The departure of Graham Glasgow has already caused a shake up on the offensive line for the 2016 Michigan football team with Mason Cole moving from left tackle to center. But he only has two years of eligibility left. Who will take over for him (if he remains at the position)? That question and lack of depth on the roster is why the staff is highly targeting the center position in the 2017 class.
While most fans know about IMG Academy (FL) C Cesar Ruiz, the name to watch just as closely is Santa Margarita Catholic (CA) C Brett Neilon.
Neilon, who was a teammate of 2016 signee WR Dylan Crawford and received his offer from Michigan in late January, will be visiting Michigan in a couple weeks with his dad.
As for what he’s looking forward to on his first trip to UM, Neilon said, “Hanging out with the coaches and just seeing the school as well as Ann Arbor.”
Continuing to grow that relationship with the coaches is a big thing for Neilon and Michigan’s offensive line coach, offensive coordinator and Neilon’s main recruiter, Tim Drevno, already has a good standing with the talented prospect.
“He wants me at center. Obvious need at center there.”, Neilon said of Drevno and UM’s needs. “I camped with him over summer (Mission Viejo satellite camp) and he loved me”.
So, Michigan has the offer on the table, the early relationship built and a visit in the near future. Where do they stand in his recruitment?
“I’d say UCLA, Michigan, UDub (Washington), Cal and Duke (are my top teams). Waiting on offers from USC and Stanford”, Neilon said. Those in-state offers are ones to watch for in the future but if they’re going to catch up to his top list, they’ll need to check off his “main factor” boxes, like Michigan already does.
“The 4 a’s in academics, athletics, area and alumni. Michigan checks all those boxes”.
Neilon let me know a decision could possibly come this summer. If Michigan knocks his socks off on this spring visit, look out. I’ll have more on him in my next Inside the Fish Bowl.
Photo Credit: Brett Neilon
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