Recruiting Update: January 6, 2015

Tag: Auden Tate


6Jan 2015
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Recruiting Update: January 6, 2015

Reisterstown (MD) Franklin offensive tackle Pat Allen

This is a huge recruiting update. I am a masochist.

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2015
Reisterstown (MD) Franklin offensive tackle Pat Allen decommitted from Georgia. He was supposedly leaning toward committing to Tennessee on Sunday night in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, but he ended up not announcing a decision at all. That is supposedly because he is re-considering the Bulldogs. Allen visited Michigan in the fall for an official visit, so a concerted effort by Harbaugh could get the Wolverines back in the mix.

Winter Garden (FL) West Orange running back Dexter Williams decommitted from Miami. A long-time Miami commit, he had been wavering for a while. In early December he said he was on track to graduate early and enroll at Miami in January, but that has fallen off. A reported score of 17 on his ACT might hamper his chances of qualifying at some schools, but he took an official to Louisville, has one set to Notre Dame, and is being pursued hard by Florida. Williams is a 6’0″, 192 lb. prospect who’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #10 running back, and #83 overall.

OFF THE BOARD
Miami (FL) Booker T. Washington tight end Devonaire Clarington committed to Texas at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Clarington played defensive end his senior, but he is expected to be an offensive player for the Longhorns.

New Orleans (LA) Warren Easton wide receiver Tyron Johnson committed to LSU at the Under Armour All-American Game, which was exactly what everyone expected.

McKinney (TX) North running back Ronald Jones II committed to USC at the Under Armour All-American Bowl. He had previously been committed to Oklahoma State.

Bellflower (CA) St. John Bosco offensive guard Zach Robertson committed to Arizona State. Robertson was a high school teammate of quarterback Josh Rosen, who enrolled early at UCLA.

Manassas (VA) Stonewall Jackson defensive tackle Tim Settle committed to Virginia Tech during the Under Armour All-American Game. At one time Settle was presumed to be leaning toward Ohio State, and he was also friendly with 2014 defensive end Da’Shawn Hand (Alabama), who was thought to be a draw at one time (Settle also had an Alabama offer).

Missouri City (TX) Fort Bend Marshall cornerback Kendall Sheffield committed to Alabama at the Under Armour All-American Game.

Dallas (TX) Skyline linebacker Anthony Wheeler committed to Texas at the Under Armour All-American Game.

Hit the jump for a bunch of brief profiles on potential recruits to look at for 2015, plus some miscellaneous recruiting tidbits from the last week or two.

PLAYERS I WOULD LIKE MICHIGAN TO PURSUE (in order of position)
Kyle Kearns – QB – Pleasanton (CA) Foothill: Kearns is a 6’3″, 195 lb. prospect with an offer from SMU, although he decommitted in early December. I have no idea why Kearns hasn’t garnered more offers, but I was very high on him when I evaluated potential quarterbacks early in this recruiting cycle (LINK). Michigan does not have an heir apparent at the quarterback position, the backups have played poorly, and there aren’t many options. Michigan will only have three or four quarterbacks on the roster this fall, depending on whether Russell Bellomy returns for a fifth year or not. Kearns is a 247 Composite 3-star, the #17 pro-style quarterback, and #459 overall.


Mike Weber – RB – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Weber is a 5’10”, 205 lb. prospect who was previously committed to Michigan, decommitted in late November, and then pledged to Ohio State in early December. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #13 running back, and #94 overall. Head coach Jim Harbaugh reportedly talked to Weber’s father immediately upon being hired, and the coach has also encouraged commits to work hard on Weber, so Michigan is kicking the tires on the solidity of his commitment to the Buckeyes. Weber has said he’s solid with Ohio State, but his phrasing suggests the door is at least cracked open.

Dexter Williams – RB – Winter Garden (FL) West Orange: Williams is a potentially dynamic running back, and while his academic situation might be a bit of a question mark, he could be a fall-back option if the Mike Weber situation fails to pan out in Michigan’s favor.

Cordell Broadus – WR – Las Vegas (NV) Bishop Gorman: Broadus is a 6’2″, 195 lb. prospect who took an official visit to Arizona State and also has UCLA and USC on his list. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #18 wide receiver, and #149 overall. Upon Harbaugh’s hiring, he said that he would definitely be interested in visiting Ann Arbor, even though he has not reported an offer from the Wolverines at any point. Broadus is the son of rapper Snoop Dogg/Snoop Lion. Broadus does not look to me like a true blazer, but he is fast enough to stretch the field a little and does a nice job of adjusting to the ball in the air.


DaMarkus Lodge – WR – Cedar Hill (TX) Cedar Hill:
 Lodge is a 6’2″, 190 lb. prospect who was previously committed to Texas A&M; he also is considering Baylor, LSU, Ole Miss, Texas, and USC. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #7 wide receiver, and #37 overall. As a senior this past season, he caught 63 passes for 1,218 yards and 25 touchdowns. Lodge pretty much ignored Michigan’s initial offer under Brady Hoke, but he has said that he would like to hear from Harbaugh

Auden Tate – WR – Tampa (FL) Wharton: Tate is a 6’4″, 215 lb. prospect who is committed to Florida State. He was very high on Michigan at one point and took an official visit in November. Tate is a 247 Composite 4-star, the #30 wide receiver, and #241 overall. Michigan needs an influx of talent – especially speed – at the wide receiver position, and Tate doesn’t fit the role of a speed guy. However, with Michigan needing to fill the class in the span of about five weeks, he should be a target.


