Photo Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports

Crystal Ballin: Dotson to PSU, Where Michigan Could Turn

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

After holding out for quite a bit, I have officially put in my 247Sports Crystal Ball prediction for 2017 Moeller (OH) TE Matt Dotson to Penn State.

Dotson is one of the top tight ends in the class and has been high on Michigan and on Michigan’s board for awhile now. However, his May visit to State College and his friendship with PSU commit QB Sean Clifford look to be the deciding factors for Dotson as he’s expected to announce his decision at The Opening.

Though Dotson has said in the past that he would visit both Michigan and Michigan State before he made his decision, those visits are looking less and less likely to happen as he had yet to lock in dates earlier this month. At this point, it would be a surprise to see him choose either the Spartans or, especially, the Wolverines. Though, I don’t believe his recruitment is completely over.

A tough season for the Nittany Lions and a continued lack of a 2nd tight end commit for the Wolverines or Spartans could open the door for the Big Ten East rivals to possibly try and flip Dotson before he signs his LOI. This is something to keep an eye on throughout the fall and winter.

As for where Michigan could turn to fill that 2nd tight end position outside of possibly flipping Dotson in the future, the most likely option is in another flip. Texas commit and Bullard (TX) TE Major Tennison.

Tennison has been a familiar name on the Michigan recruiting front as he’s looked like a top tight end target for the staff before and, especially, after visiting Ann Arbor for the spring game at the beginning of April. Though he remains committed to the Longhorns, Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz has continuously heard and reported that Tennison is not expected to sign with UT and is expected to make a return visit to UM this summer with his mother ($).

If that return trip does indeed happen with his mom and things go as planned, Michigan could not only move even further up his list but they could become the favorites to sign the Texas commit and standout tight end.

But who else are viable options?

One name that Scout’s Allen Trieu hinted at being a flip option for Michigan is Northwestern commit and Pittsburg (MO) TE Trevor Kent.

I caught up with Kent to talk to him about his recruitment and whether or not he’s looking around at other programs:

“Yes (programs have continued recruiting him) Texas, Nebraska, Clemson have contacted me recently just seeing how I was doing and asking if I’d be interested in there program, I let them all know I wasn’t and wasn’t planning on changing my mind.” Kent said.

That message has been similar for the Wolverines coaching staff who continues to reach out and will see him in person on Wednesday.

“I’ve told Michigan the same thing that I’m totally committed to Northwestern, however they continue to recruit me,” he said. “I will attend there camp in my hometown this Wednesday, however I’m done with my recruitment”.

Though Kent didn’t beat around the bush with his commitment to the Wildcats, it doesn’t look like the Michigan staff will give up on him just yet. An in-person coaching session before an expected up year from UM and a possible tough year for NW could leave the door cracked open for a future pursuit. But, for now, Kent looks very likely to sign with the Wildcats.

Other options that the Michigan staff may turn to to fill the 2nd tight end spot in the 2017 class:

Where do you think Michigan will go to land a 2nd tight end for 2017? Will it be a flip or a straight commitment? Let us know in the comment section below!

Photo Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports

Garrett Fishaw
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