Camp Hill (PA) Cedar Cliff TE Adam Breneman
(image via Penn Live)
Name: Adam Breneman Height: 6’5″ Weight: 225 lbs. Class: 2013 Position: Tight end School: Camp Hill (PA) Cedar Cliff
Notes: Holds offers from Alabama, Boston College, Florida State, Maryland, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Pitt, Purdue, Rutgers, South Carolina, Stanford, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Wake Forest, and others . . . Scout 4-star . . . 247 Sports 4-star, 96 rating, #1 TE, #2 overall in Pennsylvania, #32 overall in nation . . . As a junior in 2011, had 72 receptions for 1,120 yards and 12 touchdowns . . . As a sophomore in 2010, had 70 receptions for 1,124 yards and 10 touchdowns
Strengths: Excellent route runner for a tight end . . . Understands how to set up defensive backs . . . Sells double-moves and play action passes well . . . Understands the tight end position . . . Can split out wide, play in the slot, or release from the traditional tight end spot . . . Above average speed for a tight end . . . Catches ball with his hands instead of body . . . Works well in traffic . . . Works back to quarterback in scramble situations . . . Athletic enough to block linebackers in space . . . Moves feet well when blocking
Weaknesses: Has just okay vision . . . Sometimes stops his feet when being tackled . . . Could use his size more effectively to break tackles . . . Will need to lower pad level to block bigger players at next level
Fort Wayne (IN) Bishop Luers linebacker Jaylon Smith
ADDED TO THE BOARD (2012, 2013, 2014)
Fort Wayne (IN) Bushop Luers outside linebacker Jaylon Smith, a 2013 prospect, received a Michigan offer on Friday. The 6’3″, 202 lb. Smith is the brother of Rod Smith, a running back at Ohio State. Jaylon also holds offers from Indiana, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Purdue, and Tennessee.
OFF THE BOARD
Vandalia (OH) Butler offensive tackle Taylor Decker changed his commitment from Notre Dame to Ohio State. Decker is a 6’8″, 288 lb. lineman and a 4-star recruit across the board.
Hamilton (GA) Harris defensive end Jordan Jenkins committed to Georgia on Monday. The 6’3″, 245-pounder also visited Alabama, Auburn, Florida, and Tennessee. He played defensive tackle in the Under Armour All-America Game despite being undersized, but he still finished the game with 8 tackles and 2 sacks. However, Georgia plans to use him as an outside linebacker in their 3-4 system.
WEEKEND VISITORS
Madisonville (KY) North Hopkins safety Jeremy Clark was in town this past weekend. He’s 6’4″, 205 lbs. and could potentially develop into an outside linebacker at the college level. Clark was originally a “greyshirt” commit and wasn’t planning to join the program until 2013, but the departure of Carvin Johnson opened a slot for him.
Chicago (IL) Simeon offensive tackle Jordan Diamond visited Ann Arbor this past weekend. The 6’6″, 289-pounder is exploring his options with Arkansas, Auburn, Ohio State, and Wisconsin, and the Buckeyes are reportedly feeling quite confident about their chances with him.
Joliet (IL) Joliet Catholic running back Ty Isaac, a 2013 prospect, visited this past weekend. The 6’3″, 215 lb. runner had 2,114 yards rushing and 45 touchdowns as a junior last season, and Michigan appears to be tied with Notre Dame at the top of Isaac’s list. I have heard unflattering things about Isaac and I’m not a huge fan of his running style, but he is big and fast . . . so there’s that.
Woodbridge (VA) C.D. Hylton linebacker E.J. Levenberry, Jr., a 2013 prospect, also visited. The 6’3″, 226 lb. linebacker has already been offered by Michigan, along with several other schools.
Warren (MI) De La Salle quarterback Shane Morris, a 2013 commit, visited Ann Arbor. Morris seems to be turning into Michigan’s biggest athlete/recruiter, in the same vein as Ricardo Miller and Erik Magnuson in recent classes.
