Recruiting Update: November 14, 2013

Tag: Da’Shawn Hand


14Nov 2013
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Recruiting Update: November 14, 2013

Woodbridge (VA) Senior defensive end Da’Shawn Hand

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2014
Wayne (NJ) St. Joseph athlete Kiy Hester decommitted from Rutgers. Hester had committed to the Scarlet Knights back in late June, but now the program has suffered from four decommitments in recent weeks. Hester now appears to be looking at Arkansas, Michigan State, and Vanderbilt as possible landing spots.

Jacksonville (FL) Raines cornerback Lamont Simmons decommitted from Rutgers. Simmons was offered by USC approximately a week prior to his decommitment, so he may be setting himself up to commit to the Trojans.

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2016
Wake Forest (NC) Rolesville defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence was offered by Michigan. He’s a 6’5″, 300 lb. prospect with offers from Arkansas, Clemson, Florida, North Carolina, North Carolina State, and South Carolina; the Gators appear to be the leaders. He looks more like an offensive lineman to me, but he’s fairly athletic for his size and could be a clogger on the defensive line, too.

OFF THE BOARD
St. Louis (MO) DeSmet offensive tackle Andy Bauer recommitted to Missouri. Yes, he was once committed to the Tigers, then flipped to Ole Miss, then chose the Tigers again. He appears to be angling for the Class of 2014 Jordan Payton Award.

Dallas (TX) Bishop Dunne cornerback Nick Watkins committed to Notre Dame. Watkins was a kid who had early high interest in Michigan, but as time went on, the interest seemed to become less and less reciprocated from Michigan.

MISCELLANEOUS
Woodbridge (VA) Senior defensive end Da’Shawn Hand will be making his college choice today, which is his birthday. The other two schools in the running are Alabama and Florida, but there are a lot of Michigan “insiders” feeling good about Hand choosing the Wolverines. Here’s a scouting report I did on Hand after his junior year.

13Sep 2013
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Poll results: Which 5-star prospect do you want most at Michigan?

This was a poll I took in May, which was prior to Peppers’ commitment to Michigan.

Jabrill Peppers – CB – Paramus (NJ) Catholic: 68%
Peppers committed to Michigan in late May, so Michigan fans got their top pick.


Da’Shawn Hand – DE – Woodbridge (VA) Woodbridge: 31%
Hand took his official visit to Michigan for the Notre Dame game last weekend, and things seem to be continuing an upward trend. Most analysts think he’ll choose Michigan at the announcement on his birthday, which is November 14.


Andrew Brown – DT – Chesapeake (VA) Oscar Smith: 0%
Brown had Michigan in his top ten at one point, but now he’s one of two 5-star prospects committed to the University of Virginia.

Adoree’ Jackson – CB – Junipero (CA) Gardena Serra: 0%
Jackson, a native of Illinois, spoke highly of Michigan early on. However, he wants to run track in college, and Michigan has basically fallen off of his radar as he has his sights set on triple-jumping his way to the Olympics.


John “Juju” Smith – S – Long Beach (CA) Cal Poly: 0%
Smith is sort of a wild card at this point, because he could play multiple positions – cornerback, safety, or wide receiver. Michigan would likely still take him, and he does like the Wolverines . . . but the chances are fading.

4Sep 2013
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Visitors: Michigan vs. Notre Dame

Trevon Avery – CB – Grand Blanc (MI) Grand Blanc: Avery is a 5’9″, 160 lb. prospect for 2015 with no offers at this time. He’s the younger brother of Michigan defensive back Courtney Avery.

Ray Buford – WR – Southfield (MI) Southfield: Buford is a 6’0″, 170 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Eastern Michigan, Ohio, and Toledo. He has visited Michigan a couple times before, and he’s teammates with 2014 defensive end commit Lawrence Marshall.

Ian Bunting – TE – Hinsdale (IL) Central: Bunting committed to Michigan in April.


Matthew Burrell, Jr. – OT – Woodbridge (VA) C.D. Hylton: Burrell is a 6’6″, 290 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin, among many others. He’s friendly with Da’Shawn Hand and Tim Settle, two other prospects from Virginia. According to 247’s Composite ranking, Burrell is a 4-star, the #16 offensive tackle, and #151 player overall for 2015. He attends the alma mater of former high-profile Michigan target E.J. Levenberry, a linebacker who flirted with the Wolverines but ended up signing with Florida State.

