Visitors for the Nebraska Game

Tag: 2012 Recruiting

19Nov 2011
Uncategorized 5 comments

Visitors for the Nebraska Game

Bri’onte Dunn will be visiting Michigan this weekend.

Fenton (MI) Fenton P Kenny Allen: Allen is a 6’3″, 175 lb. punter who has already committed to walking on at Michigan next fall.  He had a scholarship offer from Oregon State but didn’t want to be called a Beaver for the rest of his life.

Cincinnati (OH) Colerain LB Joe Bolden: Bolden is a 6’2″, 225 lb. middle linebacker who will enroll at Michigan in January.

Wheaton (IL) St. Francis OT Kyle Bosch: Bosch is a 6’5″, 275 lb. offensive tackle from the class of 2013.  He was offered by the Wolverines a few weeks back and visited Michigan in September.

Canton (OH) Glenoak RB Bri’onte Dunn: Dunn is a 6’2″, 215 lb. running back who is currently “committed” to Ohio State unless the NCAA drops a bomb on Columbus, which should  happen but you never know.  Penn State is a distant third to OSU and Michigan.  Dunn’s cousin is 2013 safety Dymonte Thomas, who will also be visiting Ann Arbor this weekend.

Chelsea (MI) Chelsea RB Berkley Edwards: Edwards is a 5’8″, 165 lb. running back from the class of 2013.  He’s the younger brother of Braylon Edwards and the son of Stan Edwards, who played wide receiver and running back, respectively, at Michigan.  He currently has no scholarship offers.

Farmington Hills (MI) Harrison TE Devin Funchess: Funchess is a 6’5″, 205 lb. tight end who will be signing with Michigan in February.

Sylvania (OH) Southview S Allen Gant: Gant is a 6’2″, 210 lb. safety who will be signing with Michigan in February.

Birmingham (MI) Seaholm OT Dan Gibbs: Gibbs is a 6’7″, 320 lb. offensive tackle who caused me to get some angry e-mails when I mentioned him last because I stated that he wasn’t a Michigan-level recruit.  According to an e-mailer who will remain anonymous, offensive line coach Darrell Funk has remained in contact with Gibbs throughout the recruiting process.  I can only assume this would be in the hopes of convincing him to walk on.

Naperville (IL) North OG Colin Goebel: Goebel is a 6’4″, 275 lb. offensive guard from the class of 2013.  He’s the younger cousin of Ohio State defensive tackle Garrett Goebel.  Colin has offers from Eastern Michigan, Northern Illinois, and Toledo.  He has good size but doesn’t move his feet extremely well.  BCS offers are almost certainly on the way, but he’ll probably have to move from his high school position (offensive tackle) to guard.

Ann Arbor (MI) Pioneer RB Drake Johnson: Johnson is a 6’1″, 200 lb. running back who will have to walk all the way across the street to get to Michigan Stadium.

Muskegon (MI) Muskegon RB Juwan Lewis: Lewis is a 5’11”, 208 lb. fullback/tailback whose heart probably sank when Drake Johnson received his offer.  Lewis had been holding out for an offer from the Wolverines, but that probably won’t happen now.  Hopefully Lewis enjoys Michigan Stadium while he can.

Grand Blanc (MI) Grand Blanc DE Luke MacLean: MacLean is a 6’3″, 233 lb. defensive end from the class of 2013.  He was a high school teammate of freshman running back Justice Hayes.

Campbell (OH) Memorial DT Shaquon McWilson: McWilson is a 6’3″, 290 lb. defensive tackle from the class of 2013.  Information on McWilson is scarce, but I’m guessing he’s Scottish.

Toledo (OH) St. John’s DE Matt Miller: Miller is a 6’5″, 250 lb. defensive end from the class of 2013.  He already has an offer from Toledo, and he’s the younger brother of freshman center Jack Miller.