Chris Clark – TE – Avon (CT) Old Farms: Clark is a 6’6″, 247 lb. prospect with a top three of Michigan, Michigan State, and UCLA; he was committed to Michigan until Brady Hoke was fired. He’s also a 247 Composite 4-star, the #2 tight end, and #80 overall. He has expressed excitement about the hiring of Harbaugh, so I am leaning toward expecting him to re-commit to the Wolverines.

Pat Allen – OT – Reisterstown (MD) Franklin: See above.

Chuma Edoga – OT – Powder Springs (GA) McEachern: Edoga is a 6’3″, 276 lb. prospect who is committed to USC. He’s a 247 Composite 5-star, the #3 offensive tackle, and #16 overall. Edoga really wanted a Michigan offer early in his recruitment, and he camped at Michigan for four days last summer. It was a little difficult for a lot of Michigan followers to understand why the Wolverines didn’t offer to start, and then he committed to the Trojans in April. New Michigan offensive coordinator Tim Drevno would have been Edoga’s position coach at USC, although he was not the primary recruiter. Michigan could use another lineman in this class, as the only current commit (Grant Newsome) will join a squad with a full complement of upperclassman linemen. UPDATE: Edoga tweeted last night that Coach Harbaugh called but that it was “just a lil too late lol.”

Keisean Lucier-South – DE – Orange (CA) Lutheran: Lucier-South is a 6’5″, 225 lb. prospect who has been committed to UCLA since late November. He was extremely high on Michigan at one point and called it his dream school, but the disappointing season seemed to push him toward the Bruins, another school he liked from the beginning. Michigan needs an edge rusher, and Harbaugh might be able to make it happen with his California connections.

Tyrone Wheatley, Jr. – DE – Manlius (NY) Canisius: Wheatley is a 6’6″, 265 lb. prospect with offers from everywhere, including Alabama, Michigan, UCLA, and USC, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #10 tight end, and #235 overall. Wheatley could play tight end, defensive end, or offensive tackle at the next level, and he looks most like a defensive end to me. Wheatley is, obviously, the son of former Michigan running back Tyrone Wheatley, whose job as Buffalo Bills running backs coach is in flux. Wheatley, Jr. said recently that he had not heard from the new Michigan staff, and he sounded a little annoyed by that. The Wolverins have slipped out of his top group, but if Michigan hires his dad, that could change quickly. Even if his dad doesn’t get a job in Ann Arbor, I still believe Wheatley should be a priority.


Neville Gallimore – DT – St. Catharine’s (Ontario) Canada Prep Football Academy: Gallimore is a 6’3″, 300 lb. prospect with offers from Auburn, Florida State, Ohio State, and Oklahoma, among others; he committed to Oklahoma during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #10 defensive tackle, and #68 overall. He seemed open to going anywhere across the country, but Michigan offers a pretty unique location near his home province. The Wolverines have not offered, but Gallimore was a U.S. Army All-American (how does that  happen?) and he could be a space-eater in the middle.


Osa Masina – LB – Salt Lake City (UT) Brighton: Masina is a 6’4″, 230 lb. prospect with a top group that includes Arizona State, UCLA, and USC. He has an offer from Michigan, but he eliminated the Wolverines months ago, along with Utah, where his brother plays. Masina seems like a kid who will stick to what he says, so Michigan might not be able to get back into the fray, but it’s at least worth making a phone call or two. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #5 outside linebacker, and #49 overall. Masina was a standout in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl last weekend.

Joshua McMillon – LB – Memphis (TN) Whitehaven: McMillon is a 6’3″, 239 lb. prospect who committed to Alabama in August, with Michigan finishing second in the race for his services. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #15 outside linebacker, and #223 overall. Pulling him away from the Crimson Tide would be difficult, and he committed even before Michigan’s season started going downhill. But the boost from Harbaugh could move the needle a little bit.

Roquan Smith – LB – Montezuma (GA) Macon County: Smith is a 6’2″, 205 lb. prospect with offers from all over the place, and he is leaning toward Georgia. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #4 outside linebacker, and #46 overall. He has not been offered by Michigan yet, but he does have a good relationship with Florida coach D.J. Durkin, who might be able to swing that into at least a visit if the Wolverines extend an offer. Michigan has not replaced Darrin Kirkland, Jr. (Tennessee) in this class and could also use a speed rushing threat off the edge, so Smith would be a welcome addition.


