Tag: Jonathon Hilliman

Recruiting Update: December 16, 2013

Glassboro (NJ) Glassboro wide receiver Juwan Johnson

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2015
Glassboro (NJ) Glassboro wide receiver Juwan Johnson was offered by Michigan. He’s a 6’4″, 196 lb. prospect with a reported 4.4 forty who also has offers from Arkansas, Ohio State, Penn State, Pitt, and Rutgers, among others. In the South Jersey championship game, he returned an interception 31 yards for a touchdown and a punt 75 yards for a score. He’s a 247 Composite 4-star, #16 athlete, and #156 player overall.

Chesapeake (VA) Oscar Smith defensive end Josh Sweat was offered by Michigan. He’s a 6’5″, 230 lb. prospect with offers from Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and USC, among others. He’s a 4-star, the #5 weakside end, and the #56 overall prospect in 247’s Composite rankings. This is a somewhat interesting development because Michigan has supposedly been telling St. Paul (MN) Cretin-Derham defensive end Jashon Cornell that he was their only target in the class for weakside end, but while Sweat is listed as a weakside end, he looks to me more like an eventual strongside end due to his size and some stiffness in his movements. Of course, it’s also possible that Michigan is changing their strategy for 2015. I do not expect Michigan to be a major player in Sweat’s recruitment, though. Oscar Smith also produced defensive tackle Andrew Brown in the 2014 class, a Michigan target who is a 5-star prospect headed to Virginia.

OFF THE BOARD
Peyton (CO) Falcon running back Kalen Ballage committed to Arizona State. This is about as soft a commitment as they come, with him saying ASU is “the school I can most see myself at.” Ballage also went ahead with his scheduled visit to Nebraska this past weekend and plans to visit Washington, while Boise State and Michigan State were also thought to be in the running up until recently. Planned visits to Michigan never panned out, and while Michigan doesn’t appear to be in the running anymore, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Ballage signs somewhere other than Arizona State. I wrote up a scouting report on Ballage back in May.

Oradell (NJ) Bergen Catholic defensive end Garrett Dickerson committed to Northwestern. Dickerson eschewed offers from national powerhouses like Alabama, Florida State, and Ohio State for the Wildcats, who garnered his interest with their academics . . . and the presence of sophomore wide receiver Cameron Dickerson, Garrett’s older brother; the elder Dickerson has had 2 catches for 20 yards in each of the last two years’ games against the Wolverines, and the 2012 game included his first collegiate touchdown. Garrett is the 247 Composite’s #198 player overall.

Aliquippa (PA) Aliquippa safety Dravon Henry committed to West Virginia. Henry could play running back, receiver, cornerback, or safety at the next level, but the Mountaineers are expected to try him at safety. He’s the 247 Composite #8 athlete and #110 player overall.

Wayne (NJ) St. Joseph Regional safety Kiy Hester committed to Miami. Hester was previously committed to Rutgers. He took an official visit to Michigan State at the end of November, and it was thought to be a three-horse race between Miami, MSU, and Rutgers, so Michigan somewhat missed a bullet by him going to the Hurricanes; he’s a 247 Composite 4-star, the #17 safety, and #217 player overall.

Jersey City (NJ) St. Peter’s Prep running back Jonathan Hilliman changed his commitment from Rutgers to Boston College. Rutgers has been leaking recruits during and after their 6-6 season. I wrote up a scouting report on Hilliman a little over a year ago, after his junior season highlights were posted online. He ended his senior year with a state title game loss to Paramus (NJ) Catholic and the duo of Juwann Bushell-Beatty and Jabrill Peppers, both of whom are committed to Michigan. On the plus side for Hilliman, he’ll be joining a program that just watched senior running back Andre Williams run for 2,102 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Belmont (NC) South Point linebacker Tanner Muse committed to Clemson. Muse is a 2015 prospect who earned a Michigan offer not long ago, but he was considered to be a tough pull out of the south. He’s a 4-star and the #337 player overall, according to 247’s Composite rankings.

MISCELLANEOUS
Here’s a list of players who visited Michigan this past weekend.

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.

Visitors: March 22-24, 2013

Olathe (KS) South offensive lineman Braden Smith is one of the top linemen in the nation (image via MaxPreps)

Danny Burns – OT – Fairfield (OH) Fairfield: Burns is a 6’7″, 308 lb. prospect with offers from Louisville, Nebraska, Pitt, and West Virginia, among others.  He lacks some of the athleticism that most Michigan offensive line offerees do, and I would be surprised if Michigan extends an offer anytime soon.*

Timothy Cason II – CB – Clarkston (MI) Clarkston: Cason is a 6’0″, 185 lb. prospect with offers from Bowling Green, Toledo, and Western Michigan.  With Michigan high on the lists of Adoree’ Jackson, Jabrill Peppers, and Parrker Westphal, it might be a while before Cason earns an offer.

Jalen Embry – CB – Detroit (MI) King: Embry is a 5’11”, 180 lb. corner with offers from Ball State, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Toledo, and Western Michigan.