Andrew Butt – TE – Pickerington (OH) North: Butt is a 2015 prospect who’s the younger brother of Michigan tight end Jake Butt.

Zac Butt – TE – Pickerington (OH) North: Zac is also a 2015 prospect who’s the younger brother of Jake Butt.


George Campbell – WR – Tarpon Springs (FL) East Lake: Campbell committed to Michigan in July.

Brian Cole – WR – Saginaw (MI) Heritage: Cole is a 6’2″, 190 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. According to 247’s Composite ranking, he’s a 4-star, the #8 cornerback, and the #80 player overall.


Mason Cole – OG – Tarpon Springs (FL) East Lake: Cole committed to Michigan in February.


Jashon Cornell – DE – St. Paul (MN) Cretin-Derham Hall: Cornell is a 6’4″, 245 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Florida, Florida State, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and USC, along with many other. He’s Michigan’s only current offer at weakside end for 2015. According to 247’s Composite ranking, he’s a 5-star, the #1 weakside end, and the #17 player overall.


Andrew David – K – Massillon (OH) Washington: David committed to Michigan in June.


Messiah DeWeaver – QB – Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison: DeWeaver is a 6’2″, 180 lb. prospect for 2016 with a lone offer from Louisville. He camped at Michigan back in June and attends the alma mater of current Michigan linebacker Mike McCray.

Rob Dowdy – OT – Westerville (OH) South: Dowdy is a 6’6″, 280 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Arkansas, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, and West Virginia, among others. According to 247’s Composite ranking, he’s a 4-star, the #42 offensive tackle, and the #385 player overall.

Matthew Draper – LB – Cleveland (OH) Glenville: Draper is a 6’0″, 194 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Cincinnati, Kentucky, Louisville, and a couple MAC schools. He’s the teammate of 2014 Michigan offerees Marshon Lattimore and Erick Smith.


David Edwards – QB – Downers Grove (IL) North: Edwards is a 6’6″, 225 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Illinois, Indiana, and Vanderbilt. Though he plays quarterback, I think his only shot to play at Michigan would be to accept a position change to tight end. According to 247’s Composte, he’s a 4-star, the #21 pro-style quarterback, and the #340 player overall in his class.


Desmond Fitzpatrick – WR – Farmington (MI) Farmington: Fitzpatrick is a 6’0″, 170 lb. prospect for 2016 with offers from Indiana, Ohio, and Toledo. He transferred this past offseason from Farmington Hills Harrison. He visited Michigan a couple times this past summer.


Noah Furbush – LB – Kenton (OH) Kenton: Furbush committed to Michigan in July.

Lawrence Gordon – DE – Saginaw (MI) Arthur Hill: Gordon is a 6’6″, 230 lb. prospect for 2016 with no offers at this time.

Malik Guidry – WR – Lexington (KY) Catholic: Guidry is a 5’6″, 162 lb. prospect with no offers.


Da’Shawn Hand – DE – Woodbridge (VA) Woodbridge: Hand is a 6’4″, 254 lb. prospect with offers from just about everywhere. According to 247’s Composite ranking, he’s a 5-star, the #1 strongside end, and the #4 overall player. He visited Michigan back in March and came away impressed. The Wolverines are presumed to be his leader with Alabama and Florida also hot on the trail. He plans to announce his college decision on his birthday, November 14. This is his official visit. Here’s a scouting report I did on him in February.


Damien Harris – RB – Berea (KY) Madison Southern: Harris committed to Michigan in late July.


Drake Harris – WR – Grand Rapids (MI) Christian: Harris committed to Michigan in April.

LaVert Hill – CB – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Hill is a 5’9″, 150 lb. prospect for 2016 with no offers at this time.


Justin Hilliard – LB – Cincinnati (OH) St. Xavier: Hilliard is a 6’2″, 225 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Arkansas, Florida State, Iowa, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and numerous others. He visited Michigan twice this past summer, but his brother is a running back commit to Iowa for 2014. 247’s Composite ranking has him as a 4-star, the #5 outside linebacker, and the #73 player nationally.

Jake Johnson – QB – DeWitt (MI) DeWitt: Johnson is a 6’3″, 190 lb. prospect for 2015 with no offers at this time.

Cole Jones – LB – Cincinnati (OH) St. Xavier: Jones is a 5’10”, 192 lb. prospect for 2015 with no offers at this time.


