Tag: 2013 recruiting

Rivals 100 Released for 2013

Shane Morris kind of likes Michigan

Rivals released its initial top 100 players for the class of 2013, and 35 of them have offers from the Wolverines.  Two of them have already committed to Michigan:

– Warren (MI) De La Salle QB Shane Morris checks in at #16 and the #3 QB
– Alliance (OH) Marlington safety Dymonte Thomas begins at #77 overall

The following players in the initial Rivals 100 have been offered by Michigan:

3. Laremy Tunsil – OT – Florida
4. Kendall Fuller – CB – Maryland

5. Su’a Cravens – S – California
7. Cam Burrows – CB – Ohio (Ohio State)
10. Vernon Hargreaves III – CB – Florida
15. E.J. Levenberry, Jr. – LB – Virginia
16. Shane Morris – QB – Michigan (Michigan)
17. Michael Hutchings – LB – California
18. Ty Isaac – RB – Illinois
22. Adam Breneman – TE – Pennsylvania
24. Marquez North – WR – North Carolina
26. Robert Foster – WR – Pennsylvania
27. Ethan Pocic – OT – Illinois
28. Eli Woodard – CB – New Jersey
31. Laquon Treadwell – WR – Illinois
32. Leon McQuay III – CB – Florida
34. Jaylon Smith – LB – Indiana
37. Dorian O’Daniel – LB – Maryland
43. Henry Poggi – DT – Maryland
44. Mike McCray – LB – Ohio
46. Chris Fox – OT – Colorado
48. Justin Davis – RB – California
49. Steve Elmer – OT – Michigan (Notre Dame)
51. Jake Raulerson – OT – Texas (Texas)
54. Patrick Kugler – OT – Pennsylvania
60. Kyle Bosch – OT – Illinois
61. Jake Oliver – WR – Texas
62. Peter Kalambayi – LB – North Carolina
64. Derrick Green – RB – Virginia
65. Tray Matthews – CB – Georgia (Georgia)
77. Dymonte Thomas – S – Ohio (Michigan)
78. Greg Webb – DT – New Jersey
83. Evan Lisle – OT – Ohio
96. Jake Butt – TE – Ohio
100. Jonathan Allen – DE – Virginia

Khalid Hill, Wolverine

Detroit (MI) Crockett TE Khalid Hill

Detroit (MI) Crockett tight end Khalid Hill committed to Michigan on Monday during a visit to Ann Arbor.  He picked the Wolverines over an offer from Central Michigan.

Hill is a 6’2″, 235 lb. kid who plays tight end and defensive end for Crockett.  As a junior in 2011, Hill caught 29 passes for 448 yards (15.4 yards per catch) and 6 touchdowns.  On defense he made 55 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks.

Ratings
ESPN: Unranked TE
Rivals: Unranked WDE

Scout: Unranked TE
247 Sports: 3-star TE, 86 grade

Hill is a little on the short side for a tight end, which is one reason why I thought it might take a while for him to get big-time offers.  He’s reportedly a little taller than 6’2″ when you might expect early offers only to guys who are 6’4″ or taller.  But Hill displays soft hands, good agility, and excellent route running skills.  He sells his routes well and shows a knack for eluding jams at the line of scrimmage.  He also shows pretty good speed and some elusiveness as a runner after the catch, more so than many of the bigger tight ends.

With a short frame, it’s likely that he’s headed for the U position, which is an H-back type role.  His size might be an advantage when playing in space or lead blocking from the move position, but he may struggle to add enough weight and strength to be an every-down tight end.  He gets a little bit lackadaisical with his blocking at times, and he’s going to have to be more consistent with his effort in the running game.  That can be fixed with coaching, though.

Hill has the body to be able to play as a freshman if needed.  He’s not the most fundamental or explosive player, but he’s not wispy like Devin Funchess and might be more college-ready immediately.  I expect him to play a role somewhat like that of former Michigan tight end/H-back Aaron Shea.

This gives Michigan three commitments for the class of 2012.  Hill is Michigan’s first commitment out of Crockett since Brandon Graham in the class of 2006.