West Roxbury (MA) Catholic Memorial cornerback Armani Reeves visited Ann Arbor again this past weekend. He’s committed to Penn State but unsure of new head coach Bill O’Brien. The 5’9″, 185 lb. Reeves could play cornerback or receiver at the next level (Michigan wants him for defense), but both Penn State’s wide receivers coach and secondary coach have been let go. Reeves’s best friend Camren Williams is committed to Penn State, which could weigh heavily into a decision here.
Washington (D.C.) Friendship Collegiate cornerback Jalen Tabor, a 2014 prospect, visited Michigan this past weekend. He’s a 6’1″, 168 lb. sophomore who hasn’t been offered by Michigan yet. However, he does have offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Miami, Ohio State, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, and several others . . . so a Michigan offer will probably be on the way at some point. He attends the same school as 2011 running back Malcolm Crockett, who was recruited by Rich Rodriguez, and 2012 defensive tackle Eddie Goldman.
Alliance (OH) Marlington safety Dymonte Thomas, a 2013 commit, visited Michigan along with Morris. The 6’1″, 180-pounder could play either safety position for Michigan and is also a standout running back for Marlington.
RECRUITING NEWS
There wasn’t a whole lot of news this past week after last week’s monster recruiting update. Most class of 2012 kids who haven’t committed yet are going to wait until National Signing Day or thereabouts. So here’s a bit of a wrap-up of some developments in the recruiting world last week:
Scout released its final Scout 300 of the recruiting cycle. Posting this recruiting update at the beginning of January prevents people from questioning their integrity if they waited until after National Signing Day. After all, there’s virtually no more “scouting” info to come for the class of 2012 now that the all-American games have been played, and posting updates after NSD might make people question if they change their ratings depending on where kids commit.
Olney (MD) Good Counsel linebacker Dorian O’Daniel
The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is always accompanied by a combine, an event that recruitniks and scouts drool over. Here’s a look at Rivals’ All-Combine Offense, which includes 2013 offeree Monaca (PA) Central Valley WR Robert Foster and honorable mention in-state prospects like Chelsea (MI) Chelsea RB Berkley Edwards, Howell (MI) Howell TE Pete Cender, and Flint (MI) Powers Catholic OG Vinnie Palazeti.
As for the defense, Michigan has targeted Louisville (KY) Trinity DE Jason Hatcher, Olney (MD) Good Counsel LB Dorian O’Daniel, and Olney (MD) Good Counsel CB Kendall Fuller. In-state prospects made honorable mention on defense, too: Detroit (MI) Cass Tech DT Kenton Gibbs and Grand Blanc (MI) Grand Blanc LB Luke Maclean.
Notes: Holds offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan, and Tennessee . . . Has visited Auburn and Kentucky . . . Teammate of 2012 defensive end and Michigan offeree Jason Hatcher . . . Scout 4-star . . . 247 Sports 4-star, 95 rating, #1 overall in Kentucky, and #3 receiver in nation . . . Timed at 4.41 in forty-yard dash . . . As a sophomore in 2010, had 88 catches for 1,115 yards and 15 touchdowns; also had 19 carries for 270 yards and 2 touchdowns . . . State champion in 200 meters . . . Named All-State as a junior in 2011 after grabbing 82 passes for 1,434 yards and 21 touchdowns
Strengths: Superb acceleration . . . Makes cuts at full speed . . . Good vertical and ability to high point the football . . . Catches football with his hands instead of his body . . . Shows good vision and ability to set up blocks . . . Decisive when running the ball . . . Dances very little . . . Shows desire to gain yards after catch instead of settling for just catching ball . . . Runs with good body lean . . . Shows a variety of moves to get open . . . Slithery body control allows him to get off the line cleanly . . . No discernible body language or attitude concerns
Weaknesses: Needs to add a bit of weight to help with running after the catch and blocking . . . Will have to work a little on route running
Projection: Wide receiver. Quick has excellent upside and could be an immediate impact kid at the next level. His speed and elusiveness could make him effective in the slot or outside. He could also be a kickoff or punt returner.