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

Marshon Lattimore – CB – Cleveland (OH) Glenville: Lattimore is a 6’0″, 175 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio State, and numerous others. According to 247 Sports’ Composite ranking, he’s a 4-star, the #5 cornerback, and #35 player overall.


Thiyo Lukusa – OT – Traverse City (MI) West: Lukusa is a 6’5″, 300 lb. prospect for 2016 with a lone offer from Michigan State. He camped at Michigan and also attended the BBQ at the Big House for underclassmen at the end of July.


Lawrence Marshall – DE – Southfield (MI) Southfield: Marshall committed to Michigan in May.

Ostell Martin – OT – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Martin is a 6’5″, 315 lb. prospect for 2016 with offers at this time.

Emani Mason – OG – Detroit (MI) East English Village: Mason is a 6’3″, 250 lb. prospect for 2017 with no offers at this time.


Malik McDowell – DE – Southfield (MI) Southfield: McDowell is a 6’7″, 290 lb. prospect with offers from just about every program. He transferred from Detroit (MI) Loyola in the offseason and is now teammates with Michigan defensive end commit Marshall, who will also be in attendance. According to 247’s Composite ranking, McDowell is a 4-star, the #3 strongside end, and the #41 overall player. Michigan is presumed to be the leader here.


Bryan Mone – DT – Salt Lake City (UT) Highland: Mone committed to Michigan in February. This is his official visit.

David Moorman – OT – Pinckney (MI) Northville: Moorman is a 6’5″, 275 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan. He camped at Michigan back in June.

Brent Morris – WR – Warren (MI) De La Salle: Morris is a 6’3″, 180 lb. prospect for 2015 with no offers at this time. He’s the younger brother of Michigan quarterback Shane Morris.

T.D. Moton – DT – Shreveport (LA) Calvary Baptist: Moton is a 6’4″, 310 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Arkansas, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Nebraska, Texas A&M, and USC, among others. As a sophomore in 2012, he had 60 tackles, 1 sack, 5 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery. According to 247’s Composite ranking, he’s a 4-star, the #15 defensive tackle, and the #118 player overall. He may visit with his teammate, Shea Patterson (see below). UPDATE: Moton did not visit.

Riley Neal – QB – Yorktown (IN) Yorktown: Neal is a 6’5″, 200 lb. prospect for 2015 with no offers at this time. He had 1,700 yards passing and 15 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2012. Neal also camped at Michigan back in June.

Michael Onwenu – DT – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Onwenu is a 6’2″, 310 lb. prospect for 2016 with no offers at this time.

Brady Pallante – DT – Naples (FL) Barron Collier: Pallante committed to Michigan back in April.


Shea Patterson – QB – Shreveport (LA) Calvary Baptist: Patterson is a 6’1″, 180 lb. prospect for 2016 with a lone offer from Arizona, to whom he committed last December.


Cassius Peat – LB – Tempe (AZ) Corona Del Sol: Peat is a 6’4″, 235 lb. outside linebacker prospect for 2015 with offers from Arizona State and Michigan State. He also visited Michigan earlier this summer, but came away without an offer. 247’s Composite ranking lists him as a 4-star, the #23 athlete, and the #285 player overall. His older brother Andrus is an offensive lineman at Stanford, and his older brother Todd is a defensive lineman at Nebraska. UPDATE: Peat is no longer visiting.

Grant Perry – WR – Bloomfield (MI) Brother Rice: Perry is a 5’11”, 170 lb. prospect for 2015 with no offers at this time. He camped at Michigan back in June.

Martell Pettaway – RB – St. Clair Shoes (MI) South Lake: Pettaway is a 5’9″, 185 lb. prospect with no offers at this time. He’s the teammate of 2015 prospect Kyonta Stallworth, one of the top players in the state.

David Reese – DE – Farmington (MI) Farmington: Reese is a 6’1″, 235 lb. prospect for 2016 with no offers at this time.

Joshua Ross – LB – Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary’s: Ross is a 6’2″, 190 lb. prospect for 2017 with no offers at this time. He’s the younger brother of Michigan linebacker James Ross III.


Tommy Roush – OG – Traverse City (MI) West: Roush is a 6’3″, 270 lb. prospect for 2016 with no offers at this time. He’s teammates with Lukusa.