Recruiting Update: February 6, 2012

Columbus (OH) Marion Franklin wide receiver Jaron Dukes (image via Columbus Dispatch)

Because this post was getting so long, here you’ll find mostly class of 2013 developments.  All of last week’s developments with class of 2012 kids, National Signing Day, etc. are encapsulated in Friday’s post.

ADDED TO THE BOARD (2012, 2013)
Owensboro (KY) Apollo defensive tackle Hunter Bivin, a 2013 prospect, was offered by Michigan late last week.  He’s a 6’7″, 288 lb. kid with offers from Auburn, Indiana, Kentucky, Miami, Mississippi State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, among others.  Bivin has developed a bit of a connection with his former high school opponent Jeremy Clark, the 2012 safety commit.  I’m afraid this one might go in Ohio State’s direction.

Avon (IN) Avon defensive end Elijah Daniel, a 2013 prospect, grabbed an offer from Michigan last week.  He’s a 6’4″, 253 lb. strongside end with offers from Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan State, Minnesota, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, among others.  His older brother Armonze is a linebacker at Marshall, but Elijah is likely to attend a bigger program.

Sicklerville (NJ) Timber Creek defensive end Dajuan Drennon, a 2013 prospect, received a Michigan offer last week.  He’s a 6’4″, 227 lb. kid with offers from Florida State, Iowa, Penn State, and Washington, along with several others.

Columbus (OH) Marion Franklin wide receiver Jaron Dukes, a 2013 prospect, got an offer from Michigan last week.  He’s 6’3″, 195 lbs. and also holds an offer from Toledo.  His favorite team as a kid was Michigan, despite living in the Buckeyes’ home city.

Cincinnati (OH) Moeller linebacker Shane Jones, a 2013 prospect, was offered by Michigan.  He’s 6’1″, 220 lbs. and looks like a future weakside linebacker or perhaps a MIKE.  As a junior he had 89 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 interception.  Jones also has offers from Cincinnati and Indiana.

Wexford (PA) North Allegheny offensive guard Patrick Kugler, a 2013 prospect, was offered by Michigan this past week.  He’s a 6’5″, 265-pounder with offers from Florida State, Miami, Michigan State, Penn State, Stanford, Tennessee, and many others.

Bloomfield (NJ) Bloomfield offensive tackle Marcell Lazard, a 2013 prospect, received a Michigan offer.  He’s a 6’6″, 293 lb. lineman with offers from Miami, Virginia, West Virginia, and others.

Detroit (MI) Cass Tech cornerback Jourdan Lewis, a 2013 prospect, was offered by Michigan on Wednesday.  Lewis is 5’11” and 170 lbs., skinny like seemingly every Cass Tech cornerback.  Michigan seems to be the early favorite, and they have obviously developed a pipeline to Cass Tech (Terry Richardson, Royce Jenkins-Stone, William Campbell, Thomas Gordon, etc.).  His only other offer is from Toledo.

Columbus (OH) Bishop Hartley tight end Jacob Matuska, a 2013 prospect, received a Michigan offer on Wednesday.  He’s a 6’5″, 240-pounder with offers from Cincinnati, Illinois, North Carolina State, and Toledo.

Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison linebacker Mike McCray, a 2013 prospect, received an offer from Michigan.  He’s a 6’4″, 230 lb. kid who looks like a future SAM linebacker.  He has also been offered by Boston College, Illinois, Kentucky, Purdue, Syracuse, Tennessee, and a few others.

NewLenox (IL) Lincoln-Way West offensive tackle Colin McGovern, a 2013 prospect, was offered by Michigan last Thursday.  McGovern is a lanky 6’7″, 280 lb. kid with offers from Illinois, Northwestern, Tennessee, and Wisconsin

Ashburn (VA) Briar Woods linebacker Matt Rolin, a 2013 prospect, got an offer last week.  He’s a 6’4″, 205-pounder who would likely be pegged to play SAM linebacker.  He also holds offers from Tennessee, Virginia Tech, and Washington, among others.

Sicklerville (NJ) Timber Creek defensive tackle Greg Webb, a 2013 prospect, was offered during Michigan’s blitz of New Jersey this past week.  He’s a 6’2″, 290 lb. future nose tackle with a 335 lb. bench and a 635 lb. squat, both of which are pretty impressive for a kid who’s just a high school junior.