Marcus Lewis – CB – Washington (DC) Gonzaga: Lewis is a 6’1″, 187 lb. prospect with a top group that includes Kentucky, Miami, and Washington State. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #10 athlete, and #129 overall. Lewis was previously committed to Virginia Tech and then Florida, so he has been pretty indecisive. At one point Michigan appeared to be his leader after the decommitment from Florida, but the poor season and Hoke’s shaky job status pushed them out of the picture. Now that Harbaugh has been hired, Lewis’s interest has been piqued once again. The Wolverines are still trying to replace Shaun Crawford (Notre Dame) and Garrett Taylor (Penn State), both of whom have decommitted.

Iman Marshall – CB – Long Beach (CA) Poly: Marshall is a 6’1″, 190 lb. prospect who is considered a USC lean, but he has also been rumored to have strong interest in Notre Dame and UCLA at times, and he has set an official visit to Florida State. Marshall is a 247 Composite 5-star, the #1 cornerback, and #3 overall. A summer workout partner of sophomore wide receiver Freddy Canteen, Marshall has said that he would like to set an official visit for January. He was a standout at the Under Armour All-American Game last Friday.

MISCELLANEOUS
Michigan’s quarterback in the 2016 class, Messiah DeWeaver, has transferred from Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison to Huber Heights (OH) Wayne. Both are powerhouse schools in Ohio, and Michigan has strong connections to both. Players like Roy Roundtree, Michael Shaw, Brandon Moore, and Michael McCray II went to Trotwood, while players like Terry Talbott, Terrence Talbott, and Tyree Kinnel have gone to Wayne.

The high school All-American games took place in the past week, so here’s a look at some related tidbits:

Over on Recruiting Season, I profiled or updated the profiles for Warren De La Salle LB Eric Rogers, Farmington Hills Harrison DE Khalid Kareem, and Muskegon Mona Shores QB Tyree Jackson.
20Nov 2014
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Visitors: Michigan vs. Maryland

Tampa (FL) Wharton wide receiver Auden Tate

Here’s a list of players who will be visiting Michigan for their game against Maryland this weekend, the final home game of the season.

2015
Jack Dunaway – DE – Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice:
 Dunaway is committed to Michigan as a preferred walk-on defensive end. He’s the son of former Michigan tight end Craig Dunaway.

John Kelly – S – Oak Park (MI) Oak Park: Kelly is a 5’10”, 194 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan, Michigan State, and Minnesota, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 3-star, the #62 athlete, and #656 overall. Michigan offered him after cornerback Garrett Taylor decommitted, but the Wolverines are looking at Kelly as a safety. Kelly averaged 10.7 yards/carry as a senior this year, ending up with 1,321 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Alex Malzone – QB – Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice: Michigan’s quarterback commit for the 2015 class (LINK), Malzone was 211/325 (65%) for 2,998 yards, 38 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions.

Grant Newsome – OT – Lawrenceville (NJ) Lawrenceville School: Newsome committed to Michigan in June (LINK). He’s now rated as a 247 Composite 4-star, the #21 offensive tackle, and #209 overall. This will be his official visit.

Grant Perry – WR – Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice: Perry is a 6’0″, 185 lb. prospect with offers from a bunch of MAC schools and is angling for a Michigan offer to follow his quarterback teammate, Malzone. Perry is a 247 Composite 3-star, the #130 wide receiver, and #1047 overall.

Auden Tate – WR – Tampa (FL) Wharton: Tate is a 6’4″, 215 lb. prospect who committed to Florida State in August; he also has offers from Florida, Georgia, and Michigan, among others. It always looked like a Michigan vs. Florida State battle with the Seminoles leading. An official visit, this will be Tate’s first time in Ann Arbor.

Hit the jump for 2016, 2017, and 2018 prospects.

2016
John Fitzgerald – WR – Baltimore (MD) Gilman: Fitzgerald is a 6’3″, 210 lb. prospect with no offers at this time.

Devery Hamilton – OT – Baltimore (MD) Gilman: I wrote a fairly comprehensive blurb on Hamilton the other day (LINK) after he was offered by Michigan.

Ellison Jordan – DT – Balitmore (MD) Gilman: Jordan is a 6’0″, 255 lb. prospect with offers from Maryland, Penn State, and Virginia Tech, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #13 defensive tackle, and #167 overall.

Jeremy Larkin – RB – Cincinnati (OH) LaSalle:

Dorian Maddox – RB – Baltimore (MD) Gilman: Maddox is a 5’11”, 205 lb. prospect with no offers at this point. He could also be a strong safety at the next level.

Brian Manuel – DT – Washington (DC) St. John’s Collegiate: Manuel is a 6’5″, 320 lb. prospect with no offers at this time. He is a massive human being who could probably afford to shed a little bit of weight, but he will definitely earn some FBS offers soon.

Shamar Shanks – LB – Baltimore (MD) Gilman: Shanks is a 6’1″, 205 lb. prospect with no offers at this time.

Stephen Spanellis – OG – Baltimore (MD) Gilman: You can read more about Spanellis in the Hamilton link above.

Korey Stevens – CB – Baltimore (MD) Gilman:

Abdullah Yaseen – CB – Oak Park (MI) Oak Park: Yaseen is a 5’9″, 166 lb. prospect with no offers at this time.

