Recruiting Update: December 25, 2013

Tag: Montae Nicholson


25Dec 2013
Uncategorized 5 comments

Recruiting Update: December 25, 2013

Tarpon Springs (FL) East Lake wide receiver George Campbell, Jr. may not be donning those gloves again.

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2014
Chicago (IL) Simeon offensive tackle Denzel Ward decommitted from Purdue. Ward was committed to Michigan at one point, moved to Florida without telling the coaches, decommitted from the Wolverines, then committed to Purdue, and is now a free agent again considering Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Florida, and Syracuse. I would hate to wait on him at a restaurant.

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2015
Tarpon Springs (FL) East Lake wide receiver George Campbell, Jr. decommitted from Michigan. Campbell had been committed to the Wolverines since this summer, but he supposedly has some family members asking him to reconsider and stay closer to home. Campbell has a wide receiver teammate headed to Clemson, a quarterback teammate headed to South Florida, and an offensive lineman (Mason Cole) headed to Michigan. Cole will enroll at Michigan in January and may become less of a presence for Campbell, which is probably not a good sign for the Wolverines. The vibe from recruiting experts is that while Michigan will continue to pursue him and remain an option, things are not looking good for him to come to Ann Arbor. Clemson and Florida seem to loom large, and with Florida’s terrible offense this year, I’m looking more at Clemson and their explosive offense as a likely destination.

OFF THE BOARD
La Mirada (CA) La Mirada tight end Tyler Luatua committed to Notre Dame. Luatua was vaguely interested in Michigan early in the process, but the decision reportedly came down to the Fighting Irish or the Alabama Crimson Tide. Luatua is the teammate of 2015 quarterback Kevin Dillman, who has been in contact with Michigan and may be an offer candidate down the road.

Monroeville (PA) Gateway safety Montae Nicholson committed to Michigan State. Nicholson was strongly considering Michigan at one point, but the Wolverines told him a couple months ago that they were no longer recruiting players at his position. Gateway seems to send a lot of players to Ohio State or Pitt, so the Spartans got their foot in the door of a pretty good talent pipeline. I was high on Nicholson as a strong safety type, so it will be interesting to see how he develops in East Lansing.

Bolingbrook (IL) Bolingbrook cornerback Parrker Westphal committed to Northwestern. Westphal was at one time considered a heavy Michigan lean, and various recruiting gurus thought he would be the next guy to commit to Michigan . . . but he never did. He seemed to cool on Michigan a little bit, and the reverse also seemed to be true. It was virtually the same situation as Grand Rapids (MI) Christian center Tommy Doles, although Westphal’s recruitment dragged out longer than Doles’s.

23Jul 2013
Uncategorized 31 comments

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.

20Oct 2012
Uncategorized 28 comments

Visitors: Michigan vs. Michigan State

This list is fluid, so names may be added or removed as the week goes along.  I’ll add write-ups on some of these players as I find time during the week.  (EDIT: Recent news suggests that some of the class of 2013 “official visits” will actually be unofficials because there are so many recruits in town; lots of recruits at one time means there’s less time for individual attention, obviously.)

Detroit (MI) Cass Tech DE Joshua Alabi:  Alabi is a 6’4″, 245 defensive end/defensive tackle prospect from the class of 2015.  He has no offers at this point, but he is likely to become a highly touted player as his career continues.  He looks as if he’ll eventually end up as an interior player.  Alabi visited Michigan for the game against Air Force earlier this fall. (Highlight at the end of this video.)

Cincinnati (OH) Sycamore LB Tinashe Bere:  Bere is a 6’1″, 210 lb. inside linebacker prospect from the class of 2014.  He has a lone offer from Illinois, and I doubt that he will be offered by Michigan.  Michigan only seems to be going after elite linebacker prospects, and Bere doesn’t appear to fit into that category.  He’s the former teammate of freshman tight end A.J. Williams. (Highlights.)

Indianapolis (IN) Pike WR Dominique Booth: Booth is a 6’1″, 195 lb. wideout from the class of 2014.  He has offers from Cal, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan State, Missouri, Purdue, and Wisconsin, among others.  As a sophomore in 2011, he had 46 catches for 585 yards and 5 touchdowns. (Highlights.)