Tim Settle – DT – Manassas (VA) Stonewall Jackson: Settle is a 6’3″, 305 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Notre Dame, Ohio State, USC, Virginia, and Virginia Tech, among many others. Michigan has not yet extended an offer but very well could over the weekend. He had 72 tackles, 3 sacks, and 5 pass breakups as a sophomore in 2012. According to 247’s Composite ranking, he’s a 5-star, the #1 defensive tackle, and the #1 player overall.

Aaron Sipple – LB – Berea (KY) Madison Southern: Sipple is a 5’10”, 200 lb. prospect for 2015 with no offers at this time. He’s the teammate of 2015 Michigan running back commit Damien Harris.

Nathan Skene – DE – Hartland (MI) Hartland: Skene is a 6’3″, 195 lb. prospect for 2016 with no offers at this time. He’s the son of former Michigan All-Big Ten lineman Doug Skene.

Erick Smith – S – Cleveland (OH) Glenville: Smith is a 6’1″, 185 lb. prospect with offers from Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio State, and several others. According to 247’s Composite ranking, he’s a 4-star, the #12 safety, and the #187 player overall.


Wilton Speight – QB – Richmond (VA) Collegiate: Speight committed to Michigan in February.


Erik Swenson – OT – Downers Grove (IL) South: Swenson is a 6’7″, 285 lb. prospect for 2016 with offers from Illinois, Michigan, Northwestern, Notre Dame, and Ohio State. He has proclaimed Michigan his leader.

Tyriq Thompson – S – Detroit (MI) King: Thompson is a 6’1″, 205 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Illinois and Wisconsin. He moved from Missouri in the off-season and is the son of former Michigan defensive back Clarence Thompson.


Jared Wangler – LB – Warren (MI) De La Salle: Wangler committed to Michigan in August.

Mike Weber – RB – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Weber is a 5’10”, 190 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, among others. According to 247’s Composite ranking, he’s a 4-star, the #25 running back, and the #271 player overall.

Terius Wheatley – CB – Buffalo (NY) Canisius: Wheatley is a 5’10”, 160 lb. prospect for 2016 with no offers at this time. He’s the son of former Michigan running back Tyrone Wheatley.

Tyrone Wheatley, Jr. – TE – Buffalo (NY) Canisius: Wheatley is a 6’6″, 240 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Alabama, Florida, Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin, among several others. According to 247’s Composite ranking, he’s a 4-star, the #9 tight end, and the #248 player overall.


Chase Winovich – LB – Clairton (PA) Thomas Jefferson: Winovich committed to Michigan in June.

23Jul 2013
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2013 BBQ at the Big House Visitors

Gardena (CA) Junipero Serra cornerback Adoree’ Jackson

The BBQ at the Big House is a recruiting event that was started by former Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez. Rather than having a junior day or Friday Night Lights type of event, the coaches host players for a BBQ in July. This year’s event will take place on July 27 (for 2015/2016 prospects) and July 28 (for 2014 prospects). Here’s a list of the players who have said they’ll be at the BBQ:

Joshua Alabi – DT – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Alabi is a 6’4″, 260 lb. prospect for 2015. He has offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Ohio State, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, among others.  247 Sports ranks him as the #26 offensive tackle and #229 player overall.

Jerome Baker – LB – Cleveland (OH) Benedictine: Baker is a 6’1″, 205 lb. weakside linebacker prospect with offers from Florida, Illinois, and Ohio State, among others. According to 247’s Composite ranking, he’s a 4-star, the #7 athlete, and #94 player overall.

Kalen Ballage – RB – Peyton (CO) Falcon: I wrote up a scouting report on Ballage in May. UPDATE: Ballage will not be able to make the BBQ trip but plans to take an official visit to Michigan.

Ian Bunting – TE – Hinsdale (IL) Central: Bunting committed to Michigan back in April.

George Campbell, Jr. – WR – Tarpon Springs (FL) East Lake: Campbell is a 6’3″, 184 lb. prospect for 2015. He has offers from Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Texas A&M, among others. As a sophomore in 2012, he had 30 receptions for 766 yards and 5 touchdowns. He’s teammates with Michigan commit Mason Cole and Michigan target Artavis Scott (see below). According to 247 Sports, Campbell is a 5-star, the #1 wide receiver, and the #16 overall player.

Freddy Canteen – WR – Elkton (MD) Eastern Christian Academy: Canteen committed to Michigan in June.