Warren (MI) De La Salle QB Shane Morris: Morris is a 6’3″, 183 lb. quarterback from the class of 2013.  He’s planning to sign with Michigan in February . . . of 2013.

Cadillac (MI) Cadillac OT Riley Norman: Norman is a 6’7″, 315 lb. offensive tackle from the class of 2013.  His only current offer is from Michigan State, and Norman is expected to end up in East Lansing, regardless of who else offers.

Farmington Hills (MI) Harrison DE Mario Ojemudia: Ojemudia is a 6’3″, 215 lb. defensive end who will sign with Michigan in February.

Warren (OH) Harding WR Jalyn Powell: Powell is a 6’1″, 185 lb. athlete from the class of 2013.  He could play wide receiver, cornerback, or safety at the next level.  Harding has produced several prospects who went to Michigan, including Mario Manningham and D.J. Williamson.  Powell has not received any offers thus far, but he has excellent change-of-direction skills and knows what to do with the ball in his hands.  I would not be surprised to see Michigan offer him at some point, for either side of the ball.

Clayton (OH) Northmont LB Kaleb Ringer: Ringer is a 6’0″, 219 lb. linebacker who will enroll at Michigan in January.

Cincinnati (OH) Oak Hills OG Caleb Stacey: Stacey is a 6’4″, 275 lb. offensive lineman who will sign with Michigan in February.

Crete (IL) Crete-Monee CB Anthony Standifer: Standifer is a 6’1″, 178 lb. cornerback who will sign with Michigan in February.

Alliance (OH) Marlington S Dymonte Thomas: Thomas is a 5’11”, 167 lb. safety who will sign with Michigan in February of 2013.

Beverly Hills (MI) Country Day DT Poet Thomas: Thomas is a 6’6″, 295 lb. defensive tackle from the class of 2013.  He has visited Michigan and Notre Dame up to this point but has no offers.  Based purely on his size, he’s bound to get some BCS offers, but he’s not an elite athlete at his position.

Toledo (OH) Central Catholic S Jayme Thompson: Thompson is a 6’2″, 184 lb. safety from the class of 2013.  He visited Michigan for the Purdue game a few weeks ago.  He only has offers from a couple MAC schools and West Virginia, but unfounded rumors popped up a couple days ago that he had been offered by Michigan.  That offer might be coming soon, though.

Crete (IL) Crete-Monee WR Laquon Treadwell: Treadwell is a 6’3″, 183 lb. wide receiver from the class of 2013.  His high school teammate is 2012 commit Anthony Standifer.  Treadwell has offers from both Michigan and Notre Dame, and others will be on their way.  He’s been rated early as a 4-star prospect.

Peoria (IL) Manual OT Logan Tuley-Tillman: Tuley-Tillman is a 6’7″, 280 lb. offensive tackle from the class of 2013.  He already holds offers from Illinois and Indiana.

Cincinnati (OH) Sycamore TE A.J. Williams: Williams is a 6’6″, 260 lb. tight end who will sign with Michigan in February.

Akron (OH) Buchtel S Jarrod Wilson: Wilson is a 6’2″, 190 lb. safety who will enroll at Michigan in January.

17Nov 2011
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2012 Recruiting: Senior Year Statistics

Ann Arbor (MI) Pioneer got a statistically dominant season out of Drake Johnson (#2 in white and purple)



Blake Bars – OT – Nashville (TN) Montgomery Bell
54 pancake blocks

Joe Bolden – LB – Cincinnati (OH) Colerain
86 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception returned for a touchdown; 1 receiving touchdown, 1 rushing touchdown, and a 39.0 yard average on 25 punts

Ben Braden – OT – Rockford (MI) Rockford
No stats available.