2017
Troy Brown – WR – Flint (MI) Beecher: Brown is a 6’1″, 200 lb. prospect with no offers at this point. He plays wide receiver, but he also looks like a pretty physical safety for being just a sophomore. He claims a 4.56 forty, a 215 lb. bench, and a 315 lb. squat.

Carter Dunaway – TE – Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice: Dunaway is the younger brother of Carter Dunaway and a teammate of Malzone and Perry.

Kasim Hill – QB – Baltimore (MD) Gilman: Hill is a 6’2″, 195 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan State and Syracuse.

Corey Malone-Hatcher – DE – Baltimore (MD) Gilman: Malone-Hatcher is a 6’3″, 225 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State. He has visited Alabama several times and has family connections down there, so an Alabama offer may be difficult to ward off.

Camaron Spence – DT – Baltimore (MD) Gilman: Spence is a 6’2″, 275 lb. prospect with an offer from Maryland.

2018
Dan Bolden – LB – Cincinnati (OH) Colerain:

Roman Johnson – LB – Xenia (OH) Xenia:

Taron Vincent – DT – Baltimore (MD) Gilman: Vincent is the son of former Wisconsin (and Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles) cornerback Troy Vincent, as well as the brother of Troy, Jr. (North Carolina State), whom Michigan recruited in the class of 2014.

9Oct 2014
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Visitors: Michigan vs. Penn State

Keisean Lucier-South (image via MaxPreps)

2015
Brian Cole – WR – Saginaw (MI) Heritage:
 Cole committed to Michigan in July (LINK).

Javarius Davis – CB – Jacksonville (FL) Ed White: Davis, the country’s #40 running back according to 247’s Composite rankings, was scheduled to officially visit Michigan this weekend but canceled.

Jack Dunaway – DE – Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice:

Tyree Kinnel – S – Huber Heights (OH) Wayne: Kinnel committed to Michigan in August 2013 (LINK).

Darrin Kirkland, Jr. – LB – Indianapolis (IN) Lawrence Central: Kirkland committed to Michigan in May (LINK).

Keisean Lucier-South – DE – Orange (CA) Lutheran: Lucier-South is a 6’5″, 225 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon, UCLA, and USC, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 5-star, the #2 weakside end, and #23 overall. Lucier-South called Michigan a “dream offer” when he got it, but teams like Oklahoma and USC have been making a push since then. While both teams have been the victim of upsets this season, neither is going through a 2-4 season and/or potential coaching change. This is Lucier-South’s official visit.

Alex Malzone – QB – Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice: Malzone committed to Michigan in May (LINK).

Grant Perry – WR – Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice:

Tyrone Miller – S – Saline (MI) Saline:

Mook Reynolds – CB – Greensboro (NC) Northern Guilford: Reynolds is a 6’0″, 175 lb. prospect who is committed to Virginia Tech. He also has offers from Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Tennessee, among others. He took an official visit to Knoxville last weekend, and this is his official visit to Ann Arbor.

Zach Robertson – OG – Bellflower (CA) St. John Bosco: Robertson was originally scheduled to take an official visit to Ann Arbor for the Penn State game, but he has since canceled. He’s the #319 player in the class, according to the 247 Composite.

Auden Tate – WR – Tampa (FL) Wharton: Tate is a 6’4″, 215 lb. Florida State commit; he also has offers from Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, and numerous others. Michigan was an early favorite and was in his top group before he committed to the Seminoles, so there’s an outside shot that Michigan could flip him if things go in the right direction for Michigan. Unfortunately, he’s an early enrollee, so an iffy coaching situation would likely spell doom for Michigan’s chances.

Ahmad Wagner – WR – Huber Heights (OH) Wayne: Wagner is a 6’6″, 190 lb. prospect with an offer from Kentucky. A teammate of Kinnel’s, he’s also a high level basketball prospect (Iowa and Minnesota have offered). He may fit the profile of the jumbo wide receiver Michigan likes if they find themselves scrounging for wideouts.


Mike Weber – RB – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Weber committed to Michigan in August (LINK), but he is looking to take other official visits, considering Michigan’s current situation.

Hit the jump for 2016 and 2017 prospects.

2016
Ben Bredeson – OT – Hartland (WI) Arrowhead:

Messiah DeWeaver – QB – Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison: DeWeaver committed to Michigan in June (LINK).

Daelin Hayes – LB – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech:

Lavert Hill – CB – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Hill is a 5’11”, 170 lb. prospect with offers from Miami, Michigan, North Carolina, and several others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #22 cornerback, and #228 overall. His older brother, Delano, is a sophomore safety at Michigan.

Elijah Holyfield – RB – Atlanta (GA) Woodward Academy: The son of boxer Evander Holyfield canceled his planned trip.

Joshua Jackson – QB – Saline (MI) Saline:

Khalid Kareem – DE – Farmington Hills (MI) Harrison:

Austin Mack – WR – Fort Wayne (IN) Bishop Luers: Mack is a 6’2″, 205 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan, Notre Dame, and Ohio State, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #20 wide receiver, and #96 overall. He claims a 4.55 forty but looks more like a possession receiver. He originally had Michigan out front, but now it seems Notre Dame has pulled ahead.

