Tag: Jaron Dukes

Recruiting Update: March 26, 2012

Cornerback Devin Butler visited Michigan this past weekend

OFF THE BOARD
Owensboro (KY) Apollo offensive tackle Hunter Bivin committed to Notre Dame over the weekend.  The 6’7″, 288 lb. lineman forged a friendship with Michigan’s incoming safety Jeremy Clark, who played high school football nearby in Kentucky.  But with a full offensive line class, Michigan was no longer an option for Bivin.

Philadelphia (PA) William Penn Charter offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey committed to Notre Dame over the weekend.  The 6’9″, 280-pounder also held offers from Florida, Florida State, Miami, Penn State, Pitt, and Wisconsin, among others.  Much like Bivin, Michigan has no more room for offensive linemen at this point.

New Lenox (IL) Lincoln-Way West offensive tackle Colin McGovern committed to Notre Dame over the weekend, too.  It’s the chic thing to do.  McGovern also had offers from Alabama, Nebraska, Ohio State, Wisconsin, and several others.  See Bivin and McGlinchey above.

WEEKEND VISITORS
I was out of town this weekend, so I didn’t get a chance to put together a list of weekend visitors on Friday.  However, there were a handful of kids in town:

• Washington (DC) Gonzaga cornerback Devin Butler
• Pickerington (OH) North tight end Jake Butt (already committed)
• Detroit (MI) Cass Tech quarterback Jayru Campbell (2015)
• Columbus (OH) Marion Franklin wide receiver Jaron Dukes (already committed)
• Detroit (MI) Cass Tech defensive back Johnny Miggins (2014)
• Detroit (MI) Cass Tech wide receiver Damon Webb (2014)

Initial Scout 300 Released for 2013

Patrick Kugler is Michigan’s top-rated 2013 recruit, according to Scout

The initial Scout 300 was released on Wednesday.  Twelve of Michigan’s current commits appear on the list, with three of them nabbing 5-star ratings.  A total of 84 (or 28% of them) have been on the receiving end of Michigan offers. Here you’ll find the Michigan commits (highlighted in blue) along with the rest of the 2013 offerees:

5-stars:
3. Robert Foster – WR – Pennsylvania
4. Laremy Tunsil – OT – Florida
6. Vernon Hargreaves III – CB – Florida
9. Su’a Cravens – S – California
11. Montravius Adams – DT – Georgia
13. Ty Isaac – RB – Illinois
14. Keith Ford – RB – Texas (Oklahoma)
15. Eddie Vanderdoes – DT – California
16. Jaylon Smith – LB – Indiana
17. Justin Davis – RB – California
21. Justin Manning – DT – Texas
22. Adam Breneman – TE – Pennsylvania
24. Joey Bosa – DE – Florida
25. Patrick Kugler – OG – Pennsylvania (Michigan)
26. James Quick – WR – Kentucky
27. Michael Hutchings – LB – California
28. Shane Morris – QB – Michigan (Michigan)
31. Kendall Fuller – CB – Maryland
33. Priest Willis – S – Arizona
35. Dymonte Thomas – S – Ohio (Michigan)