Pharaoh Brown – TE/DE – Lyndhurst (OH) Brush**
31 receptions, 499 yards (16.1 yards per catch), 7 touchdowns; 33 tackles, 9 sacks, 1 pass breakup, 1 forced fumble

Jehu Chesson – WR – St. Louis (MO) Ladue Horton Watkins
53 receptions, 757 yards, 6 touchdowns; 57 tackles, 2 interceptions

Jeremy Clark – S – Madisonville (KY) North Hopkins
70 tackles, 15 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, 3 interceptions (3 touchdowns), and 1 fumble recovery (1 touchdown)

Devin Funchess – TE/LB – Farmington Hills (MI) Harrison
21 receptions, 452 yards (21.5 yards per catch), 5 touchdowns; 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception, 3 pass breakups

Allen Gant – S/WR – Sylvania (OH) Southview
79 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 3 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles; 12 carries, 106 yards (8.8 yards per rush); 24 receptions, 419 yards (17.5 yards per catch), 4 touchdowns

Matt Godin – DE – Novi (MI) Catholic Central
90 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss

Willie Henry – DT – Cleveland (OH) GlenvilleNo stats available.

Sione Houma – FB – Salt Lake City (UT) Highland
93 carries, 790 yards (8.8 yards per carry), 8 touchdowns; 1 kickoff return touchdown

Royce Jenkins-Stone – LB/FB – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech
84 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries; 309 yards rushing, 5 touchdowns; 4 receptions, 43 yards, 1 touchdown

Drake Johnson – RB – Ann Arbor (MI) Pioneer
343 carries, 2,805 yards (8.2 yards per carry), 37 touchdowns; 5 receptions, 83 yards (16.6 yards per catch), 1 touchdown; 5-for-9 passing, 90 yards

Kyle Kalis – OL – Lakewood (OH) St. Edward’s
No stats available.

Erik Magnuson – OL/DE – Carlsbad (CA) La Costa Canyon
69 pancake blocks

Dennis Norfleet – RB – Detroit (MI) King2,033 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns

Mario Ojemudia – DE – Farmington Hills (MI) Harrison
80 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, 1 blocked punt

Ondre Pipkins – DT – Kansas City (MO) Park Hill
60 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 3 pass breakups

Terry Richardson – CB/WR – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech
49 tackles, 7 pass breakups; 24 receptions, 425 yards (17.7 yards per catch), 2 touchdowns; 1 kickoff return touchdown

Kaleb Ringer – LB – Clayton (OH) Northmont
59 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery, 1 pass breakup

James Ross – LB – Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary’s
138 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery; 1 touchdown reception

Caleb Stacey – OL – Cincinnati (OH)**
38 pancake blocks, 0 sacks allowed

Anthony Standifer – CB – Crete (IL) Crete-Monee**
46 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 4 interceptions (1 touchdown), 2 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery

Tom Strobel – DE – Mentor (OH) Mentor
55 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 33 quarterback hurries

A.J. Williams – TE – Cincinnati (OH) Sycamore
No stats available.

Jarrod Wilson – S – Akron (OH) Buchtel
71 tackles, 3 interceptions (1 touchdown), 1 blocked punt

Chris Wormley – DE – Toledo (OH) Whitmer
66 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, 1 pass breakup

**Decommitted from Michigan

9Nov 2011
Uncategorized 29 comments

Drake Johnson, Wolverine

Drake Johnson (#2 in white) pulls away from a couple Bedford Mules
(image via Toledo Blade)

Ann Arbor (MI) Pioneer running back Drake Johnson committed to Michigan on Tuesday morning.  Johnson received the offer and accepted on the spot.  He selected the Wolverines over an offer from Eastern Michigan, the only other school to pursue him.

