ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2015 Gaithersburg (MD) Gaithersburg defensive end Kamonte Carter was offered by Michigan. He’s a 6’4″, 215 lb. athlete with offers from Maryland, Nebraska, Penn State, West Virginia, and several others. Carter plays quarterback for his high school team, but also plays a little bit of linebacker. Michigan wants him for defense, but he’s not a particularly aggressive hitter or tackler; of course, that might also be because he plays quarterback and may want to save his body for the offensive side of the ball.
OFF THE BOARD Fort Lauderdale (FL) St. Thomas Aquinas wide receiver Corey Holmes committed to Notre Dame. Holmes declared Michigan his leader early in the process, but the Wolverines had been fading for months. He looks mostly like a slot receiver, and that spot seems to have been taken by Freddy Canteen, anyway.
Fort Lauderdale (FL) St. Thomas Aquinas wide receiver Corey Holmes (image via 247 Sports)
Name: Corey Holmes Height: 6’2″ Weight: 166 lbs. High school: Fort Lauderdale (FL) St. Thomas Aquinas Position: Wide receiver Class: 2014
Notes: Holds offers from Florida, Florida State, Houston, Michigan, Notre Dame, Rutgers, South Florida, Syracuse, UCF, and Wisconsin . . . Scout 3-star WR, #48 WR . . . 247 Sports 4-star WR, 90 grade, #36 WR . . . Claims a 4.48 forty yard dash . . . Claims 35.5″ vertical . . . Teammate of 2013 DE target Joey Bosa (Ohio State)
Strengths: Already operates like college receiver . . . Slippery route runner . . . Sets up routes well . . . Shows good timing getting in and out of breaks . . . Uses hands well to catch ball away from body . . . Good but not great speed . . . Shows good field awareness to find open spots in zones and avoid big hits . . . Willing and able to go over the middle and catch balls above his head
Weaknesses: Willing blocker but needs to add strength . . . Generally needs to add some size to increase durability and help him run through tackles . . . Gets brought down a little too easily upon contact
Projection: Wide receiver. It’s tough to find weaknesses in Holmes’s game. He’s not the biggest, fastest, or most explosive receiver, but he’s very polished and looks like he’s already prepared for college. He’ll need to add some size to deal with the pounding that comes with playing major college football, but Holmes should be able to contribute early wherever he plays.
Devon Allen – WR – Phoenix (AZ) Brophy Prep: Allen is visiting on Saturday and won’t be around for the BBQ on Sunday, but his visit does indicate somewhat serious interest in Michigan. However, most analysts seem to believe that LaQuon Treadwell will take the final wide receiver spot in the class and that Allen will head elsewhere, anyway . . . possibly to Ohio State. I wrote up a scouting report on Allen a couple months ago.
Drew Barker – QB – Burlington (KY) Conner: Barker, a 2014 prospect, is a 6’3″, 204 lb. signal caller with offers from Illinois, Purdue, South Carolina, and a few others. He originally stated that he would visit for the BBQ, but this visit may will not take place now. (Highlights.)
Jimmy Byrne – OG – Cleveland (OH) St. Ignatius: Byrne is a 6’4″, 275 lb. class of 2014 prospect with offers from Illinois, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and West Virginia. I believe there’s a good chance that he will offered when he visits. (Highlights.) UPDATE: Byrne will not be visiting this weekend.
Mason Cole – OT – Tarpon Springs (FL) East Lake: Cole is a 2014 prospect who holds offers from Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Michigan, Ohio State, South Carolina, Stanford, and USC. He stands 6’5″ and 267 lbs.
Nathaniel Devers – OG – Massillon (OH) Washington: Devers, a 2014 prospect, has a single offer from Toledo. He stands 6’3″ and 265 lbs. He claims a 385 lb. bench press and a 495 lb. squat, both of which are great numbers for a high school sophomore. Brady Hoke showed in the 2013 class that he’s willing and able to go after only elite prospects on the offensive line, and I’m not sure Devers fits in that category. Despite being teammates with 2013 commit Gareon Conley, I would not be surprised if Devers goes without an offer, at least until some other options on the offensive line shake out. (Highlights.)