Reminds me of: Arkansas wide receiver/returner Joe Adams
Uriah LeMay (#81) was offered by Michigan late last week
(image via Mint Hill Times)
ADDED TO THE BOARD
Wylie (TX) East wide receiver Marcell Ateman, a 2013 prospect, was offered on Saturday. Ateman is a 6’5″, 180 lb. kid with offers from Arizona, Baylor, and Tennessee. Last season he caught 67 passes for 1,047 yards and 10 touchdowns. Ateman isn’t a burner, but he’s a legitimate jump ball threat with his size
Washington (D.C.) H.D. Woodson cornerback Kenny Crawley de-committed from Tennessee. Crawley is rumored to be unhappy with the coaching situation for the Volunteers and will likely go elsewhere for college. His destination probably won’t be Michigan, however.
Oxon Hill (MD) Potomac cornerback Ronald Darby de-committed from Notre Dame. Darby is a 5’11”, 172 lb. athlete with elite speed (a reported 4.37 forty). Darby has never shown much interest in Michigan and instead plans to concentrate on Auburn, Clemson, Florida State, and LSU.
Monaca (PA) Central Valley wide receiver Robert Foster, a 2013 prospect, was offered by Michigan. Foster is a 6’3″, 170 lb. speedster with offers from Florida, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, and USC, among others. He has been named a 5-star already by Scout.
Matthews (NC) Butler wide receiver Uriah LeMay, a 2013 prospect, received an offer from Michigan. The 6’2″, 188 lb. prospect attends the alma mater of former Michigan safety Jamar Adams and 2011 linebacker Kris Frost, and he’s also the younger brother of class of 2011 quarterback Christian LeMay, whom Rich Rodriguez offered and now plays for Georgia. Uriah has offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Virginia Tech, among others.
Charlotte (NC) Mallard Creek wide receiver Marquez North, a 2013 prospect, received his offer from the Wolverines. North’s former teammate is D.J. Humphries, a class of 2012 offensive tackle who is committed to Florida. The 6’3″, 205 lb. receiver has offers from Clemson, Florida, South Carolina, and many others.
OFF THE BOARD
Miami (FL) Norland linebacker Keith Brown committed to Louisville at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Brown had been committed to Illinois at one point, but the firing of Ron Zook sent him southward.
Olney (MD) Good Counsel running back Wes Brown committed to Maryland at the Under Armour All-America Game. The 6’1″, 200-pounder is the former teammate of Michigan cornerback Blake Countess and uncommitted 2012 wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Miami (FL) Columbus safety Deon Bush committed to Miami at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The 6’1″, 185-pounder picked a Hurricanes hat over those from Alabama and Auburn.
Baltimore (MD) Gilman cornerback Cyrus Jones committed to Alabama at the Under Armour All-America Game. Jones is an all-around athlete with the ability to run (948 yards, 13 touchdowns), catch (635 yards, 6 touchdowns), return (4 return touchdowns), and cover (3 interceptions).
Monrovia (CA) Monrovia defensive tackle Ellis McCarthy committed to Cal at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. McCarthy is listed at 6’5″, 311 lbs. but was quick enough to play defensive end for the West Team.
Tampa (FL) Jefferson defensive end Tyriq McCord committed to Miami at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The 6’3″, 222 lb. edge rusher was praised this week for his speed around the corner and how quickly he got after the quarterbacks.
Centerville (OH) Centerville defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo committed to Northwestern on Saturday. Odenigbo mentioned repeatedly that he would be choosing his school based largely on academics, and he couldn’t really go wrong with become a Wildcat. Odenigbo did an excellent job of rushing the passer in the Under Armour All-America Game.
Westlake Village (CA) Oaks Christian wide receiver Jordan Payton committed to Cal on Friday. At one time Payton looked like a lock to Michigan and there were rumors that he had committed to the Wolverines, but as time wore on, he also became enamored with Notre Dame and then Cal. Payton was committed to USC at one time, too.
Ramsey (NJ) Don Bosco Prep safety Elijah Shumate committed to Notre Dame at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Shumate is the teammate of Michigan target Yuri Wright, who also played in the game but did not announce a college destination.