Johnson is a 6’1″, 200 lb. runner who concentrated on track for most of his high school career.  He didn’t attend football camps like most recruits, so he’s slightly under the radar.  However, it’s hard to remain under the radar with a season like he’s having – that’s what happens when you rush for 2,757 yards and 37 touchdowns in your senior year, and it’s not even finished yet.  
As for strengths, Johnson is extremely speedy.  He’s a national-caliber hurdler and placed 3rd in the state in the hurdles . . . when he was a freshman in high school.  Johnson never seems to get caught from behind, and the only time opponents gain on him is when he jogs into the endzone.  When 200 pounds of that kind of speed gets going in one direction, he could be a load to take to the ground.  Hurdlers typically have excellent leg strength and Johnson should be able to turn that into an ability to run through tackles, or at least gain a couple yards after contact.  He also flashes the ability to catch the football naturally.
Now for the weaknesses, and there are several.  First of all, Johnson too often turns his shoulders to make his cuts.  This is a significant concern for me, because backs who turn their shoulders lose their momentum and get taken to the ground easier than if they run behind their pads.  A kid who overpowers high school defensive backs with his size and speed might be okay (and, in fact, is quite good), but that strategy won’t be so effective in college, when the safeties get a little beefier.  Running with square shoulders is kind of an instinctive thing to do, and since he hasn’t learned that yet, it’s unclear if he ever will.  There are some plays that make me question his vision and instinctive running ability, because he runs into his blockers too often and fails to elude some defenders that an elite back probably should.  Sometimes he looks as if he can’t decide whether he’s going to be a speed back or a power back.  And to get a little nit-picky, Johnson frequently holds the ball in his right hand when going left, which can be corrected.  Even nit-pickier, he’s a duck-footed runner.  It’s not that I have anything against people who are duck-footed, but it’s rare to see elite athletes with that kind of gait.  LeBron James is duck-footed, too, so it’s not impossible to be successful, but examples are limited.
There aren’t any recent comparisons for Johnson at Michigan.  He’s a sprinter with size, which the Wolverines haven’t had since Tyrone Wheatley . . . and Johnson is no Wheatley.  I have a hard time expecting success at the next level for Johnson, whose lack of cutting ability would seem to be detrimental.  However, once Michigan makes the full transition to a power running offense, I think Johnson will become a more viable option at tailback.  With his current size and frame, it’s not hard to see him bulking up to 220-230 lbs.  If he can maintain his speed, Johnson could be a successful back behind what looks to be a powerful offensive line in the coming years.  He could also contribute as a kick returner with his straight line speed.
TTB Rating: 73 (explanation of ratings)