Kalebb Perry – WR – Mt. Pleasant (MI) Mt. Pleasant:

Sean Rattay – C – Toledo (OH) St. John’s:
David Reese – LB – Farmington (MI) Farmington:

Max Richardson – LB – Atlanta (GA) Woodward Academy: Richardson was supposed to attend with teammate Holyfield.

Auston Robertson – DE – Fort Wayne (IN) Wayne:

Eric Rogers – LB – Warren (MI) De La Salle:

Erik Swenson – OT – Downers Grove (IL) South: Swenson committed to Michigan in November 2013 (LINK).

Demetric Vance – WR – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech:

Clark Yarbrough – OT – Woodberry Forest (VA) Woodberry Forest: Yarbrough is a 6’5″, 255 lb. prospect with offers from Clemson, Florida, Michigan, Oklahoma, Virginia, and Virginia Tech, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #17 offensive tackle, and #205 overall. Yarbrough had Michigan in his top couple schools, so Michigan’s coaching situation could have a big impact.

Abdullah Yaseen – CB – Oak Park (MI) Oak Park:


2017
Carter Dunaway – TE – Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice:

Mac Hippenhammer – WR – Fort Wayne (IN) Snider:

Corey Malone-Hatcher – DE – St. Joseph (MI) St. Joseph: Malone-Hatcher is a 6’3″, 235 lb. prospect with a lone offer from Ohio State. He’s considered one of the top few players in the state for his class.

Bruce Mann – QB – Bay City (MI) Western:

Donovan Peoples-Jones – WR – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Peoples-Jones is a 6’1″, 170 lb. prospect with offers from Miami, Ohio State, and Penn State, among others.

Willie Rodgers – DE – Saginaw (MI) Arthur Hill:

Jess Speight – DT – Richmond (VA) Collegiate:

Matthew Wilcox – S – Huber Heights (OH) Wayne:

2018
Jimmy Bell – OT – Saginaw (MI) Arthur Hill:

6Aug 2014
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Recruiting Update: August 6, 2014

Bellflower (CA) St. John Bosco offensive guard Zach Robertson (image via Maxpreps)

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2015
Bellflower (CA) St. John Bosco offensive guard Zach Robertson was offered by Michigan. He’s a 6’5″, 308 lb. prospect with offers from Arizona State, Arkansas, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, UCLA, USC, and Washington, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #14 offensive guard, and #259 overall. He claims a 340 lb. bench, a 465 lb. squat, and a 5.4 forty. Robertson is a punishing blocker on the move who I believe fits best at offensive guard, though he’s a tackle in high school. He has said that he wants to take an official visit to Michigan, but the current line of thinking is that he’s bound for UCLA, where high school teammate (and fellow Michigan offeree) Josh Rosen is committed.


OFF THE BOARD
Reisterstown (MD) Franklin offensive guard Patrick Allen committed to Georgia. Georgia was considered the favorite, but Michigan was up there in his top few schools. Allen has said that he still wants to see Michigan on an official visit, so the door isn’t completely closed. His 2016 teammate, wide receiver Steven Smothers, also holds a Michigan offer.

Sicklerville (NJ) Timber Creek wide receiver Cameron Chambers, a 2016 prospect, committed to Michigan State. He visited Michigan and Michigan State the weekend prior to his decision, so it was a bit of a nail-biter to see whether he would choose the Wolverines, although they were thought to be playing from slightly behind. Ohio State was also in the mix. As Michigan has seen with its own early commits, it’s a long time between now and signing day for 2016 prospects.

Warren (OH) Harding center James Daniels committed to Iowa. Daniels has an older brother who’s a freshman running back at Iowa, so the Hawkeyes were thought to be the leaders. Michigan has had a lot of success at Harding over the years (Carl Diggs, Prescott Burgess, Mario Manningham, D.J. Williamson, Davion Rogers), but they have struck out recently.

Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy quarterback Deondre Francois committed to Florida State. This was – and will be – a highly interesting development, because the Seminoles already had two touted quarterbacks (De’Andre Johnson, Kai Locksley) committed in the 2015 class. Taking two quarterbacks in one class happens fairly frequently, but three in one year is almost unheard of. At least one of these guys will flip elsewhere by the time all is said and done.

Sherman (TX) Sherman offensive guard Aaron Garza committed to Kansas. He had previously been committed to Texas.

Tampa (FL) Wharton wide receiver Auden Tate committed to Florida State. At one point Tate called Michigan’s offer a “dream offer” and he has left the door open for an official visit to Ann Arbor. Tate was considered Michigan’s best chance to land a second wide receiver in the class, so the Wolverines may have to expand their offer list if they want another wideout.

Lawrenceville (GA) Central Gwinnett outside linebacker Adonis Thomas committed to Florida. His 2016 teammate, offensive lineman E.J. Price, holds an offer from Michigan.