St. Charles (IL) East OG Brennan Bosch:  Bosch is a 6’2″, 235 lb. offensive line prospect for the class of 2015, so he’s just a sophomore.  He is the younger brother of 2013 Michigan offensive guard commit Kyle Bosch; the younger has an offer from Illinois already.

Wheaton (IL) St. Francis OG Kyle Bosch: Bosch committed to Michigan back in February.  This is his official visit.

Columbus (OH) Walnut Ridge DE Robert Bowers: Bowers is a 6’6″, 210 lb. defensive end prospect from the class of 2014.  He has a lone offer from Cincinnati.  He’s very lanky and a good athlete, but he looks like he’ll need to develop physically a little bit if he wants to get big-time offers.  This was Bowers’ second visit to Michigan. (Highlights.)

Pickerington (OH) North TE Jake Butt: Butt committed to Michigan back in February.  This is his official visit.

Detroit (MI) Cass Tech QB Jayru Campbell:  Campbell is a 6’3″, 190 lb. quarterback from the class of 2015.  He already has offers from Alabama and Notre Dame.  As a freshman in 2011, he had 2,000 passing yards, threw 32 touchdowns, and had just 6 interceptions.  Campbell is the teammate of 2013 commit Jourdan Lewis and the former teammate of freshman linebacker Royce Jenkins-Stone and freshman cornerback Terry Richardson. (Highlights.)

Tarpon Springs (FL) East Lake OT Mason Cole: Cole is a 6’5″, 275 lb. offensive line prospect from the class of 2014.  He visited Ann Arbor for the BBQ at the Big House back in July, and he has offers from the likes of Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and USC.  Some people have suggested that his previous visit to Michigan vaulted the Wolverines to the top of his list, and a good game against MSU could result in a commitment. (Highlights.)

Massillon (OH) Washington CB Gareon Conley: Conley committed to Michigan back in February.  This is his official visit.

Columbus (OH) Hamilton ATH Micky Crum:  Crum is a 6’4″, 212 lb. prospect for the class of 2014 who already has an offer from Bowling Green.  Ohio Preps named him the #19 in-state prospect for his class.  He’s planning to play quarterback as a senior next season, but right now he’s playing tight end and linebacker.  I could see him playing tight end or SAM at the next level. (Highlights.)

Massillon (OH) Washington OG Nathaniel Devers: Devers is a 6’3″, 265 lb. offensive guard prospect from the class of 2014.  He has a lone offer from Toledo.  Devers has visited Michigan previously, but did not earn an offer at the time.  His teammate is Gareon Conley.(Highlights.)

Grand Rapids (MI) Christian OG Tommy Doles: Doles is a 6’5″, 245 lb. offensive line prospect from the class of 2014.  He has already been offered by Iowa State and Michigan, though his lack of bulk might be preventing him from more offers.  Being a highly coveted prospect might depend on how much weight he can add in the next several months, but he’s a very athletic kid with a high motor.  Michigan is considered to be his leader.

Avon (OH) Avon CB Ross Douglas: Douglas committed to Michigan back in July.  Here’s a look at how his senior season is going.

Columbus (OH) Marion-Franklin WR Jaron Dukes: Dukes committed to Michigan in May.  This is his official visit.

Crystal Lake (IL) Prairie Ridge OT Shane Evans:  Evans is a 6’4″, 250 lb. prospect from the class of 2014.  He has no offers at this time.

Muskegon (MI) Muskegon DT Kenny Finley:  Finley is a 6’3″, 265 lb. defensive tackle prospect from the class of 2014.  Muskegon is the alma mater of former Michigan defensive tackle Terrance Taylor, and the school has produced several other FBS prospects in recent years.

Parker (CO) Ponderosa OT Chris Fox: Fox committed to Michigan back in February.

Hudson (OH) Hudson LB Ben Gedeon: Gedeon committed to Michigan back in April.  Check out how his senior season is going.

Richmond (VA) Hermitage RB Derrick Green:  Green is a 6’1″, 225 lb. running back who has been offered by Michigan, along with most of the big-time programs across the country.  I did a couple scouting reports on Green (one live, one from video).  Green has had several different teams high on his list (Alabama, Auburn, Ohio State, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, etc.), but one constant has been Michigan.  Both of his other presumed leaders at this point – Auburn and Tennessee – are having iffy or poor seasons, so a good performance against Michigan State this weekend could vault Michigan into the lead if he’s looking for a program headed in the right direct.  This is his official visit.