30Oct 2011
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Recruit Tracker

Jarrod Wilson breaks up a pass against Firestone
OL Blake Bars and Montgomery Bell Academy (5-5) won a 35-0 contest over the Pope John Paul II Knights.
LB Joe Bolden and Colerain (9-1) won a 17-7 contest over Coca.
OL Ben Braden and his team the Rockford Rams (9-1) “rose up to turn away West Ottawa in Division 1 playoff opener,” winning by a score of 17-10.
DE Pharaoh Brown and the Brush Arcs (3-6) were defeated by Garfield Heights by a score of 41-27. Brown caught 9 passes for 105 yards in the Arcs final game of the season.
S Jeremy Clark of North Hopkins (8-2) went on the road and routed Crittenden County, 49-0.
TE Devin Funchess of Farmington Hills Harrison (10-0) won a 35-0 contest against Birmingham Seaholm in the first round of the 2011 Division 2 State Tournament. Funchess caught 2 passes for 19 yards and a touchdown.
S Allen Gant and the Southview Cougars (9-1) defeated Northview by a score of 35-6.
DL Matt Godin and Detroit Catholic Central (9-1) hosted Northville on Saturday and blew them out, 56-6, in a first round division playoff game. Matt texted that he recorded 10 tackles and 4 QB hurries.
FB Sione Houma’s Highland Rams (7-3) defeated Maple Mountain by a score of 42-20 to advance to the second round of the 4A state playoffs. Houma, who has been injured for a large portion of the season, appears to have regained his health. On Friday, he rushed for 205 yards on only 13 carries and scored 4 touchdowns.
LB Royce Jenkins-Stone and Detroit Cass Tech (7-3) got back to playing dominating football on Friday, pounding Livonia Churchill, 35-6. Next, they take on Dearborn Fordson in a Division 1 district final. Jenkins-Stone recorded 4 tackles and a sack to go with a 4-yard touchdown run.
OL Kyle Kalis and the Lakewood-St. Edwards Eagles (7-3) were plagued by turnovers and lost the “Holy War” against St. Ignatius by a score of 20-17. 11,000 people were reported to have attended the game.
OL Erik Magnuson and his team the La Costa Canyon Mavericks (6-2) won a 21-16 contest against Oceanside.
2013 QB Shane Morris and Warren De La Salle (8-2) defeated Roseville by a score of 48-14. Surprisingly, I couldn’t find Morris’ official stats, but “BrendanDavis22” went to the game and posted on the MGoBoard that Shane went 13-16 with 2 touchdowns and 0 picks but also dinged up his throwing hand a bit.
DL Mario Ojemudia and Farmington Hills Harrison (9-0) defeated Birmingham Seaholm by a score of 35-0. If you feel like shelling out a couple bucks, Mr. Tom VH has an article on Harrison and their pursuit of another state title.
DT Ondre Pipkins and his Park Hill Trojans (5-5) lost a 24-6 contest against Central.
CB Terry Richardson and Detroit Cass Tech (7-3) defeated Livonia Churchill, 35-6.
LB Kaleb Ringer and the Northmont Thunderbolts (4-6) won a 33-20 contest against Springfield.
LB James Ross and Orchard Lake St. Mary’s pummeled Detroit Pershing by a score of 56-6 to advance to the second round of the division 3 playoffs.
OL Caleb Stacey and Oak Hills (4-5) were defeated by Serrano, 21-14.
CB Anthony Standifer and his Crete-Monee (10-0) team defeated Bloomington, 63-14, to remain undefeated on the season. Standifer sat out the game with a dislocated shoulder, but teammate Laquon Treadwell, a 2013 wide receiver prospect, caught 3 touchdown passes, finishing with 6 catches for 119 yards. Treadwell even made an impact from the defensive end position, recording 1.5 sacks. “Playing defensive end helps with my hands and has made me a more aggressive player…I’m more physical now when I’m blocking,” Treadwell said.
DE Tom Strobel and his Mentor team (9-1) lost their first game of the season by a score of 38-35 against Twinsburg.
2013 S Dymonte Thomas and Marlington (7-2) won a 27-23 contest against Alliance.
TE AJ Williams and Sycamore (8-2) lost a 41-13 contest against Mason.
S Jarrod Wilson and his Akron squad Buchtel (6-4) won a 34-0 contest against Firestone. Wilson had his “best game of the season,” blocking a punt, making an interception and catching a TD pass. When asked about Wilson, Coach Ricky Powers said, “he’s going to Michigan. Need I say anything else?”
DL Christopher Wormley and the Toledo Whitmer Panthers (8-0) defeated Catholic Central by a score of 38-21. Ace was at the game and tweeted that Wormley was “active and aggressive…too much so at times…had a strong second half.” Josh Helmholdt from rivals was at the game, too, and tweeted that Wormley was “aggressive,” but he “needs to do a better job of diagnosing plays”
Stats will be updated as they’re found. Please let us know if you have any additional information for the compilation. Thanks!
30Oct 2011
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Recruiting Update: October 30, 2011

Lemont (IL) Lemont OT Ethan Pocic (#77) would be a welcome replacement on the offensive line
if he plays like Michigan’s other Lemont alumnus



ADDED TO THE BOARD

Lemont (IL) Lemont OT Ethan Pocic, a 2013 prospect, was offered by Michigan.  Pocic is 6’7″, 285 lbs. and has offers from Nebraska, Notre Dame, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, among others.  Lemont is the same high school that David Molk attended, and much like Molk, Pocic doesn’t seem to like opposing defensive linemen or reporters.  His film shows him destroying various high schoolers, and he’s not very open about the recruiting process.  He’s not a bad athlete, but he’s a little less athletic than some of the other offensive tackle prospects Michigan has recruited recently.  I would slot Pocic in as a right tackle prospect.