4-stars:
37. Jason Hatcher – DE – Kentucky
39. Darrell Daniels – WR – California
40. Elijah Daniel – DE – Indiana
42. Jake Raulerson – OT – Texas (Texas)
47. Sebastian LaRue – WR – California
49. Kyle Bosch – OT – Illinois (Michigan)
50. John Montelus – OG – Massachusetts
53. Jake Oliver – WR – Texas (Texas)
57. Ethan Pocic – OT – Illinois
58. DeVeon Smith – RB – Ohio
68. Evan Lisle – OT – Ohio (Ohio State)
73. Marquez North – WR – North Carolina
74. Cam Burrows – CB – Ohio (Ohio State)
76. Laquon Treadwell – WR – Illinois
77. Greg Webb – DT – New Jersey
79. Standish Dobard – TE – Louisiana
80. E.J. Levenberry – LB – Virginia
82. Colin McGovern – OT – Illinois
86. Alquadin Muhammad – OLB – New Jersey
90. Eli Woodard – CB – New Jersey (Ohio State)
92. Chris Hawkins – CB – California
93. Peter Kalambayi – LB – North Carolina
94. Joe Mathis – DE – California
96. Leon McQuay – S – Florida
99. Steve Elmer – OT – Michigan (Notre Dame)
102. Jonathan Allen – DE – Virginia
104. Tray Matthews – S – Georgia (Georgia)
110. Michael Hill – DT – South Carolina
111. Billy Price – DT – Ohio (Ohio State)
113. Cole Luke – CB – Arizona
116. Kyle Hicks – RB – Texas (Texas)
118. Kevin Olsen – QB – New Jersey
124. Derrick Green – RB – Virginia
131. Devon Allen – WR – Arizona
132. Larenz Bryant – LB – North Carolina
134. Henry Poggi – DT – Maryland
136. Rob Wheelwright – WR – Ohio
137. Chris Fox – OG – Colorado (Michigan)
141. Shaq Wiggins – CB – Georgia (Georgia)
142. Tashawn Bower – DE – New Jersey
144. Elijah Qualls – DT – California
147. Jake Butt – TE – Ohio (Michigan)
149. Alex Anzalone – LB – Pennsylvania
152. Dorian O’Daniel – LB – Maryland
153. Logan Tuley-Tillman – OT – Illinois (Michigan)
159. Ben Gedeon – LB – Ohio
167. Hunter Bivin – OT – Kentucky
171. Ishmael Thomas – OG – Texas (Texas A&M)
173. Ryan White – CB – Kentucky (Louisville)
177. Eldridge Massington – WR – Texas
179. Wyatt Shallman – FB – Michigan (Michigan)
182. J.J. Gustafson – OT – Texas (Texas A&M)
193. Chase Abbington – OLB – Missouri (Missouri)
202. Mike McCray – OLB – Ohio (Michigan)
204. Christian Lacouture – DT – Texas
208. Darius Latham – DT – Indiana
223. Mike McGlinchey – OT – Pennsylvania
227. Gareon Conley – CB – Ohio
230. Matt Rolin – LB – Virginia

3-stars:
251. Jourdan Lewis – CB – Michigan (Michigan)
258. James Onwualu – WR – Minnesota
264. David Dawson – OG – Michigan (Michigan)
265. Marcell Ateman – WR – Texas
267. Cameron Walker – CB – California
283. Demorea Stringfellow – WR – California
287. Jaron Dukes – WR – Ohio (Michigan)
294. Tim Harris – CB – Virginia
300. Josh Augusta – TE – Illinois

Jaron Dukes, Wolverine

Columbus (OH) Marion Franklin WR Jaron Dukes committed to Michigan on Wednesday

Columbus (OH) Marion Franklin wide receiver Jaron Dukes committed to Michigan on Wednesday.  He picked the Wolverines over offers from Illinois and Toledo.

He’s a 6’5″, 197 lb. wideout who claims a 4.6 forty.  As a junior in 2011, he caught 36 passes for 670 yards (18.6 yards per catch) and 7 touchdowns.

Ratings:
ESPN: Unranked WR
Rivals: Unranked WR
Scout: Unranked WR
247 Sports: 3-star WR, 87 grade

Shortly after Dukes was offered, he admitted that Michigan was his prohibitive favorite.  He grew up as a Michigan fan despite living in Columbus.  Raise your hand if you’re surprised he committed.

Put your hand down, smartass.

Considering Dukes’s highlight film consists of about four clips, there’s not a whole lot to go on.  He’s 6’5″, which is tall.  The 6’3″ Jehu Chesson recently said the coaches want him playing at 210-215 lbs., so I wouldn’t be surprised to see Dukes up around 230 or 235 lbs. eventually.  That means Dukes will likely be a jump ball nightmare for opposing teams.

Dukes lists a 4.6 forty, which is probably a fib.  He’s not very fast.  First of all, you can see it on film.  Secondly, if you’re 6’5″, 200 lbs., and actually fast, then your offer list consists of more teams than Illinois and Toledo.

I’ve said before that Dukes reminds me a bit of Ernest Wilford, the former Virginia Tech and Jacksonville Jaguars receiver.  He’s not going to outrun anyone unless they try to tackle him and bounce harmlessly to the turf.  It’s easy to outrun people when they’re lying on the ground.  But hey, those kinds of skills turned into some big-time receptions for Junior Hemingway because Denard Robinson would just chuck the ball downfield and the 6’1″, 225-ish Hemingway would outmuscle smaller and weaker defensive backs.  Dukes probably isn’t in danger of becoming the next Calvin Johnson, but if Michigan gets some red zone touchdowns or Hail Mary receptions out of him, it will be worth it.

Michigan is expected to take two or three wide receivers in the 2013 class.  This takes care of the jump ball/possession role.  Now it would be nice to see Michigan put the full court press on a guy who can stretch the field with his speed and/or catch some underneath passes and run after the catch.

This is Michigan’s first ever recruit out of Marion Franklin High School.