Jonathan Hilliman – RB – Jersey City (NJ) St. Peter’s Prep: I did a scouting report on Hilliman back in December.  Since then he has added offers from Arkansas and Tennessee, among others.  He’s a 3-star and the #34 running back to 247 Sports. UPDATE: Hilliman is no longer planning to visit this weekend and plans to reschedule a visit for May.

Jake Johnson – QB – DeWitt (MI) DeWitt: Johnson is a 6’2″, 180 lb. prospect from the class of 2015.  He currently has no offers.  As a sophomore in 2012, he had 1,250 yards passing, 16 touchdowns, 400 rushing yards, and 6 rushing touchdowns.

Roderick Johnson – OT – Florissant (MO) Hazelwood Central: Johnson is a 6’7″, 310 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Florida State, Missouri, Ohio State, and Oklahoma, among others.  He’s a 4-star to Rivals and the #183 overall player.

Braden Smith – OT – Olathe (KS) South: Smith is a 6’6″, 280 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Clemson, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Stanford, along with numerous others.  He’s very quiet about the recruiting process, so it’s tough to say who his leaders are, but it’s obviously a good sign that he’s taking the time to visit Ann Arbor.  He’s the #1 offensive guard to 247 Sports and the #19 overall player to both Rivals and 247.*

Darius West – S – Lima (OH) Central Catholic: West is a 5’11”, 197-pounder with offers from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, Penn State, West Virginia, and several others.  He claims a 4.4 forty and a 275 lb. bench press.  West camped at Michigan last summer.  He’s short-ish but thickly built, sort of in the mold of current Michigan safety Thomas Gordon; I would expect West also to play safety if he were to end up getting offered by and committing to Michigan, but he could play cornerback at some other schools.

*Burns and Smith are visiting midweek.

Scouting Report: Jonathan Hilliman

Jersey City (NJ) St. Peters Prep running back Jonathan Hilliman (image via NJ.com)

Name: Jonathan Hilliman
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 210 lbs.
High school: Jersey City (NJ) St. Peters Prep
Position: Running back
Class: 2014

Notes: Has offers from Boston College, Cincinnati, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Miami, Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, UCF, West Virginia, Wisconsin . . . Claims a 4.52 forty . . . As a sophomore in 2011, had 58 carries for 426 yards and 4 touchdowns . . . As a junior in 2012, had 113 carries for 1,400 yards and 21 touchdowns . . . Scout 3-star RB, #27 RB . . . 247 Sports 3-star RB, 87 grade, #30 RB

Strengths: Good straight line speed . . . Strong north-south runner who likes to run downhill . . . Keeps shoulders square to line of scrimmage . . . High effort runner . . . Shows ability to run through arm tackles . . .  Hits hole hard . . . Not afraid of contact

Weaknesses: Always carries ball in right hand, even when going left . . . Not very shifty . . . When forced to cut, takes too long to accelerate . . . A bit of a long strider . . . Not a particularly creative runner . . . Decent but not great vision

Projection: Running back.  I’m a little surprised that Hilliman is ranked as low as he is by 247 Sports and Scout, but I don’t see a dynamic runner at the next level.  He seems like a solid between-the-tackles runner, a guy who could make a real name for himself in the Big East.  He’s a bit of a slasher, but if defenses get in his way to slow him down, I don’t know that he has the acceleration, vision, or agility to still make teams pay.  In a normal year, I would expect to see a player like Hilliman somewhere between the #11 and #20 running back nationally.  The player comparison below is more because of his build and stride than overall athletic ability.

Reminds me of: Chris Perry

BBQ at the Big House Visitors: July 29

Derrick Green

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.)

Jake Butt – TE – Pickerington (OH) North: Butt committed to Michigan in February.

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.

Taco Charlton – DE – Pickerington (OH) Central: Charlton committed to Michigan in February.

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.

Gareon Conley – CB – Massillon (OH) Washington: Conley committed to Michigan in March.

David Dawson – OG – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Dawson committed to Michigan in March.

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.)

Jaron Dukes – WR – Columbus (OH) Marion-Franklin: Dukes committed to Michigan in February.

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.



Ben Gedeon – LB – Hudson (OH) Hudson: Gedeon committed to Michigan in April.

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.

Khalid Hill – TE – Detroit (MI) Crockett: Hill committed to Michigan in February.

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.)

Jourdan Lewis – CB – Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Lewis committed to Michigan in February.

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.

Wyatt Shallman – RB – Novi (MI) Catholic Central: Shallman committed to Michigan in February.

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.

Deveon Smith – RB – Warren (OH) Howland: Smith committed to Michigan in March.

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.

Channing Stribling – CB – Matthews (NC) Butler: Stribling committed to Michigan in June.

Logan Tuley-Tillman – OT – Peorial (IL) Manual: Tuley-Tillman committed to Michigan in February.

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.)

Csont’e York – WR – Harper Woods (MI) Chandler Park Academy: York committed to Michigan in May.