Columbus (OH) Walnut Ridge wide receiver Rob Wheelwright, a 2013 prospect, got an offer from Michigan, too.  Wheelwright is 6’1″, 174 lbs. and is the younger brother of Ernie Wheelwright, who played wide receiver for the Minnesota Gophers and now plays for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL.  Rob had 12 touchdowns as a junior, and he holds offers from Boston College, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Syracuse, and Wisconsin.

Louisville (KY) Trinity cornerback Ryan White, a 2013 prospect, picked up an offer from Michigan last week.  The 5’10”, 178-pounder is the teammate of fellow Michigan targets James Quick and Jason Hatcher, a wide receiver and defensive end, respectively.  While not quite as coveted as those teammates, White has also been offered by Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, and Louisville.

Dallas (TX) Bishop Dunne offensive guard Ishmael Wilson, a 2013 prospect, was offered by Michigan this past weekend.  He’s a 6’5″, 275 lb. kid with offers from Cal, Nebraska, and Vanderbilt.

Voorhees (NJ) Eastern cornerback Eli Woodard picked up an offer for the class of 2013.  He’s a 6’1″, 185 lb. kid whose skills indicate that he could stay at cornerback, despite being fairly tall for a corner.  He’s a big-time recruit with offers from Alabama, Cal, Miami, Nebraska, Notre Dame, and Wisconsin, among others.  The early returns suggest he’s leaning toward Ohio State.

OFF THE BOARD
Chicago (IL) Simeon offensive tackle Jordan Diamond committed to Auburn on Friday night.  Diamond was considered to be a heavy Michigan lean last winter and spring, largely because his former high school teammate Chris Bryant is an offensive guard for the Wolverines.  But the longer Diamond’s recruitment dragged out, the more murky it looked.  It became pretty apparent at some point that this would not go Michigan’s way . . . it just wasn’t clear whether he would pick Arkansas or Auburn.

Celina (TX) Celina offensive tackle Jake Raulerson, a 2013 prospect, committed to Texas.  While Michigan was recruiting him for offensive line, many other schools were recruiting him to play defensive end.  That might not be a bad place for a 6’4″, 250-pounder.

Toledo (OH) Central Catholic safety Jayme Thompson, a 2013 prospect, committed to West Virginia.  It’s somewhat unclear whether Thompson actually received an offer from the Wolverines.  He reported to Michigan blog Tremendous  that he did indeed receive a verbal offer from the Wolverines, but the other recruiting sites have refuted that notion.  Either way, he’s currently inclined to become a Mountaineer, but he said early on that he would be a Wolverine if Michigan offered, so this one might be something to watch between now and signing day.

Mailbag: What are Michigan’s 2013 recruiting needs?

Michigan needs plenty of offensive lineman in 2013, and Logan Tuley-Tillman could be one of them (image via The Wolverine)

I’m still enjoying your website and input on all things Michigan. I was wondering that now that NSD is over, where exactly does Michigan stand team-wise?  By that I mean: I know coaches like to have so many offensive and defensive lineman, so many cornerbacks, so many running backs, etc., in terms of the total of 85 grants in aid allowed on a team at one time.

Knowing that Michigan was well below those desired totals and distribution levels in several areas on the team, how does Michigan stack up now after NSD; and how, if at all, will that affect Michigan going forward next season (playing wise) and into the next recruiting cycle. Is Michigan meeting its goals and achieving “balance” on the team?

In other words, how is our “mix” and are we moving in a good direction; and where do you see the emphasis on recruiting for the 2013 class?  Any insight you might provide, I’m sure I will find interesting, even if you feel this a dumb question. Thanks very much. Happy New Year.

Mike

 For a chart-like substance to help answer your question, I’ll refer you to MGoBlog’s Depth Chart by Class.  That will at least show how deep Michigan is from a pure numbers standpoint.

Michigan is well on its way to balancing the team.  They were left in a precarious position at a couple spots, including defensive tackle, offensive line, and linebacker.  The defensive tackle issue was addressed with the additions of Ondre Pipkins and Willie Henry.  The offensive line is still a huge need for the class of 2013, but we knew it would remain a point of emphasis, no matter how many kids Michigan signed in 2012.  If Colorado offensive guard Alex Kozan signs with Michigan in the coming days, that will mitigate the need somewhat.  And the linebacker positions were well addressed with four inside linebacker types.