Austintown (OH) Fitch OL/DL Billy Price, a class of 2013 player, received an offer from Michigan this past week.  Price is a 6’4″, 280 lb. strongside end prospect with offers from Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Tennessee, among others.  He looks like an absolute physical specimen with good musculature and very little bad body weight.  While some of the recruiting sites list him as a defensive end, most schools are recruiting him to play offensive line.  Fitch attends the same high school as 2012 Notre Dame commit Will Mahone, a running back that was on Michigan’s radar but whom Michigan never offered.

PURDUE VISITORS

Farmington Hills (MI) Harrison TE Devin Funchess (2012).  Committed to Michigan.  Funchess has 18 receptions for 412 yards and 4 touchdowns this season.

Sylvania (OH) Southview SS Allen Gant (2012).  Committed to Michigan.  He has 67 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 3 pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles.

Birmingham (MI) Seaholm OT Dan Gibbs (2012).  Gibbs is a 6’7″, 320 lb. mammoth with offers from Ball State and Eastern Michigan.  He’s not athletic enough to be a contender for a scholarship offer from the Wolverines, but he could be a preferred walk-on type if he chooses.  I don’t imagine he’ll choose to pay for school instead of taking a scholarship, and he doesn’t look like someone who would be in danger of cracking the lineup at any point, anyway.  Gibbs is too stiff to be a high-level prospect.

Joliet (IL) Catholic RB Ty Isaac (2013).  Isaac already holds an offer from Michigan, in addition to Illinois, Iowa, Notre Dame, and several other schools.  Through six games this season, Isaac had 92 carries for 983 yards (10.7 yards per carry) and 13 touchdowns.  Current rumblings suggest that Michigan and Notre Dame are his two early leaders, and he has made unofficial visits to both schools already.

Muskegon (MI) Muskegon RB Juwan Lewis (2012).  Nothing much has changed with Lewis, a 5’11”, 208 lb. runner with offers from Buffalo, Toledo, and Western Michigan.  He keeps hoping that Canton (OH) Glenoak RB Bri’onte Dunn sticks with his Buckeye commitment, because Lewis might be in line for an offer if the Wolverines can’t reel in another running back.

Detroit (MI) Cass Tech LB Royce Jenkins-Stone (2012).  Committed to Michigan.

Grand Blanc (MI) Grand Blanc DE Luke MacLean (2013).  MacLean hasn’t been offered by anyone other than Buffalo, but more offers are surely on the way.  I’m not sure that Michigan will go after him, but he has visited Michigan a couple times and also been to East Lansing.

Baltimore (MD) Gilman DT Henry Poggi (2013).  Every team up and down the east coast has offered Poggi already, in addition to Michigan.  He’s the son of Gilman’s head coach and already has two brothers playing FBS football, one at Duke and one at Iowa.  The 6’3″, 250 lb. Henry has been offered to play several positions, including tight end and defensive tackle.  Michigan is recruiting him as a defensive tackle.

Toledo (OH) Central Catholic FS Jayme Thompson (2013).  Thompson is a 6’2″, 182 lb. free safety prospect with a single offer, that from Bowling Green.  While the offers haven’t started flowing yet, they undoubtedly will for a kid his size and with his speed.  I would not be surprised to see Thompson earn a Michigan offer at some point, although the current roster might preclude very many offers to safeties for the 2013 class.

Springboro (OH) Springboro OG Sean Welsh (2013).  Welsh is 6’3″, 275 lbs. and has offers from Bowling Green, Ohio, and Toledo.  From the looks of his film, I think offers from Big Ten schools are bound to be coming soon.  He moves very well for a guy his size and looks like he already has pretty good strength for such a young player.