Brian Cole – WR – Saginaw (MI) Heritage: Cole is a 6’2″, 190 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Tennessee. Michigan is recruiting him for wide receiver and appears to be the front runner. According to 247 Sports, he’s a 4-star, the #9 cornerback, and #72 player overall.

Mason Cole – OG – Tarpon Springs (FL) East Lake: Cole committed to Michigan in February. He has been selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Shaun Crawford – CB – Lakewood (OH) St. Edward: Crawford is a 5’9″, 165 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Arkansas, Florida State, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, and Tennessee, among others. He claims a 4.51 forty and as a sophomore in 2012, he had 66 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 interceptions, 3 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery.

Messiah DeWeaver – QB – Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison: DeWeaver is a 6’2″, 180 lb. prospect for 2016 with no offers at this time. He camped at Michigan in June. He was a teammate with incoming freshman linebacker Mike McCray II.

David Edwards – QB – Downers Grove (IL) North: Edwards is a 6’6″, 225 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Illinois and Vanderbilt. As a sophomore in 2012, he had 502 passing yards for 3 touchdowns, along with 719 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns.

Michael Ferns III – LB – St. Clairsville (OH) St. Clairsville: Ferns committed to Michigan last August.

Desmond Fitzpatrick – WR – Farmington (MI) Farmington: Fitzpatrick is a 5’11”, 165 lb. prospect for 2016 offers from Indiana, Ohio, and Toledo. He played for Farmington Harrison last season, but is transferring to Farmington High for the coming year.

Leonard Fournette – RB – New Orleans (LA) St. Augustine: Fournette is a 6’1″, 225 lb. prospect with offers from just about everyone; his two leaders appear to be Alabama and LSU. Michigan was not mentioned in regard to Fournette until Jabrill Peppers committed and started talking to and about him being a part of Michigan’s class. According to 247’s Composite ranking, Fournette is the #1 player in the entire class. As a junior in 2012, he had 196 carries for 2,136 yards and 31 touchdowns. That’s 10.9 yards/carry. Chances are slim that Michigan jumps in front of those two SEC schools, but it can’t hurt to get him on campus. There’s a chance that he might really like it, and it puts Ann Arbor in the minds of other top prospects.

Noah Furbush – LB – Kenton (OH) Kenton: Furbush committed to Michigan at the beginning of July.


Da’Shawn Hand – DE – Woodbridge (VA) Woodbridge: I wrote up a scouting report on Hand back in February. He recently announced a top three that included Michigan and eliminated long-time favorite Virginia Tech. UPDATE: Hand will not be able to make the visit.

Dele Harding – LB – Elkton (MD) Eastern Christian Academy: Harding is a 6’1″, 218 lb. prospect for 2016 with offers from Massachusetts, Tennessee, and USC. He’s the teammate of Michigan commits Brandon Watson and Freddy Canteen. Harding camped at Michigan back in June and was told by Michigan’s coaches that he would probably be offered down the road, but it’s still pretty early for the class of 2016.

Drake Harris – WR – Grand Rapids (MI) Christian: Harris committed to Michigan in April.

Justin Hilliard – LB – Cincinnati (OH) St. Xavier: Hilliard is a 6’2″, 225 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Arkansas, Iowa, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Ohio State, among others. As a sophomore in 2012, he had 65 tackles, 7 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble. It’s still fairly early, but in my opinion, Hilliard is the best Ohio player in his class.


Jonathan Hilliman – RB – Jersey City (NJ) St. Peters Prep: I wrote up a scouting report on Hilliman back in December. He recently announced Ohio State as his favorite. UPDATE: Hilliman is no longer planning to attend the event.

Corey Holmes – WR – Fort Lauderdale (FL) St. Thomas Aquinas: I wrote up a scouting report on Holmes a few months ago. He declared Michigan as his leader early, but the Wolverines seem to have faded, perhaps by their choice. It seems like Michigan has been pursuing some other wide receiver targets harder. UPDATE: Holmes committed to Notre Dame and will not visit Michigan.

Adoree’ Jackson – CB – Junipero (CA) Gardena Serra: I wrote up a scouting report on Jackson back in March. He has aspirations in track and field, so while he likes Michigan, it might be tough to keep him away from schools that have better track programs. UPDATE: Jackson likely will not visit at this point.

