On the eve of the 2015 home opener, the Michigan coaches are getting ready for the Oregon State Beavers while the recruiting staff is getting ready to host a very nice list of 2016 and 2017 recruits. But that’s not the only recruiting news out there this week….
Who Will be the 2nd Tight End?
It’s no secret, the Harbaugh’s love them some tight ends. With the first game performance from Jake Butt, they should have a much easier time pitching their love for the position to the top targets on the board. And after that showing, the three names at the top of the board are both starting to look like legit options for the class.
According to Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz, Michigan not only is starting to climb their way back into the race for IMG Academy (FL) TE Isaac Nauta and De La Salle (CA) TE Devin Asiasi but, according to Lorenz’s source, they may now be the favorites for Berkeley (FL) TE Jacob Mathis ($).
Whether Michigan land Mathis or Nauta, the coaching staff will be very happy. Hell, even if they miss on both and stick with only Sean McKeon, they’ll probably be just fine thanks to the depth at the position.
Still in Great Shape with Jones
Though things are starting to look less promising for Michigan to land the #1 player in the class, they still are in great shape with the #1 athlete, Long Beach Poly (CA) ATH Jack Jones.
He spoke with TrojanSports’ Chris Swanson about his recruitment and he quickly named the Wolverines apart of his teams that are standing out ($), while the former local favorite looks to be out of the picture:
They (USC) don’t really have my attention and I’m really looking at Michigan, Texas A&M and UCLA.”
Jones looked like a long shot early on but now looks like a legit option to be a part of this class. Hometown UCLA is the likely favorite now but Jones has let it be known how much he likes Michigan and with a great official visit, the Wolverines could pull him out of California.
Co-Leading for Custis
In an interview with The Michigan Insider’s Brandon Brown, one of the latest juniors offered by the staff, Lovejoy (GA) CB Meshael Custis raved about Michigan and, thanks to the virtual tours of the campus and Coach Durkin, they are now at the top of his list ($):
Not only are the football facilities great at Michigan but the campus just looks amazing. They sent me pictures of everything. It just looks like an amazing place. The coaches let me know a lot of stuff that I needed to know about the school. All of that was enough to name them my co-leader with Clemson.”
Custis is one of the faster rising prospects in the class and is a great fit for what Durkin likes in his corners. Keep a close eye on him as he told Brown he’s planning on making it to campus twice this fall.
Running Up Front for Bolds
The Michigan coaching staff and fan base have their eye on one defensive lineman from Paramus Catholic high school but should be also keeping a close eye on his defensive line parter, 2017 DL Corey Bolds.
Bolds spoke with 247Sports’ Shea Dixon and reassured my belief that Michigan is sitting pretty with the top junior target by calling the Wolverines a “frontrunner” ($). If they continue to make him a top priority in the class and keep the close ties to PC, I believe they’ll be a main factor throughout his recruitment.
Weekend Visitor Notes
- List of official and unofficial visitors for the Oregon State game
- First reported by Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz, 2016 South Caldwell (NC) OL Landon Dickerson‘s official visit was cancelled for this weekend. But here’s the kicker, it was “Michigan’s request” to move it back to the offseason ($). We’ll see if he follows through with that or if a spot is still available by then.
- Speaking of kickers, The Michigan Insider’s Brice Marich confirmed that 2016 Clarkston (MI) K Alex Kessman will be visiting Ann Arbor for the game this weekend ($).
2019 Name to Watch
The freshmen football class aka the 2019 recruiting class is so far away but there was a tweet that recently went out about (possibly) the next Jabrill Peppers that caught my attention:
Didn't have 2 think 2 far back 2 figure out who @JosMcKenzie reminds me of: @JabrillPeppers. Explosive RB/S/CB types w/ unparalleled burst.
— Todderick Hunt (@TodderickHunt) September 9, 2015
While it’s very early, make sure you keep a very close eye on Bergen Catholic (NJ) ATH Josh McKenzie. If he really is Peppers 2.0, the entire country will be throwing their hats in the ring, including Michigan.
- The First 2024 Best Guess Recruiting Class - Mar 24, 2023
- 2023 Best Guess Recruiting Class: Early Signing Day - Dec 20, 2022
- The 2023 Best Guess Recruiting Class - Sep 22, 2022