Weekend Visitors: February 10-12, 2012

Laquon Treadwell will be in Ann Arbor this weekend (image via 247 Sports)

Four juniors and one sophomore prospect are expected to visit Michigan this weekend:

St. Louis (MO) DeSmet OT Andy Bauer (2014)
Bauer is only a sophomore in high school, but he was named a sophomore All-American and First Team All-Missouri.  He’s 6’5″ and 290 lbs., benches 315 lbs., and reports a 500 lb. squat.  Those are amazing numbers for a high school sophomore.  Bauer has not yet been offered by the Wolverines, but a verbal offer might be forthcoming.  Class of 2012 wide receiver Durron Neal, who was offered by Michigan but chose Oklahoma, also goes to DeSmet.


Columbus (OH) Marion Franklin WR Jaron Dukes
Despite growing up in the heart of Buckeye country, Dukes grew up as a Michigan fan.  The 6’4″, 195 lb. Dukes received a Michigan offer last week and has been rumored to be a candidate to make an early commitment to the Wolverines.

Parker (CO) Ponderosa OT Chris Fox
Much like Dukes (except without living in such a horrible state), Fox grew up as a Michigan fan.  He’s 6’6″, 297 lbs. and really impressed at several camps last summer.  Colorado, Iowa, Ohio State, and Purdue have also offered Fox.  He looks like a guard or perhaps a right tackle to me, but either way, 247 Sports rates him the #44 player nationally and Rivals rates him at #46.

Novi (MI) Catholic Central RB Wyatt Shallman
Shallman’s recruitment has been well documented here (a scouting report, for example).  Most experts believe he’ll be a Wolverine sooner or later.  Meanwhile, Shallman was recently named the 160th-best prospect in the country, according to Rivals.

Crete (IL) Crete-Monee WR Laquon Treadwell
Treadwell is a 6’3″, 183 lb. wideout whose teammate is former Michigan commit Anthony Standifer.  Treadwell had 75 catches for 1,400 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior, and Michigan was the first school to offer him.  He has since earned offers from Ohio State and USC, along with several others.

Peoria (IL) Manual OT Logan Tuley-Tillman
Tuley-Tillman is a 6’7″, 280 lb. offensive tackle who mentioned several times that Michigan was a childhood favorite.  He has since been offered by Alabama (and many others) and recently stated that the Wolverines and Crimson Tide are neck-and-neck on top of his offer list.  He’s the #84 player overall to 247 Sports and #109 overall to Rivals.

Recruiting Update: February 6, 2012

Columbus (OH) Marion Franklin wide receiver Jaron Dukes (image via Columbus Dispatch)

Because this post was getting so long, here you’ll find mostly class of 2013 developments.  All of last week’s developments with class of 2012 kids, National Signing Day, etc. are encapsulated in Friday’s post.

ADDED TO THE BOARD (2012, 2013)
Owensboro (KY) Apollo defensive tackle Hunter Bivin, a 2013 prospect, was offered by Michigan late last week.  He’s a 6’7″, 288 lb. kid with offers from Auburn, Indiana, Kentucky, Miami, Mississippi State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, among others.  Bivin has developed a bit of a connection with his former high school opponent Jeremy Clark, the 2012 safety commit.  I’m afraid this one might go in Ohio State’s direction.

Avon (IN) Avon defensive end Elijah Daniel, a 2013 prospect, grabbed an offer from Michigan last week.  He’s a 6’4″, 253 lb. strongside end with offers from Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan State, Minnesota, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, among others.  His older brother Armonze is a linebacker at Marshall, but Elijah is likely to attend a bigger program.

Sicklerville (NJ) Timber Creek defensive end Dajuan Drennon, a 2013 prospect, received a Michigan offer last week.  He’s a 6’4″, 227 lb. kid with offers from Florida State, Iowa, Penn State, and Washington, along with several others.

Columbus (OH) Marion Franklin wide receiver Jaron Dukes, a 2013 prospect, got an offer from Michigan last week.  He’s 6’3″, 195 lbs. and also holds an offer from Toledo.  His favorite team as a kid was Michigan, despite living in the Buckeyes’ home city.

Cincinnati (OH) Moeller linebacker Shane Jones, a 2013 prospect, was offered by Michigan.  He’s 6’1″, 220 lbs. and looks like a future weakside linebacker or perhaps a MIKE.  As a junior he had 89 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 interception.  Jones also has offers from Cincinnati and Indiana.

Wexford (PA) North Allegheny offensive guard Patrick Kugler, a 2013 prospect, was offered by Michigan this past week.  He’s a 6’5″, 265-pounder with offers from Florida State, Miami, Michigan State, Penn State, Stanford, Tennessee, and many others.

