Michigan was looking far and wide for its 2020 quarterback and ended up finding him out in Massapequea, New York as three-star Plainedge (NY) QB Dan Villari has committed to and signed with the Wolverines during the Early Signing Period.
Commitment
Scouting Report
You should always try to watch the player’s tape before seeing their national ranking. Villari is a prime example of that. He’s a big, strong, athletic lacrosse playing quarterback that has a strong arm and good pocket presence. He’s a bit of a gunslinger as he looks to fit the ball into tight windows and almost always looking to extend a play whenever possible.
And then there’s the athleticism that he shows off with as he escapes the pocket, rips off long runs, and even leaps over a defender or two. I’m not calling him Cam Newton and actually believe he could take the Zach Gentry route if there’s a logjam at the QB position, but it’s easy to see why the staff was so excited about offering and landing Villari.
Recruitment
After JD Johnson unfortunately had to medically retire in late October, the Michigan coaching had to hurry up to find a quarterback for its 2020 class. It took a swing at top100 QB CJ Stroud but we’re too late to that party so it went to the second name on its board, the big athlete from Massapequa.
Villari was an unranked recruit holding offers from the likes of UMass, Buffalo and Kent State. So when Michigan came calling, they had his full attention. He officially visited in early December and the staff was clearly won over as they offered him just days before the Early Signing Period.
He signed with the Wolverines in December, giving the class its quarterback and its 24th member overall.
- Height: 6’4”
- Weight: 215lbs
- Hometown (School): Massapequa, NY (Plainedge)
- Notable Offers: UMass, Buffalo, Fordham, Kent State
- Rankings: Rivals (NR) – 247Sports (3*, #40 Pro-QB) – ESPN (N/A)
- Composite Ranking: N/A
Highlights
As for the Rest of the Class
Villari is the 24th overall commitment, the first quarterback, and the second commit out of New York. He locks down the quarterback spot in this class as the staff looks to wrap 2020 up with another offensive lineman or two, and a cornerback. OT James Pogorelc and CB Darion Green-Warren are the two names to watch.
Photo Credit: James Escher/Newsday
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