Denzel Ward, ex-Wolverine
Denzel Ward |
Denzel Ward, a 2014 offensive tackle out of Chicago (IL) Hales Franciscan, is no longer a part of Michigan’s recruiting class. The 6’9″, 285-pounder committed to Michigan shortly after receiving an offer last year, but things have changed since then. He was offered by Florida and decided to take a visit there, a move the coaches don’t like. But he also transferred to IMG Academy in Florida, which is a school specifically geared toward athletes who want to develop and train for the next level. The problem with the transfer is that he reportedly didn’t even think to tell the coaches that he was moving from Illinois to Florida. It’s unclear whether the coaches will continue to recruit him, but it appears that the staff decided that he should no longer be considered a commit.
Here’s my commitment post on Ward from October. I have to say that he was nearly going to commit to Purdue until he got the Michigan offer, and then he immediately jumped on the offer from the Wolverines. He seemed to be making a hasty decision at the time, and in retrospect . . . it still appears to have been a hasty decision. There’s still plenty of time for Michigan to replace Ward in the class, but most of the offered recruits with an eye on Michigan look like guard prospects rather than tackles. Some new offers will likely have to be sent out to get a tackle to take his place, but Michigan might be able to reel in someone like Andy Bauer, Damian Prince, or Braden Smith.