Woodbridge (VA) Woodbridge DE Da’Shawn Hand:  Hand is a 6’4″, 245 lb. prospect from the class of 2014.  He already has offers from most of the big-time programs around the nation.  He’s also generally considered to be the top overall recruit in his class.  The fact that he’s driving up from Virginia during the season suggests that his interest in Michigan is strong, so hopefully the Wolverines can make a good impression on Saturday. UPDATE: Hand is no longer planning to attend Saturday’s game. (Highlights.)

Berea (KY) Madison Southern RB Damien Harris: Harris is a 5’11”, 201 lb. tailback prospect from the class of 2015.  He’s one of just two current sophomores to have an offer from the Wolverines.  As a freshman in 2011, he had 62 carries for 742 yards (12.0 yards/carry) and 12 touchdowns.  This will be his second time visiting Michigan, and his highlights are very impressive from early in his sophomore season:

Huber Heights (OH) Wayne LB Dorian Hendrix:  Hendrix is a 6’1″, 215 lb. linebacker prospect from the class of 2014.  He attends the alma mater of former Michigan cornerback Terrence Talbott and defensive tackle Terry Talbott.  Hendrix already has offers from Bowling Green, Illinois, and Toledo, among others.  Ohio Preps lists him as the #11 player in the state of Ohio for 2014.  He looks to me like a middle linebacker prospect, but I’m not sure that Michigan will be looking for many more linebackers in the 2014 class. (Highlights.)

Detroit (MI) East English Village TE Khalid Hill:  Hill committed to Michigan back in February.  This is his official visit.

Detroit (MI) Cass Tech RB/LB Gary Hosey:  Hosey is a 6’0″, 225 lb. prospect from the class of 2014.  He does not have any offers at this point.  Michigan is looking at him as a potential running back recruit, but I don’t think he has the speed to be a BCS-level tailback; fullback might be more likely, but I’m not sure how many scholarships the Wolverines coaching staff will allot for fullbacks, with Sione Houma already on the roster and Wyatt Shallman coming in 2013.

Pickerington (OH) North RB Godwin Igwebuike: Igwebuike is a 5’11”, 185 lb. running back who’s the teammate of 2013 defensive end commit Jake Butt.  He has offers from Cincinnati, Illinois, Nebraska, Pitt, and Wisconsin, and he’s currently committed to Northwestern, so he’s no slouch.  If Michigan can’t reel in Derrick Green, Igwebuike might be a backup plan. (Highlights.)

Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison RB Ashton Jackson:  Jackson is a 5’11”, 180 lb. running back from the class of 2014.  He has offers from Cincinnati, Illinois, and Purdue, among others.  His teammate is 2013 Michigan linebacker commit Mike McCray.  As a sophomore in 2011, Jackson had 1,100 yards rushing and 18 rushing touchdowns. (Highlights.)

Westland (MI) John Glenn WR Da’Mario Jones:  Jones is a 6’2″, 185 lb. wide receiver who is currently committed to Central Michigan.  He also has offers from Bowling Green and Toledo, but he appears to be a backup plan option in case the recruitment of Crete (IL) Crete-Monee wide receiver LaQuon Treadwell falls through. (Highlights.)

Cleveland (OH) Glenville OG Marcelys Jones:  Jones is a 6’4″, 325 lb. offensive guard prospect from the class of 2014.  He does not have a Michigan offer, but he has been offered by Indiana and Ohio State; a Michigan offer might not be too far in the future.  Glenville is the alma mater of sophomore defensive end Frank Clark and freshman defensive tackle Willie Henry.

Cincinnati (OH) La Salle WR Derek Kief:  Kief is a 6’5″, 185 lb. receiver from the class of 2014.  He already has offers from Cincinnati, Illinois, and Indiana, among others.  As a sophomore in 2011, he had 48 catches for 680 yards (14.1 yards/catch) and 10 touchdowns.  He’s a taller guy with good ball skills, sort of like Jaron Dukes with a little more speed. (Highlights.)

Muskegon (MI) Muskegon OG Malik King: King is a 6’4″, 275 lb. offensive guard.