Van Jefferson – WR – Brentwood (TN) Ravenwood: Jefferson is a 6’2″, 164 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Middle Tennessee State, Penn State, and Vanderbilt. He used to attend Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary’s and is the son of former Detroit Lions wideout and current Tennessee Titans wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson. The elder Jefferson attended Central Florida, in case you were wondering. UPDATE: Jefferson no longer plans to attend the BBQ.


Sterling Jenkins – OT – Pittsburgh (PA) Baldwin: Jenkins is a 6’8″, 305 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, and Pitt, among others. According to 247 Sports, he’s a 4-star, the #7 offensive tackle, and the #86 overall player in his class.

Tyree Kinnel – S – Huber Heights (OH) Wayne: Kinnel is a 6’0″, 190 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Arkansas and Kentucky. He has visited Michigan numerous times and is getting a bit antsy for an offer, but the fact that he keeps visiting Ann Arbor suggests that he really likes the Wolverines.

Marshon Lattimore – WR – Cleveland (OH) Glenville: Lattimore is a 6’0″, 175 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee, and USC, among others. According to 247’s Composite ranking, he’s a 5-star, the #5 cornerback, and the #32 overall player in the country. Almost everyone expects him to pick Ohio State eventually, but he was invited to the BBQ and is considering attending, so there will be a chance to sway him.

Thiyo Lukusa – OG – Traverse City (MI) West: Lukusa is a 6’5″, 300 lb. prospect for the class of 2016. He has no offers at this time.

Lawrence Marshall – DE – Southfield (MI) Southfield: Marshall committed to Michigan in May.

Osa Masina – LB – Salt Lake City (UT) Brighton: Masina is a 6’4″, 207 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Michigan, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wisconsin, along with several others. He has a brother at Utah and the Utes appear to be Osa’s favorite. According to 247 Sports, he’s a 4-star, the #17 athlete, and the #206 overall player in his class.

Malik McDowell – DE – Detroit (MI) Loyola: McDowell is a 6’7″, 290 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, and numerous others. According to 247’s Composite ranking, he’s a 5-star, the #3 strongside end, and the #33 player overall. He is attempting to transfer to Southfield and become teammates with Lawrence Marshall, but that hasn’t been finalized yet.

Riley Neal – QB – Yorktown (IN) Yorktown: Neal is a 6’5″, 200 lb. prospect for 2015 with no offers at this point. He had 1,700 yards and 15 passing touchdowns as a sophomore in 2012.


Montae Nicholson – S – Monroeville (PA) Gateway: Nicholson is a 6’3″, 200 lb. prospect with offers from Florida State, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, Stanford, and Virginia Tech, among others. As a junior in 2012, he had 28 tackles, 2 interceptions (both returned for touchdowns), 2 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries; he also had 25 receptions for 653 yards and 6 touchdowns. He was one of Michigan’s first few offers for the 2014 class after camping in Ann Arbor last summer. While Michigan is recruiting him as a safety, he’s also considering playing wide receiver in college. UPDATE: Nicholson is no longer attending the BBQ.

Darrion Owens – LB – Orange Park (FL) Oakleaf: Owens is a 6’3″, 216 lb. prospect with offers from Auburn, Georgia, Miami, Michigan, and Ohio State, among others. He plays some safety in high school, but Michigan is looking at him as a SAM linebacker. As a junior in 2012, he had 101 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 6 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. According to 247’s Composite ranking, he’s a 3-star, the #42 outside linebacker, and the #561 player overall. UPDATE: Owens committed to Miami and said he won’t take other visits.

Tommy Roush – OG – Traverse City (MI) West: Roush is a 6’3″, 270 lb. prospect for 2016 with no offers at this time. He camped at Michigan in June. Roush played for Petoskey (MI) Petosky last fall before transferring.


Artavis Scott – WR – Tarpon Springs (FL) East Lake: Scott is a 5’10”, 175 lb. prospect with offers from Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Oregon, among others. As a junior in 2012, he had 64 receptions for 995 yards and 10 touchdowns. According to the 247 Composite rankings, he’s a 4-star, the #8 wide receiver, and the #78 player overall. Many people presume Michigan to be his leader. UPDATE: Scott committed to Clemson and probably will not make it to the BBQ.