Tommy Doles – OT – Grand Rapids (MI) Christian: Doles is a 6’5″, 240 lb. prospect whose only offer comes from Michigan so far. His teammate is 2014 wide receiver Drake Harris, who picked Michigan State over Michigan. Doles is very athletic, but obviously needs some time to fill out his frame.
Deon Drake – LB – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Drake is a 6’1″, 215 lb. weakside linebacker prospect. He has offers from Notre Dame, Pitt, and some others, but not from Michigan. If that changes this weekend, he would be one to watch for a commitment, just like most Technicians. Drake is considered to be the second-best 2014 prospect on the team behind wide receiver/cornerback Damon Webb. (Highlights.)
Michael Ferns III – LB – St. Clairsville (OH) St. Clairsville: Ferns is a 6’3″, 230 lb. athlete from the class of 2014. He looks like a SAM linebacker to me, but he could also play tight end or middle linebacker. He has already narrowed down his recruitment to a final three of Michigan, Notre Dame, and Penn State. Several insiders think Michigan is #1 on that list. (Highlights.)
Clifton Garrett – LB – Joliet (IL) Plainfield South: Garrett is a 6’3″, 220 lb. linebacker from the class of 2014. He already has offers from Illinois, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Wisconsin, and I would be surprised if he walks away from Ann Arbor without an offer from the Wolverines unless the coaches have off-the-field concerns. He has a very impressive highlight film and looks like a future middle linebacker, although he could also be utilized at the SAM position. UPDATE: Garrett will not be on campus this weekend.
Derrick Green – RB – Richmond (VA) Heritage: Green is a 6’0″, 215 lb. tailback with reported 4.37 speed, but he’s more of a two-down running back who struggles to catch the ball. He has offers from virtually every notable school in the country, including Michigan. Every other offered running back is off the board, so Green may be Michigan’s last chance to grab an “elite” tailback in the 2013 class.
Jay Hayes – OG – Brooklyn (NY) Poly Prep: Hayes is a 6’5″, 270 lb. lineman from the 2014 class. He could play either side of the line, but Michigan is recruiting him for offense. He also has offers from Notre Dame, Oregon, and Penn State, among others. UPDATE: Hayes is not attending the BBQ.
Jonathan Hilliman – RB – Jersey City (NJ) St. Peter’s Prep: Hilliman is a 6’0″, 201 lb. tailback from the class of 2014 who already holds offers from Miami, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Rutgers, and Wisconsin. New Jersey has not been particularly kind to Michigan over the last several years, so I would be surprised if he ends up as part of Michigan’s class, and he might not make it to the BBQ. (Highlights.) UPDATE: Hilliman will not be visiting this weekend.
Corey Holmes – WR – Fort Lauderdale (FL) St. Thomas Aquinas: Holmes is a 6’1″, 172 lb. prospect from the class of 2014. He has offers from Florida, Michigan, and Wisconsin, among others. Despite being somewhat small-ish, Holmes looks more like a possession receiver than a blazing downfield threat. He grew up as a Michigan fan, and although I would be a little surprised if he commits to Michigan anytime soon, I would not be surprised if that occurs sometime down the road. (Highlights.) UPDATE: Holmes will not be visiting this weekend.
Jamarco Jones – OG – Chicago (IL) De La Salle: Jones is a 6’5″, 285 lb. guard prospect from the class of 2014. He already has offers from Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, and Ohio State, among others. My guess is that he will end up at Ohio State, but Michigan has a chance to impress him at the BBQ. (Highlights.) UPDATE: Jones is not visiting for the BBQ.
Coleman Key – QB – Broken Arrow (OK) Broken Arrow: Key camped at Michigan in June and came away without an offer, but he still has a chance. He’s a 6’5″, 210 lb. prospect from the 2014 class. He won’t be one of the most highly recruited quarterbacks in the class, but with Shane Morris arriving in 2013, Michigan might have to take a second-tier quarterback to groom behind Morris. Key has zero offers so far. (Freshman highlights.)
