – ATH – CA
133. Carlin Fils-Aime – RB – FL
134. Landon Dickerson – OT – NC
136. Trevon Sidney – WR – CA
137. Terrance Davis – OG – MD
139. J.P. Urquidez – OT – TX (Baylor)
140. Robert Washington – RB – NC (Syracuse)
142. Ben Cleveland – OG – GA (Georgia)
143. Antonio Williams – RB – NC (Wisconsin)
146. Frank Martin II – OT – CA (USC)
147. Jordan Fuller – ATH – NJ
149. Jake Hausmann – TE – OH (Ohio State)
152. Brandon Peters – QB – IN (Michigan)
153. Auston Robertson – DE – IN (Michigan State)
155. Luke Farrell – TE – OH
156. Tommy Kraemer – OT – OH (Notre Dame)
157. Jarrett Guarantano – QB – NJ (Tennessee)
159. Naseir Upshur – TE – PA
162. Terrell Hall – DE – DC (Ohio State)
163. Elijah Holyfield – RB – GA
169. Richard Merritt – OG – DC
170. Jeffrey McCulloch – LB – TX
173. Xavier Kelly – DE – KS
176. Dylan Crawford – WR – CA
177. Devin Bush, Jr. – LB – FL
178. Joseph Jackson – DE – FL (Miami)
180. Joshua Jackson – QB – MI (Virginia Tech)
181. Byron Murphy – CB – AZ
182. Josh King – DE – IL (Michigan State)
183. Dontavious Jackson – LB – TX
185. Jacob Mathis – TE – FL
188. Tre Nixon – WR – FL
191. Brad Hawkins – WR – NJ
192. Michael Williams – DT – TX
199. Steffon McKnight – WR – CA
200. Jaylon Jones – S – TX
202. Jaquan Yulee – LB – VA (Alabama)
203. Erick Fowler – DE – TX (LSU)
211. Ahmir Mitchell – WR – NJ
213. Jared Mayden – CB – TX
214. Jamal Pettigrew – TE – LA (LSU)
215. Josh Imatorbhebhe – WR – GA (USC)
224. Chase Claypool – WR – BC
226. Daelin Hayes – LB – MI (USC)
229. Austin Mack – WR – IN (Ohio State)
230. Cohl Cabral – C – CA (Arizona State)
239. Austin Anderson – OT – TX (Texas A&M)
241. Romeo Finley – S – Florida
242. Cary Angeline – TE – PA
243. Steven Smothers – WR – MD
245. Tavares Chase – WR – FL (Clemson)
247. Justin Layne – WR – OH (Michigan State)
250. Matt Farniok – OT – SD
251. Nick Eubanks – TE – FL
255. Michael Onwenu – OG – MI (Michigan)
256. Cole Van Lanen – OT – WI (Wisconsin)
258. Matt Falcon – RB – MI (Michigan)
260. Cameron Lewis – S – LA (LSU)
264. C.J. Pollard – S – CA
265. Binjimen Victor – WR – FL
272. Donnie Corley – WR – MI
273. Demetric Felton – ATH – CA (UCLA)
275. Lavert Hill – CB – MI (Penn State)
281. Quayshon Alexander – DE – NJ (Nebraska)
285. Alton Robinson – DE – TX (Stanford)
294. Collin Johnson – WR – TX (Texas)

Recruiting Update: June 22, 2015

Lawrenceville (GA) Archer offensive tackle E.J. Price decommitted from Georgia

COMMITMENTS
Hartland (WI) Arrowhead offensive tackle Ben Bredeson committed to Michigan (LINK).

Pembroke Pines (FL) Flanagan safety/linebacker Devin Gil committed to Michigan (LINK).

Pembroke Pines (FL) Flanagan safety Josh Metellus committed to Michigan (LINK).

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2016
Sioux Falls (SD) Washington offensive tackle Matt Farniok was offered by Michigan. He’s a 6’6″, 290 lb. prospect with offers from Florida, Florida State, Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Penn State, and Wisconsin, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #22 offensive tackle, and #210 overall. Farniok is a pretty athletic, high-effort kid who destroys the South Dakota competition, which is not known for being all that talented. Regardless, it’s easy to see why high-level teams are intrigued.

Lawrenceville (GA) Archer offensive tackle E.J. Price decommitted from Georgia. He’s a 6’6″, 311 lb. prospect who holds offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and USC, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #9 offensive tackle, and #54 overall. Price grew up on the west side of Michigan, and the Wolverines were expecting to at least get a visit from him before he surprised a lot of people by committing to Georgia. He does plan to visit family in Michigan this summer, and a stop in Ann Arbor could very well happen at that time. Price’s teammates include 2017 defensive backs Isaiah Pryor and Jamyest Williams, both of whom have Michigan offers.

Hit the jump for a couple new 2017 offers, some guys who committed elsewhere, and some random bits.