Below I’ll address the needs as they stand now, although attrition should always be expected.  Keep in mind that there are only 18 spots available in this class as of now (16 seniors graduating plus 2 open scholarships), and the numbers I suggest only add up to 18.

QUARTERBACK
Projected 2013 Depth: Devin Gardner (Sr.), Russell Bellomy (RS So.)
Need: 1
Michigan already has one quarterback committed in the form of Warren (MI) De La Salle’s Shane Morris.  They struck out on the high-profile targets in 2012, and decided not to pursue a lower rated guy.  Personally, I think that was a mistake, as there are only two quarterbacks who are officially connected to the program for 2013.  Keep in mind that Morris can’t even receive an official, written scholarship offer until August 1.  He appears to be 100% committed to Michigan, but anything can happen in the world of recruiting.  With the lack of depth here, Michigan only needs  one guy, but a second quarterback wouldn’t be a bad idea.

RUNNING BACK
Projected 2013 Depth: Fitzgerald Toussaint (RS Sr.), Thomas Rawls (Jr.), Justice Hayes (RS So.), Drake Johnson (So.), Dennis Norfleet (So.)
Need: 2
Michigan absolutely, positively needs a big-time running back in the class of 2013.  Aside from Toussaint, the guys on the roster are placeholders or role players, not the types of dominant backs that should be on Michigan’s roster.  At least one freshman needs to be a great one, and Michigan will probably take a second guy, too.  Brady Hoke has said before that he expects to take a couple running backs every year, because many of them can move to other positions (fullback, wide receiver, safety, linebacker, etc.) and still contribute due to their instincts and athleticism.

FULLBACK
Projected 2013 Depth: Stephen Hopkins (Sr.), Sione Houma (So.)
Need: 0
Committing a third scholarship to a fullback would be overkill.  Even though Hopkins will be a senior, fullback is a position where Houma could hold down the starting job for 2014 with a freshman backup.

WIDE RECEIVER
Projected 2013 Depth: Jeremy Gallon (RS Sr.), Drew Dileo (Sr.), Jeremy Jackson (Sr.), Jerald Robinson (RS Jr.), Jehu Chesson (So.), Amara Darboh (So.)
Need:

2
The receiver position is upperclassman-heavy with half the receivers scheduled to graduate after 2013.  Freshman can contribute at wide receiver, so it’s not mandatory that all three of those guys have replacements waiting in the wings.  But you probably want about eight receivers on the roster at any given time, so two is the bare minimum here.

TIGHT END
Projected 2013 Depth: Ricardo Miller (RS Jr.), Devin Funchess (So.), A.J. Williams (So.)
Need: 1
Michigan could take two here, but only one is necessary.  Funchess might redshirt this year because of his lack of size, so that would give Michigan a junior, sophomore, and redshirt freshman in 2013, plus anybody Michigan brings in for the class.

OFFENSIVE LINE
Projected 2013 Depth: Taylor Lewan (RS Sr.), Michael Schofield (RS Sr.), Chris Bryant (RS So.), Jack Miller (RS So.), Blake Bars (So.), Ben Braden (So.), Kyle Kalis (So.), Erik Magnuson (So.)
Need: 5
Coaches want to keep the numbers on the offensive line somewhere between 12 and 15, so the bare minimum here is four, but there’s such a high washout rate with offensive linemen that you have to aim higher.   Injuries, a lack of playing time, a lack of desire, etc. all contribute to guys leaving early.  As mentioned above, Alex Kozan’s pending commitment could lower this number to four, but I could also see the coaches taking six if they’re the right guys.