Huber Heights (OH) Wayne CB Tyree Kinnel: Kinnel is a 5’11”, 170 lb. corner from the class of 2014.  He does not have any offers at this time.  He also visited Michigan last weekend for the Illinois game, and  (Highlights.)

Wexford (PA) North Allegheny C Patrick Kugler: Kugler committed to Michigan back in February.  This is his official visit.

Red Oak (TX) Red Oak S Ronnie Larue:  Larue is a 6’0″, 185 lb. high school quarterback who is being looked at by Michigan to play strong safety.  The 2014 prospect claims a 4.58 forty and a 4.03 shuttle time, as well as a 280 lb. bench; those numbers are pretty impressive for a small-ish high school quarterback. (Highlights.)

Cleveland (OH) Glenville WR Marshon Lattimore:  Lattimore is a 6’0″, 175 lb. wideout with offers from Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Michigan, and others.  He attends Ohio State pipeline Glenville, but Michigan has made inroads at the school in the past couple recruiting classes. (Highlights.)

Detroit (MI) Cass Tech CB Jourdan Lewis: Lewis committed to Michigan back in February.  This is his official visit.

Westerville (OH) South TE Darryl Long:  Long is a 6’4″, 220 lb. tight end from the 2014 class.  He plays some wide receiver in high school, but he’ll likely move to tight end; at Michigan he would probably be a U-back like Devin Funchess.  Long’s lone offer so far is from Ohio. (Highlights.)

Woodbridge (VA) Woodbridge QB Mike Majette: Majette is a 5’10”, 176 lb. quarterback from the class of 2015.  He’s the teammate of 2014 defensive prospect of Da’Shawn Hand.  He already has an offer from West Virginia, but he’s likely a little small (at this point) to be considered a legitimate prospect to play quarterback at Michigan.  Michigan would likely look at him more as a defensive back.  UPDATE: Majett is no longer planning to attend Saturday’s game.  (Highlights.)

Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison WR Kendric Mallory:  Mallory is a 6’2″, 174 lb. receiver in the class of 2014.  He has an offer from Illinois and is the teammate of 2013 Michigan linebacker commit Mike McCray. (Highlights.)

Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison LB Mike McCray II:  McCray committed to Michigan back in February.  This is his official visit.

Warren (MI) De La Salle QB Shane Morris: Morris committed to Michigan in May of 2011.  This is Morris’s official visit.

Monroeville (PA) Gateway S Montae Nicholson:  Nicholson is a 6’2″, 200 lb. safety from the class of 2014.  He has visited Michigan previously and earned an offer at Michigan’s summer camp back in June; he also has offers from Ohio State, Penn State, Rutgers, and West Virginia, among others.  Nicholson would likely play strong safety at a place like Michigan. (Highlight.)

Monroeville (PA) Gateway WR Ricky Rogers:  Rogers is a 6’2″, 192 lb. receiver from the class of 2014.  He already has offers from Pitt, Rutgers, and West Virginia.  Rogers has some speed and the ability to go up and get the ball, but he’s not an upper echelon talent.  He may earn an offer down the road, but I don’t think he’s a guy that Michigan will offer this early in the process.  (Highlight.)

Tarpon Springs (FL) East Lake WR Artavis Scott:  Scott is a 5’11”, 180 lb. receiver from the class of 2014.  His teammate is Mason Cole, an offensive tackle with a Michigan offer.  So far Scott has offers from Florida, Florida State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and West Virginia, among others.  I think there’s a very strong chance that Michigan offers Scott on the visit, though I doubt he would jump on the opportunity to commit.

Marion (OH) Harding RB L.J. Scott:  Scott is a 5’10”, 210 lb. running back prospect with an offer from Kent State; he also reportedly has an offer from the Wolverines, though that might not be a “committable” offer.  He’s a 2014 prospect who had 1,000 yards and 8 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2011. (Highlights.)

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

Cleveland (OH) Glenville S Erick Smith:  Smith is a 6’1″, 185 lb. safety prospect for the class of 2014.  His lone offer at this point is from Georgia Tech.  I would not be surprised to see him earn a Michigan offer in the future, although he might not be a guy who needs to be offered right this instant. (Highlights.)

Middletown (OH) Middletown TE Chance Sorrell:  Sorrell is a 6’6″, 229 lb. tight end prospect from the class of 2014.  He has no offers at this point, and he suffered a broken ankle this season, so those offers might not come anytime soon.  He’s a big kid who looks a bit like Craig Roh on the field, a good-but-not-great athlete.  I don’t think he’ll be offered by Michigan at this stage, but he could be an option down the road. (Highlights.)