Montae Nicholson – S – Monroeville (PA) Gateway: Nicholson is a 6’2″, 195 lb. safety with offers from Michigan, Penn State, Pitt, and a few others. Gateway has sent a lot of kids to FBS schools in recent years, but many have chosen Ohio State or Pitt. There was some buzz recently that Nicholson might commit to Michigan at the BBQ, but I think that was all it was – buzz. (Highlights.)
D’Andre Payne – CB – Washington (DC) H.D. Woodson: Payne is only 5’9″ and 172 lbs., but he’s a very smooth, dynamic athlete. Michigan has already offered him as a field corner, but most big schools in the country have offered him, too. Still, it’s a good sign that he’s planning to return to campus, since he was already in Ann Arbor back in June for summer camp. (Highlights.)
Austin Roberts – WR – Carmel (IN) Carmel: Roberts is a 6’2″, 195 lb. prospect from the class of 2014. He already has offers from Florida, Iowa, Miami, Purdue, and Stanford. UPDATE: Roberts is not visiting for the BBQ.
Artavis Scott – WR – Tarpon Springs (FL) East Lake: Scott is a 5’11”, 180 lb. receiver from the class of 2014. He already holds offers from Florida, Florida State, Ohio State, and South Carolina, among others. Scott has not been offered by Michigan yet, but he will probably receive one on the visit.
Conor Sheehy – DE – Milwaukee (WI) Marquette University: Sheehy is a 6’4″, 255 lb. defensive end with a single offer from Wisconsin. He camped at Michigan in June and left without an offer, but since he’s been invited back for the BBQ, there’s at least a decent chance the coaches extend an offer in person.
Bentley Spain – OT – Charlotte (NC) Providence: Spain is a 6’6″, 285 lb. prospect from the class of 2014. He already has offers from Clemson, Florida, LSU, Miami, North Carolina, Penn State, South Carolina, and Stanford, among others. I have a feeling that South Carolina will be the team to beat. Spain indicated that he may or may not make it to the BBQ, and usually that means no, so don’t be surprised if he doesn’t appear. UPDATE: Spain will not be visiting this weekend.
LaQuon Treadwell – WR – Crete (IL) Crete-Monee: The recruitment of Treadwell has been well documented. He has offers from all over the country but wants to visit Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. However, Michigan is the front-runner, and there’s a decent chance that he will commit to Michigan at the BBQ. I wrote up a scouting report on him a few months ago. UPDATE: Treadwell will not be visiting this weekend.
Damon Webb – CB – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Webb is a 5’11”, 170 lb. wide receiver/cornerback from the class of 2014. The Wolverines are recruiting him for defense. Aside from Michigan, he holds offers from LSU, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Wisconsin, among others. Michigan is considered to be the heavy favorite for his services, although his recruitment may last beyond the BBQ.
Parrker Westphal – CB – Bolingbrook (IL) Bolingbrook: Westphal is a 6’1″, 181 lb. defensive back prospect with offers from Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Ohio State, and West Virginia, among others. Michigan seems to be #1 on the 2014 prospect’s mind, and he’s coached by former Michigan cornerback Todd Howard. The Wolverines are recruiting him mainly to play boundary corner and the slot corner position currently inhabited by Courtney Avery. (Highlights.)
William White – LB – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: White is a 6’1″, 215 lb. linebacker who currently holds no offers. He’s the son of former Detroit Lions safety William White. If an offer comes for White, it will likely be some time down the road. (Highlights.)
Grand Rapids (MI) Christian offensive tackle Tommy Doles was offered by Michigan. Doles is a 6’5″, 260 lb. lineman whose only offer comes from Michigan. He attends the same high school as a fellow 2014 offeree, wide receiver Drake Harris. So far Michigan’s coaches are recruiting Doles as an athlete and are looking at him for offensive line, defensive line, or perhaps even as a tight end. (Highlights.)