MISCELLANEOUS
Over on Recruiting Season, I profiled Walled Lake Central’s Ade Ogundeji and Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills’ Derek Smith (Central Michigan). Meanwhile, Muskegon Mona Shores quarterback Tyree Jackson committed to Buffalo, Dearborn Fordson linebacker Abdallah Jaffal committed to Ball State, and West Bloomfield’s Eddie Wilson II committed to Central Michigan.

22Jul 2014
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Visitors: 2014 BBQ at the Big House

Lincolnton (NC) Lincolnton defensive end Darian Roseboro

This year’s BBQ at the Big House for 2015 prospects will be on July 27th. Last year Michigan did two separate barbecues for seniors and then underclassmen, but I believe this year’s will be one combined event.

2015
Jalen Bates – DE – Kaplan (LA) Kaplan: Bates is a 6’4″, 240 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 3-star, the #22 weakside end, and #499 overall. Michigan is one of his top few schools, and his cousin is former Wolverine linebacker Jonas Mouton. Bates is aiming to visit Ann Arbor sometime around June 24-26, so he may miss the actual BBQ but will be in town at roughly the same juncture.

Chris Clark – TE – Avon (CT) Old Farms: Clark committed to Michigan in June (LINK).

Brian Cole – WR – Saginaw (MI) Heritage: Cole is a 6’2″, 190 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Tennessee, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #5 athlete, and #65 overall. Cole may not be able to stay for Sunday’s BBQ, but he will be at Michigan on at least Friday and Saturday.

Kengera Daniel – DE – Raleigh (NC) Millbrook: Daniel is a 6’5″, 250 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Miami, Michigan, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wake Forest, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 3-star, the #21 strongside end, and #503 overall. He claims a 4.89 forty and had 89 tackles, 13 sacks, and 1 interception as a junior in 2013.

Jack Dunaway – DE – Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice: Dunaway is a 6’3″, 212 lb. prospect with no offers at this time. He’s the teammate of Michigan quarterback commit Alex Malzone. Dunaway is also the son of Craig Dunaway, a tight end at Michigan from the mid-1980’s.

Joshua Ellison – WR – Flint (MI) Carman-Ainsworth: Ellison is a 5’11”, 185 lb. prospect with no FBS offers at this time, as far as I know. He is a potential walk-on candidate.

Damien Harris – RB – Berea (KY) Madison Southern: Harris was committed to Michigan, but he then de-committed in January (LINK) after offensive coordinator Al Borges was fired. Michigan is still under consideration but is believed to have fallen behind Ohio State, if not Alabama and Kentucky. UPDATE: Harris no longer plans to attend the BBQ.

Amari Henderson – CB – Charlotte (NC) Mallard Creek: Henderson is a 6’1″, 182 lb. prospect with offers from Kansas State, Kentucky, Penn State, and Wake Forest, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 3-star, the #111 safety, and #1481 overall. He claims a 4.46 forty, a 41″ vertical, a 255 lb. bench, and a 355 lb. squat. He has not been offered by Michigan, but he has been in contact with area recruiter Roy Manning. The Wolverines are searching for someone to replace Shaun Crawford, who decommitted in favor of Notre Dame. UPDATE: Henderson committed to Wake Forest on July 19, but still wants to attend the BBQ.

Tyree Kinnel – S – Huber Heights (OH) Wayne: Kinnel committed to Michigan in August 2013 (LINK).

Darrin Kirkland, Jr. – LB – Indianapolis (IN) Lawrence Central: Kirkland committed to Michigan in May (LINK).

Marcus Lewis – CB – Washington (DC) Gonzaga: Lewis is a 6’1″, 187 lb. prospect who committed to Florida in April. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #8 athlete, and #118 overall. He claims a 4.38 forty and will be at The Opening this month. Lewis has said that, while he remains committed to Florida, he wants to explore his options, and one of them is playing in Ann Arbor. There was recently some news that he would transfer to IMG Academy in Florida for his senior year, but it appears he will remain at Gonzaga Prep.



Alex Malzone – QB – Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice: Malzone committed to Michigan in May (LINK).

Iman Marshall – CB – Long Beach (CA) Poly: Marshall is a 6’1″, 170 lb. prospect with offers from LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Stanford, UCLA, and USC, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 5-star, the #2 cornerback, and #8 overall. He will also be attending The Opening. Marshall’s presumed leader is USC, but he worked out with Michigan freshman Freddy Canteen in the off-season and wants to check out Michigan’s campus. He attends the alma mater of former Michigan corner Donovan Warren. UPDATE: Marshall did not make the trip.





Joshua McMillon – LB – Memphis (TN) Whitehaven: McMillon is a 6’3″, 230 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Auburn, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #16 outside linebacker, and #215 overall. He visited Michigan this spring and is very high on Michigan, although the SEC pull is strong in the state of Tennessee. UPDATE: McMillon will not be attending the BBQ because his parents can’t come, but he will try to visit with them prior to his August 22nd announcement date.

Tyrone Miller – S – Saline (MI) Saline

Grant Perry – WR – Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice: Perry is a 6’0″, 185 lb. prospect with offers from Ball State, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, and Kent State. He’s a 247 Composite 3-star, the #131 wide receiver, #1051 overall, and #15 in the state of Michigan. He camped at Michigan and did well, although the Wolverines have not extended an offer. He is Malzone’s top receiving target at Brother Rice.