Tim Settle – DT – Manassas (VA) Stonewall Jackson: Settle is a 6’3″, 307 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Miami, Ohio State, and Virginia Tech, among others. According to 247 Sports, he’s a 5-star, the #2 defensive tackle, and the #8 player overall for his class. I have seen some questions on whether Michigan is interested in offering Settle, but if you watch his video, I don’t see any reason not to pursue him. UPDATE: Settle, who was supposed to ride with Da’Shawn Hand, will not be able to visit now that Hand isn’t visiting.

Wilton Speight – QB – Richmond (VA) Collegiate: Speight committed to Michigan in February.

Erik Swenson – OT – Downers Grove (IL) South: Swenson is a 6’6″, 285. lb prospect for 2016 with offers from Illinois, Michigan, Northwestern, Notre Dame, and Ohio State. Michigan is his stated leader.

Tyriq Thompson – LB – Detroit (MI) King: Thompson is a 6’1″, 205 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Illinois and Wisconsin. He’s the son of former Michigan safety Clarence Thompson.

Brandon Watson – CB – Elkton (MD) Eastern Christian Academy: Watson committed to Michigan in June.

Maurice Ways – WR – Detroit (MI) Country Day: Ways committed to Michigan in April.

Mikey Weber – RB – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Weber is a 5’10”, 195 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Michigan, Michigan State, and Ohio State, among others. As a sophomore in 2012, he had 1,700 yards and 21 touchdowns rushing. He has several former teammates at or heading to Michigan.

Antonio Williams – RB – New London (NC) North Stanly: Williams is a 5’11”, 195 lb. prospect for 2016 with offers from Clemson, Georgia, North Carolina, North Carolina State, and South Carolina. As a freshman in 2012, he had 1,516 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Chase Winovich – LB – Clairton (PA) Thomas Jefferson: Winovich committed to Michigan in June.

16Mar 2013
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Visitors: March 15-17, 2013

Woodbridge (VA) Woodbridge defensive end Da’Shawn Hand

Joshua Alabi – DT – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Alabi is a 6’4″, 245 lb. defensive tackle prospect with an offer from Michigan.  He has visited Michigan numerous times this spring.

Kyle Berger – LB – Cleveland (OH) St. Ignatius: Berger recently picked up an offer from Arkansas, but the battle for his services appears to be between Michigan and Ohio State.  I put together a scouting report on him a few weeks ago.

Tommy Doles – C – Grand Rapids (MI) Christian: Doles is a 6’4″, 255 lb. center prospect with offers from Iowa State, Michigan, and Northwestern.  Many analysts believe it’s just a matter of time before Doles commits to the Wolverines.

Michael Ferns III – LB – St. Clairsville (OH) St. Clairsville: Ferns committed to Michigan last August.  He has since turned into a recruiting juggernaut for Michigan and has started sending out “Team 135” t-shirts to each of the other commits in the 2014 class.

Da’Shawn Hand – DE – Woodbridge (VA) Woodbridge: You probably know about Hand already – one of the top few football recruits in the nation.  I did a scouting report on him a few weeks ago.

Drake Harris – WR – Grand Rapids (MI) Christian: Harris has offers from all over the country.  He recently de-committed from Michigan State and has plans to visit Florida, Notre Dame, and other schools in the coming months.  This would be four weeks in a row he has made it to Michigan’s campus. UPDATE: Harris is no longer planning to visit.

Gary Hosey – LB – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Hosey is a 6’0″, 225 lb. prospect with offers from Ball State, Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan, Illinois, and Toledo.  Michigan appears to be looking for just two linebackers in this class – Michael Ferns III is already committed to play middle linebacker, and they need a SAM linebacker.  Hosey appears to be a long shot for a Michigan offer.

Malik McDowell – DE – Detroit (MI) Loyola: McDowell is a 6’7″, 290 lb. prospect with offers from all over the country.  The two major players appear to Michigan and Notre Dame.  I have read that McDowell’s parents aren’t letting him open his recruiting mail until the end of his junior year, so he can concentrate on school and avoid getting wrapped up in the recruiting circus.

Shane Morris – QB – Warren (MI) De La Salle: Morris has already signed with Michigan as part of the 2013 class.  Unable to enroll early, he is finishing out his senior year of high school.

Nic Weishar – TE – Chicago (IL) Marist: Weishar is a 6’5″, 225 lb. tight end with offers from Arkansas, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Oklahoma, among others.  Notre Dame is considered to be the leader for his services.  He tore his labrum this past season, but should be fully recovered for his senior year.  I did a scouting report on Weishar a few weeks ago.