Sacramento (CA) Grant safety Shaq Thompson committed to Cal at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Thompson is 6’1″, 195 lbs. but played like a man child in Saturday’s game. Thompson was considering an official visit to Michigan at one point, but that seemed to be in connection with Jordan Payton’s interest in the Wolverines. Once Payton’s interest waned, Thompson’s did, too.
ALL-STAR GAMES
Cincinnati (OH) Colerain linebacker Joe Bolden was named a captain and starter for the Black Team in the Under Armour All-America Game. Bolden was praised throughout the week of practice for his instincts, intensity, and hitting. In the game he was once again solid, making 7 total tackles. Rivals crowned him the best tackler at the game, which bodes well for his future as a middle linebacker at Michigan. The 6’2″, 225-pounder graduated early and is enrolled at Michigan, where he’ll take part in spring practices. Perhaps more importantly, he will join Jake Ryan in the ranks of dreamy, long-haired linebackers.
Detroit (MI) Cass Tech linebacker Royce Jenkins-Stone started at middle linebacker for the West Team in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He made 1 tackle but showed good speed and was hustling on special teams. The East ran the ball outside most of the time, so he didn’t get a ton of chances to make plays in the middle.
Lakewood (OH) St. Edward’s offensive guard Kyle Kalis played about half the game at right guard for the East Team and looked quite capable. He was among the East’s top performers on the offensive line throughout the week, and several national observers noted that his technique looks solid. They also noted that he looked more comfortable at guard than tackle, which Kalis himself acknowledged at one point. I have always maintained that he looked like a future guard to me, so I’m glad national scouts – and Kalis – seem to agree.
Carlsbad (CA) La Costa Canyon offensive tackle Erik Magnuson started for the West Team in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The 6’6″, 280 lb. future left tackle played all five positions during West Team practices this past week, but started the game at left guard and held up very well against the East. He looked a little uncomfortable in his stance, but he kept his feet moving well and made some impressive seal blocks in a game that defensive linemen usually dominate.
Farmington Hills (MI) Harrison defensive end Mario Ojemudia played defensive end for the East Team in the inaugural Semper Fi All-American Game. He did not get off the ball as well as I expected him to, but that may be because he was playing a new position. Despite being headed for DE or OLB at Michigan, he mostly played defensive tackle in high school. Without the ball right under his nose, he seemed to be a little slow off the snap. However, he was very good at using his hands to get off of blocks.
Kansas City (MO) Park Hill defensive tackle Ondre Pipkins didn’t start the game, but was named a captain for the West Team in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He was somewhat inconsistent with his pad level and seemed a little out of shape, which is understandable for a 330 lb. kid at the beginning of January. However, when he decided to hustle, he was very good. Pipkins chased down East quarterback Chad Voytik on the sideline and crushed him, and he also chased down wide receiving/running back Stefon Diggs and forced a fumble. Overall, the hype on Pipkins was justified and with a little conditioning, he should be at least backup material next season.
Detroit (MI) Cass Tech cornerback Terry Richardson played defense and also returned kickoffs and punts for the Black Team in the Under Armour All-America Game. Richardson showed good speed and decent elusiveness in returning a kickoff 32 yards and another 28 yards, but unfortunately he carries the ball a little loosely and fumbled the 28-yard return; his punt returns were iffy with one muff and one poor decision to catch the ball at the 6-yard line. He also showed the ability to hang with the nation’s best receivers, although Richardson didn’t have any big plays on defense. He was beaten for a touchdown in the third quarter, but had pretty good coverage and reached his hand across just a split second too late to deflect the pass. The 5’9″, 165 lb. Richardson needs to get a little bit thicker, because he tends to get pushed around by some of the bigger receivers.
Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary’s linebacker James Ross started for the West Team at weakside linebacker in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Ross made 3 total tackles and flashed what I think is his biggest strength, which is diagnosing plays. If it’s a run, he knows it’s a run. If it’s a pass, he knows it’s a pass. Ross took some poor angles at times, which may be partly due to adjusting to faster competition. But he does have the speed to make those plays when he takes the proper angles, so I’m not too concerned there.
Overall, it was a very good showing for the Michigan players who participated in the all-star games, especially the guys in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. This looks to be the best crop of Army Bowl participants Michigan has snagged in years.