Sylvania (OH) Southview DT Ryan Stout:  Stout is a 6’5″, 245 lb. defensive tackle prospect from the class of 2014.  He has offers from Akron, Bowling Green, and Toledo.  Southview is the alma mater of freshman safety Allen Gant.  In his first five games this season, Stout had 45 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks. (Highlights.)

Louisville (KY) Central S Donald Styles: Styles is a 5’10”, 180 lb. safety prospect without any offers at this time.  However, he’s a solid hitter with decent speed, and he looks to me like an FBS prospect, though maybe not fast enough for elite level offers. (Highlights.)

Ottawa (IL) Marquette LS Scott Sypniewski: Sypniewski committed to Michigan in June.

Alliance (OH) Marlington S Dymonte Thomas: Thomas committed to Michigan last year.  Here’s a look at how his senior year is going.  This is his official visit.

Monroeville (PA) Gateway TE/LB Brenon Thrift: Thrift is a 6’3″, 230 lb. prospect for 2014.  He already has offers from Pitt and West Virginia.  He visited Michigan back in the summer, but WVU is his current leader. (Highlights.)

Peoria (IL) Manual OT Logan Tuley-Tillman: Tuley-Tillman committed to Michigan back in February.  This is his official visit.

Crete (IL) Crete-Monee WR LaQuon Treadwell: I scouted Treadwell prior to the beginning of the 2012 season, and nothing he’s done as a senior has diminished my thoughts on him.  He’s one of the top few receivers in the country and has the ability to be a possession guy or a big-play guy, whichever type is needed for the program.  UPDATE: Treadwell did not make it to Ann Arbor.

Chicago (IL) Hales Franciscan OT Denzel Ward:  Ward is a 6’9″, 295 lb. offensive tackle from the class of 2014 who was offered by Michigan when he visited Ann Arbor last weekend.  There’s some buzz about him possibly committing this weekend, although he said after last weekend’s visit that he wanted to consider his options and have a discussion with his parents.  There’s no film on him yet, so I have no analysis on how he plays the game.  He also has an offer from Purdue.

Detroit (MI) Cass Tech CB Damon Webb: Webb is a 5’11”, 170 lb. prospect from the class of 2014.  LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, and Ohio State are all major players in his recruitment, though LSU and Michigan seem to be out front.  He could also play wide receiver at the next level, though his physicality suggests that he has a higher ceiling on defense.

Detroit (MI) Cass Tech RB Mikey Weber: Weber is a 5’10”, 195 lb. prospect from the class of 2015.  He was hurt as a freshman and for part of this season, but there’s some buzz around him due to the speed he has showcased at times.  He has no offers at this point, but a sophomore running back with his speed and physical development is likely to get some good looks at Cass Tech soon.

Detroit (MI) Country Day QB Tyler Wiegers:  Wiegers is a 6’4″, 197 lb. quarterback from the class of 2014 who holds offers from Toledo and Western Michigan.  He doesn’t have the best arm and isn’t a great athlete, but I like the way Wiegers commands the offense and his accuracy, and he also has a decent arm.  If Michigan is going to take a guy in 2014 who’s a backup type, I think Wiegers could fill that role.  He’s not a superstar and isn’t a guy who will unite the fan base like Shane Morris, but that might not be what the coaches are looking for in 2014. (Highlights.)

Minster (OH) Minster TE Ethan Wolf: Wolf is a 6’6″, 221 lb. prospect for the class of 2014.  He has offers from Cincinnati, Illinois, and Toledo, among others.  As a sophomore in 2011, he had 20 receptions for 392 yards.

Harper Woods (MI) Chandler Park Academy WR Csont’e York: York committed to Michigan back in May.  This is York’s official visit.

26Jun 2012
Uncategorized 5 comments

Recruiting Update: June 26, 2012

La Porte (TX) La Porte LB/DE Hoza Scott
(image via Beaumont Enterprise)

COMMITMENT

Matthews (NC) Butler cornerback Channing Stribling was offered at Michigan’s camp on Wednesday and committed to Coach Hoke on Thursday morning.


ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2014


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.