Patrice Rene – CB – Alexandria (VA) Episcopal: Rene is a 6’1″, 180 lb. prospect with offers from Indiana, Ohio State, Rutgers, and Syracuse, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #27 cornerback, and #212 overall. Rene is moving from Ontario to Virginia for his senior season.

Mook Reynolds – CB – Greensboro (NC) Northern Guilford: Reynolds is a 6’0″, 175 lb. prospect who committed to Virginia Tech in February; he also has offers from Georgia, Michigan, and Notre Dame, among others. Despite being committed to the Hokies, he wants to explore his options and has made a good connection with cornerbacks coach Roy Manning. UPDATE: Reynolds did not make the trip but remains interested in the Wolverines.

Drew Richmond – OT – Memphis (TN) University School: Richmond is a 6’5″, 320 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, and Tennessee, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #6 offensive tackle, and #75 overall. Richmond will likely not be in attendance at the BBQ, but he has mentioned an interest in visiting, despite Michigan not making his initial top 10 list. UPDATE: Richmond did not make the trip.

Darian Roseboro – DE – Lincolnton (NC) Lincolnton: Roseboro is a 6’3″, 293 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Duke, Michigan, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Ohio State, and Tennessee, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #8 strongside end, and #122 overall. As a junior in 2013, he made 125 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks. Michigan recruiting guru Sam Webb has been speaking very confidently about Michigan’s chances of landing Roseboro, who has developed a solid relationship with his recruiter, cornerbacks coach Roy Manning.

Jon Runyan, Jr. – OG – Philadelphia (PA) St. Joseph’s: Runyan committed to Michigan in June 2013 (LINK).

Auden Tate – WR – Tampa (FL) Wharton: Tate is a 6’4″, 195 lb. prospect with offers from Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Michigan, and South Carolina, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 3-star, the #40 wide receiver, and #319 overall. As a junior in 2013, he caught 49 passes for 815 yards and 5 touchdowns. Michigan may have been in front at one point, but an offer from the Seminoles in late May might have changed the tide in his recruitment. Tate is a possibility to attend the BBQ but has not yet purchased airline tickets, so it is unlikely. UPDATE: Tate did not make it to the BBQ.

Garrett Taylor – CB – Richmond (VA) St. Christopher: Taylor committed to Michigan in March (LINK).

Tyriq Thompson – LB – Detroit (MI) King: I wrote a scouting report on Thompson in January (LINK).

Michael Weber – RB – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Weber is a 5’10”, 205 lb. prospect who has a top group that includes Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #13 running back, and #108 overall. Over the last two seasons, he has 3,359 rushing yards and 45 touchdowns. Weber is visiting USC this weekend and is attempting to fly back in time for the BBQ. UPDATE: Weber did return from California in time to get to the BBQ.

Tyrone Wheatley, Jr. – TE – Manlius (NY) Canisius: Wheatley is a 6’6″, 275 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Miami, Michigan, UCLA, and USC, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #10 tight end, and #231 overall. While he has grown to a mammoth size, Michigan is still recruiting him as a tight end, although he could play defensive end or even offensive tackle if he continues to grow. UPDATE: Wheatley will miss the BBQ.

Hit the jump for 2016 and 2017 prospects.

2016
Ben Bredeson – OT – Hartland (WI) Arrowhead: Bredeson is a 6’4″, 255 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, and Wisconsin, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 5-star, the #2 offensive tackle, and the #11 player overall. He picked up his Michigan offer in April and unofficially visited around the same time. Bredeson is visiting Notre Dame the same weekend as the BBQ, and he may not be able to make it to Ann Arbor that weekend, too.

Tuf Borland – LB – Bolingbrook (IL) Bolingbrook

Devante Brooks – DE – Washington (DC) St. John’s: Brooks is a 6’5″, 220 lb. prospect with offers from Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, and Virginia Tech, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #6 strongside end, and #94 overall. He claims a 4.7 forty.

Cameron Chambers – WR – Sicklerville (NJ) Timber Creek: Chambers is a 6’3″, 195 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Florida, Michigan, Ohio State, Pitt, Rutgers, and Virginia Tech, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #29 wide receiver, and #142 overall. Chambers claims a 4.59 forty.

Messiah DeWeaver – QB – Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison: DeWeaver committed to Michigan in June (LINK).


Liam Eichenberg – OT – Cleveland (OH) St. Ignatius: Eichenberg is a 6’5″, 280 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan, Notre Dame, and Ohio State, which comprise his top three. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #8 offensive tackle, and #51 overall. He named Michigan his top school after visiting campus in June, only to name Notre Dame his leader the next week upon a visit to South Bend. St. Ignatius is the alma mater of Michigan senior linebacker Jake Ryan. UPDATE: Eichenberg will not attend the BBQ.

Luke Farrell – TE – Perry (OH) Perry:
 Farrell is a 6’6″, 219 lb. prospect with offers from Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio State. He’s a 247 Composite 3-star, the #13 tight end, and #394 overall. He earned the offer from the Wolverines in June when he camped at Michigan.