DEFENSIVE END
Projected 2013 Depth: Jibreel Black (Sr.), Frank Clark (Jr.), Keith Heitzman (RS So.), Chris Rock (RS So.), Matt Godin (So.), Mario Ojemudia (So.), Tom Strobel (So.), Chris Wormley (So.)
Need: 1
You want to keep a steady flow of guys so they don’t have to play before they develop physically.  From a pure numbers standpoint, there’s not a strong need for a defensive end here, but for continuity’s sake, Michigan will probably take one or even two.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Projected 2013 Depth: Quinton Washington (RS Sr.), Richard Ash (RS Jr.), Ken Wilkins (RS Jr.), Willie Henry (So.), Ondre Pipkins (So.)
Need: 2
While Henry and Pipkins look like difference makers in time – if not immediately – the lack of contributions by Washington, Ash, and Wilkins so far might necessitate grabbing another freshman like Pipkins who can contribute early.  There’s also the chance that one of those big defensive ends, such as Matt Godin or Chris Wormley, could end up playing defensive tackle.  In fact, I would almost guarantee that one of those guys becomes a defensive tackle at some point.  If that happens sooner rather than later, then maybe you only need one guy here.

LINEBACKER
Projected 2013 Depth: Isaiah Bell (RS Sr.), Cam Gordon (RS Sr.), Jordan Paskorz (RS Jr.), Jake Ryan (RS Jr.), Brennen Beyer (Jr.), Desmond Morgan (Jr.), Antonio Poole (RS So.), Joe Bolden (So.), Royce Jenkins-Stone (So.), Kaleb Ringer (So.), James Ross (So.)
Need: 1
If all of the above listed guys remain at linebacker, Michigan only needs one recruit in this position group, preferably a SAM linebacker.  However, there’s a chance that someone like Bell won’t be renewed for his fifth year, and we also might see a position change from one or two of these guys to tight end or defensive end.  Right now you need one . . . but you will almost certainly need more once everything shakes out.

CORNERBACK
Projected 2013 Depth: Courtney Avery (Sr.), Terrence Talbott (Sr.), Blake Countess (Jr.), Delonte Hollowell (Jr.), Raymon Taylor (Jr.), Terry Richardson (So.)
Need: 2
Michigan really wanted to get two cornerbacks in the 2012 class but they were unable.  You always want to take at least one, and the 2012 whiff means you want at least two here.  Michigan has also failed to redshirt any  of these players, so they have all matriculated through their eligibility quickly.

SAFETY
Projected 2013 Depth: Thomas Gordon (RS Sr.), Marvin Robinson (Sr.), Josh Furman (RS Jr.), Tamani Carter (RS So.), Jeremy Clark (So.), Allen Gant (So.), Jarrod Wilson (So.)
Need: 1
Michigan took three safeties in 2012, and at least one of those guys will redshirt.  Alliance (OH) Marlington safety Dymonte Thomas is already committed for 2013, so barring any attrition, that might be all Michigan needs.

PUNTER/KICKER
Projected 2013 Depth: Brendan Gibbons (RS Sr.), Will Hagerup (Sr.), Matt Wile (Jr.)
Need: 0
With three guys on scholarship at a position where walk-ons can sometimes contribute, there’s no strong need to spend a scholarship on another specialist.

That’s 18 scholarships.

Scouting Report: Jay Ellison

Jay Ellison (image via 247 Sports)

Name: Jay Ellison
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 280 lbs.
Class: 2013
Position: Defensive tackle
School: Hamilton (GA) Harris County

Notes: Holds offers from Auburn, Georgia Tech, Michigan, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee . . . Auburn is his stated leader . . . Claims 5.21 time in forty yard dash . . . 4.68 time in the shuttle . . . 29″ vertical . . . Teammate of 2012 recruit Jordan Jenkins (committed to Georgia) . . . 4-star, #15 DT, #208 overall to 247 Sports

Strengths: Plays with good leverage most of the time . . . Uses hands well . . . At 6’1″ has ability to clog middle and hold his ground . . . Aggressive hitter and tackler . . . Powerful lower body . . . Runs fairly well for his size

Weaknesses: Seems to get off ball better as an offensive lineman, but too short to play offensive line . . . Not particularly quick off the ball . . . More of a clogger than a penetrator . . . Tends to hit rather than wrap up . . . Might slow down significantly once he adds another 20-30 pounds or so

Projection: Nose tackle.  Ellison seems to have a somewhat low ceiling due to his lack of height and explosion off the ball.  He has the ability to be a starting nose tackle in an elite conference like the SEC, Big Ten, etc., but without the ability to penetrate and make plays in the backfield, he likely won’t be a star at the next level.

Reminds me of: Terrance Taylor