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2017
Nashville (TN) Oakland wide receiver Jacoby Stevens was offered by Michigan. He’s a 6’2″, 200 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Tennessee, among others. He’s a 247 Sports 4-star, the #4 athlete, and #44 overall. Stevens could play anywhere from receiver to safety to linebacker at the next level.

New Orleans (LA) Brother Martin cornerback Tre Swilling was offered by Michigan. He’s a 6’0″, 180 lb. prospect whose other offer comes from LSU. His brother, Bruce Jordan-Swilling, was offered by the Wolverines a couple weeks ago, and they are the sons of former New Orleans Saints linebacker Pat Swilling.

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2018
Paramus (NJ) Catholic quarterback Allan Walters was offered by Michigan. He’s a 6’2″, 200 lb. prospect with offers from Rutgers and Temple. Walters is a pro-style quarterback with a pretty strong arm and good mechanics for such a young player. He’s the second quarterback offered in the 2018 class, joining Floridian Joey Gatewood, who is expected to end up at Florida State. Walters is also the teammate of several offerees, including 2016 defensive tackle Rashan Gary, 2016 wide receiver Donald Stewart, 2017 defensive end Corey Bolds, and 2017 linebacker Drew Singleton. Their former coach is Michigan’s recruiting coordinator.

OFF THE BOARD
Brownsburg (IN) Brownsburg running back Toks Akinribade committed to Iowa. Michigan was recruiting Akinribade even after Chris Evans committed a couple weeks ago, but a crowded backfield may have scared him off. Or maybe he just liked Iowa better. Akinribade did take a spring visit to Michigan, and he’s a teammate of offered 2017 quarterback Hunter Johnson.

Wayne (NJ) De Paul Catholic defensive end Quayshon Alexander committed to Nebraska. He’s a teammate of top running back Kareem Walker (Ohio State).

Carson (CA) Calabasas safety Marquel Dismuke committed to Nebraska. He was a recent decommit from Cal.

Downey (CA) Downey linebacker Darrian Franklin committed to Oregon. Franklin was initially excited about his Michigan offer, but he never visited. Michigan has also offered his teammate, Daevon Vigilant, who could play running back, wide receiver, cornerback, or returner.

Fayetteville (NC) Sanford cornerback Mark Gilbert committed to Duke.

Mililani (HI) Mililani running back Vavae Malepeai committed to Oregon. After the good vibes Marcus Mariota received from the fans and the school, Oregon probably earned a lot of favors in the state of Hawaii. Malepeai might not be a total burner, but he’s a sturdy running back with good vision. I think he’ll fit in well in Eugene.

West Hartford (CT) Kingswood-Oxford linebacker Koby Quansah committed to Duke. Previously, he had named Michigan to his top ten. Duke is pulling in quite a class, including three players (Gilbert, Quansah, and Virginia WR Scott Bracey) who had Michigan offers. They currently have the #16 class in the country using 247’s Composite rankings.

Jacksonville (FL) Trinity linebacker Dominique Ross committed to North Carolina. Michigan was not heavily involved in his recruitment.

Green Bay (WI) Bay Port offensive tackle Cole Van Lanen committed to Wisconsin. According to the 247 Composite, Van Lanen is the #2 player in the state for 2016. Who’s #1? Ben Bredeson. Interestingly, the top four  players in Wisconsin are offensive tackles.

MISCELLANEOUS
Norfolk (FL) Lake Taylor cornerback Wayne Davis named Michigan to his top three. The other two schools are Ohio State and Virginia Tech, and he has not visited Michigan yet, although he plans to do so this summer.

Farmington Hills (MI) Harrison defensive end Khalid Kareem is announcing his college decision – for a second time – on Wednesday, June 24th. Over on 247 Sports, 88% of the Crystal Ball picks are in favor of Michigan. He has taken visits in the last week and a half to Alabama, Mississippi State, and South Carolina.

Allen (TX) Allen defensive end Levi Onwuzurike named Michigan to his top ten. He and Greg Mattison have developed a good relationship, although probably not quite good enough to reel him in.

Tons – literally, I guess – of football prospects showed up for Michigan’s Exposure U and Aerial Assault camps over the last week (LINK). At the link you’ll find lots of the bigger names to attend, along with brief info blurbs about most of them.

Several players took visits to Michigan this past weekend (LINK).

Lots of stuff is going on with in-state recruiting. I’ll have several new profiles up this week as a lot more 2017 prospects have started earning offers at summer camps. Over on Recruiting Season . . . :

• West Bloomfield ATH Trishton Jackson committed to Michigan State
• Detroit Cass Tech CB Donovan Johnson (2017) was offered by Tennessee
• West Bloomfield CB Navon Mosley committed to Purdue
• Ypsilanti ATH Marquis Smith committed to Kansas