Bloomfield (NJ) Bloomfield offensive tackle Marcell Lazard, a 2013 prospect, received a Michigan offer.  He’s a 6’6″, 293 lb. lineman with offers from Miami, Virginia, West Virginia, and others.

Detroit (MI) Cass Tech cornerback Jourdan Lewis, a 2013 prospect, was offered by Michigan on Wednesday.  Lewis is 5’11” and 170 lbs., skinny like seemingly every Cass Tech cornerback.  Michigan seems to be the early favorite, and they have obviously developed a pipeline to Cass Tech (Terry Richardson, Royce Jenkins-Stone, William Campbell, Thomas Gordon, etc.).  His only other offer is from Toledo.

Columbus (OH) Bishop Hartley tight end Jacob Matuska, a 2013 prospect, received a Michigan offer on Wednesday.  He’s a 6’5″, 240-pounder with offers from Cincinnati, Illinois, North Carolina State, and Toledo.

Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison linebacker Mike McCray, a 2013 prospect, received an offer from Michigan.  He’s a 6’4″, 230 lb. kid who looks like a future SAM linebacker.  He has also been offered by Boston College, Illinois, Kentucky, Purdue, Syracuse, Tennessee, and a few others.

NewLenox (IL) Lincoln-Way West offensive tackle Colin McGovern, a 2013 prospect, was offered by Michigan last Thursday.  McGovern is a lanky 6’7″, 280 lb. kid with offers from Illinois, Northwestern, Tennessee, and Wisconsin

Ashburn (VA) Briar Woods linebacker Matt Rolin, a 2013 prospect, got an offer last week.  He’s a 6’4″, 205-pounder who would likely be pegged to play SAM linebacker.  He also holds offers from Tennessee, Virginia Tech, and Washington, among others.

Sicklerville (NJ) Timber Creek defensive tackle Greg Webb, a 2013 prospect, was offered during Michigan’s blitz of New Jersey this past week.  He’s a 6’2″, 290 lb. future nose tackle with a 335 lb. bench and a 635 lb. squat, both of which are pretty impressive for a kid who’s just a high school junior.

Columbus (OH) Walnut Ridge wide receiver Rob Wheelwright, a 2013 prospect, got an offer from Michigan, too.  Wheelwright is 6’1″, 174 lbs. and is the younger brother of Ernie Wheelwright, who played wide receiver for the Minnesota Gophers and now plays for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL.  Rob had 12 touchdowns as a junior, and he holds offers from Boston College, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Syracuse, and Wisconsin.

Louisville (KY) Trinity cornerback Ryan White, a 2013 prospect, picked up an offer from Michigan last week.  The 5’10”, 178-pounder is the teammate of fellow Michigan targets James Quick and Jason Hatcher, a wide receiver and defensive end, respectively.  While not quite as coveted as those teammates, White has also been offered by Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, and Louisville.

Dallas (TX) Bishop Dunne offensive guard Ishmael Wilson, a 2013 prospect, was offered by Michigan this past weekend.  He’s a 6’5″, 275 lb. kid with offers from Cal, Nebraska, and Vanderbilt.

Voorhees (NJ) Eastern cornerback Eli Woodard picked up an offer for the class of 2013.  He’s a 6’1″, 185 lb. kid whose skills indicate that he could stay at cornerback, despite being fairly tall for a corner.  He’s a big-time recruit with offers from Alabama, Cal, Miami, Nebraska, Notre Dame, and Wisconsin, among others.  The early returns suggest he’s leaning toward Ohio State.

OFF THE BOARD
Chicago (IL) Simeon offensive tackle Jordan Diamond committed to Auburn on Friday night.  Diamond was considered to be a heavy Michigan lean last winter and spring, largely because his former high school teammate Chris Bryant is an offensive guard for the Wolverines.  But the longer Diamond’s recruitment dragged out, the more murky it looked.  It became pretty apparent at some point that this would not go Michigan’s way . . . it just wasn’t clear whether he would pick Arkansas or Auburn.

Celina (TX) Celina offensive tackle Jake Raulerson, a 2013 prospect, committed to Texas.  While Michigan was recruiting him for offensive line, many other schools were recruiting him to play defensive end.  That might not be a bad place for a 6’4″, 250-pounder.

Toledo (OH) Central Catholic safety Jayme Thompson, a 2013 prospect, committed to West Virginia.  It’s somewhat unclear whether Thompson actually received an offer from the Wolverines.  He reported to Michigan blog Tremendous  that he did indeed receive a verbal offer from the Wolverines, but the other recruiting sites have refuted that notion.  Either way, he’s currently inclined to become a Mountaineer, but he said early on that he would be a Wolverine if Michigan offered, so this one might be something to watch between now and signing day.