Daelin Hayes – LB – Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary’s: Hayes is a 6’3″, 225 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan, Michigan State, and Notre Dame, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #5 outside linebacker, and #101 overall. He originally set an announcement date for late April when he was expected to commit to Michigan, but he postponed that so he could explore other options. UPDATE: Hayes did not make the trip, as he was in California committing to USC.

Lavert Hill – CB – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Hill is a 5’11”, 165 lb. prospect with offers from Illinois, Miami, North Carolina, and North Carolina State, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #32 cornerback, and #300 overall. Hill is the younger brother of Michigan sophomore safety Delano Hill. I have yet to see film of the younger Hill, but he has been impressive at numerous camps recently.

Elijah Holyfield – RB – Atlanta (GA) Woodward: Holyfield is a 5’11”, 190 lb. prospect with offers from Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan, Ohio State, and Ole Miss, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #27 running back, and #291 overall. Holyfield earned his Michigan offer at camp in June, and he’ll be bringing both of his parents (you may have heard of his dad, Evander Holyfield) with him this time.

Michael Jordan – OT – Plymouth (MI) Plymouth: Jordan is a 6’5″, 278 lb. prospect with a lone offer from Michigan, which he earned at camp in June. He’s a 247 Composite 3-star, the #32 offensive tackle, and #429 overall.

Khalid Kareem – DE – Farmington Hills (MI) Harrison

Josh King – DE – Hinsdale (IL) South: King is a 6’6″, 250 lb. prospect with offers from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Michigan State. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #4 strongside end, and #59 overall. King is relatively quiet about his recruitment. He comes from the same town (but not the same school) as freshman tight end Ian Bunting, and his team plays 2016 Michigan tackle commit Erik Swenson’s.

Justin Layne – WR – Cleveland (OH) Benedictine: Layne is a 6’3″, 173 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan, Michigan State, and Penn State. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #11 wide receiver, and #65 overall. Layne attends the same school as 2015 linebacker Jerome Baker, who just committed to Florida last week.

Thiyo Lukusa – OG – Traverse City (MI) West: Lukusa is a 6’5″, 300 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Wisconsin, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #21 offensive tackle, and #264 overall. He is thought to be a Michigan lean.

Austin Mack – WR – Fort Wayne (IN) Bishop Luers: Mack is a 6’2″, 205 lb. prospect who also has a top three of Michigan, Notre Dame, and Ohio State. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #12 wide receiver, and #78 overall. Mack earned a Michigan offer after camping in Ann Arbor in June, and there is some confidence among recruitniks that the Wolverines currently hold a lead for Mack’s services.

David Reese II – LB – Farmington (MI) Farmington: Reese is a 6’1″, 235 lb. prospect with offers from Akron, Ohio, and Toledo. He may be more of a defensive end prospect, and with his height, that would probably be at a smaller school than Michigan. His teammate is Desmond Fitzpatrick, a 2016 wide receiver on Michigan’s radar with several FBS offers.

Auston Robertson – DE – Fort Wayne (IN) Wayne: Robertson is a 6’5″, 230 lb. prospect with offers from Akron, Indiana, Notre Dame, and Toledo, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #15 weakside end, and #198 prospect overall. He will be traveling to Ann Arbor with Mack (above), and an offer would give Michigan a very good chance.

Erik Swenson – OT – Downers Grove (IL) South:
 Swenson committed to Michigan in November (LINK). He recently participated in the Rivals 100 Five-Star Challenge, where he performed solidly but not spectacularly; most participants were a year ahead of him as part of the 2015 class. UPDATE: Swenson will probably not be able to make it to Ann Arbor.

Naseir Upshur – TE – Philadelphia (PA) Imhotep: Upshur is a 6’3″, 231 lb. prospect with offers from Arizona State, Michigan, Michigan State, and South Carolina, among others. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #9 tight end, and #311 overall. Upshur is a devastating blocker and earned his Michigan offer at camp last month.

Abdullah Yaseen – CB – Oak Park (MI) Oak Park

2017
Corey Malone-Hatcher – DE – St. Joseph (MI) St. Joseph

Josh Myers – OT – Miamisburg (OH) Miamisburg: Myers is a 6’5″, 275 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio State, among others. His father played at Kentucky, and his older brother is an offensive lineman for the Wildcats now.

Donovan Peoples-Jones – WR – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech

Joshua Ross – LB – Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary’s: Ross is a 6’0″, 194 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Oklahoma, among others. He’s the younger brother of junior linebacker James Ross III and the teammate of 2016 Michigan offeree Daelin Hayes (above).

Jonathan Sutherland – WR – Ottawa (Ontario) Pearson: Sutherland is a 5’10”, 175 lb. prospect with a lone offer from Rutgers.

Luiji Vilain – DE – Ottawa (Ontario) Pearson: Vilain is a 6’3″, 230 lb. prospect with offers from Minnesota, Penn State, Rutgers, and Syracuse. Both he and Sutherland will be traveling with 2015 prospect Patrice Rene.