New Orleans (LA) St. Augustine running back Leonard Fournette was offered by Michigan. Fournette is a 6’0″, 210 lb. tailback with offers from Alabama, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Notre Dame, and many others. As a freshman in 2010, he had 174 carries for 1,735 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Shaker Heights (OH) Shaker Heights defensive end Joe Henderson was offered by Michigan. Henderson is a 6’4″, 215 lb. high school defensive end who looks like he would play weakside end if he chooses Michigan, the only team to have offered so far. (Highlights.)
Fort Lauderdale (FL) St. Thomas Aquinas wide receiver Corey Holmes camped at Michigan and earned an offer. Holmes is a 6’1″, 175 lb. receiver with offers from Florida, South Florida, and Wisconsin. He stated that Michigan sits atop his list, but it’s early in the process. Holmes is the teammate of defensive end Joey Bosa, whom Michigan offered for the 2013 class before he committed to Ohio State. (Highlights.)
Monroeville (PA) Gateway safety Montae Nicholson was offered during camp. He’s a 6’2″, 195 lb. safety who could play either strong or free, and he has already been offered by Penn State and Pitt. Gateway consistently puts out FBS talent, including guys like Shayne Hale (Pitt), Cam Saddler (Pitt), Corey Brown (Ohio State), and Dorian Bell (Ohio State). (Highlights.)
La Porte (TX) La Porte linebacker Hoza Scott was offered by Michigan. At 6’2″ and 205 lbs., he already holds offers from Alabama, Florida, LSU, Texas, and USC, among others. Last month he named his top five; four of them are in the SEC, and the other one is Cal. He appears to be a long shot to come to Michigan, but you can see in the highlights that the kid is a playmaker, pulling off outside linebacker plays that I normally see only in NCAA Football ’12.
Mansfield (TX) Timberview safety Brandon Simmons was offered by Michigan. Simmons is a 6’0″, 170 lb. free safety or cornerback prospect with offers from LSU, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and several others. His teammate is fellow safety prospect Edward Paris, who has also been offered by the Wolverines. As a sophomore in 2011, Simmons had 100 tackles, 15 pass breakups, 3 interceptions, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. (Highlights.) ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2015
Sherman (TX) Sherman offensive tackle Aaron Garza was offered by Michigan. Garza is a 6’4″, 300 lb. lineman.
Berea (KY) Madison Southern running back Damien Harris was offered by Michigan. And yes, I’ve started a 2015 offer board, and Harris was the first name on that list. That means 2011 was Harris’s freshman season, but he ran the ball 62 times for 742 yards (11.4 yards per carry) and 11 touchdowns while playing in just six games on varsity. He’s already 6’0″ and 200 lbs. (Highlights.)
OFF THE BOARD
San Diego (CA) Horizon wide receiver Darren Carrington committed to Oregon. He was just recently offered by Michigan and mentioned plans to attend camp but never made it to Ann Arbor.
Hilliard (OH) Darby athlete Caleb Day committed to Illinois. Day didn’t have a Michigan offer but camped at Michigan last week in an effort to earn one. He could play several positions in college, including running back, wide receiver, cornerback, or safety.
Wide receiver Sebastian LaRue committed to USC. Michigan had a shot to win over LaRue until the Trojans offered. Then it was game over.
VISITORS
Seffner (FL) Armwood wide receiver Alvin Bailey will be visiting Michigan this week. Bailey has already been offered by Michigan and is the teammate of highly touted defensive back Leon McQuay III, who has Michigan in his top three after visiting last month.
Cordova (TN) St. Benedict running back Jordan Wilkins is visiting Michigan today. He already visited Auburn and almost committed there, and he mentioned that he wants to play early. That may be difficult with all the other running backs on Michigan’s roster. I have doubts about whether a visit will sway Wilkins, but at least he’s coming to campus. I wrote up a scouting report on him a month ago.
