In every class, each coaching staff has their list of top overall targets. For 2016, the list included the likes of David Long and Rashan Gary. In 2017, Donovan Peoples-Jones and Isaiah Wilson are included. And in 2018, though there are already a good number of “most wanted” recruits for the staff, there may not be a guy higher on the list than St. Joseph (NJ) DE Dorian Hardy.
Another great visit this weekend at Michigan 〽️ I’ll be back in August #GoBlue #NJ2A2 pic.twitter.com/bXFxvWxdSy
— Dorian Hardy (@dtheillest1) May 21, 2016
Hardy visited Ann Arbor for the first time on Saturday along with his mother and cousin, 2018 DePaul Catholic (NJ) QB Shelton Applewhite, and they all had a great time.
“It was really good I enjoyed my time there,” Hardy said. He said the school and staff were the two things that stood out to him the most during his trip.
During the visit, Jim Harbaugh just so happened to be hosting a free youth football camp in Ann Arbor for the Washtenaw Youth Football Camp. That camp included a little Q&A session and Harbaugh had Hardy’s mother lend a helping hand.
additional note: Chris Partridge was the coach giving Hardy and his mother a tour of Oosterbaan. Makes sense given Partridge’s NJ ties
— Orion Sang (@orion_sang) May 21, 2016
— Sharon Hardy (@Hardy39Hardy) May 21, 2016
Recruiting is about more than just relationships between the coaches and the players. The family, parents especially, are top targets for the staff as well. The Michigan staff made sure the both Hardy’s mother and cousin enjoyed their time as well.
“They loved it.” he said of his family’s trip.
As for a return trip back to Ann Arbor, the staff won’t have to wait too long until they see the Hardy’s again. Dorian confirmed that his mention in the tweet about coming back in August is indeed for the BBQ at the Big House.
Hardy also mentioned that it’s too early for him to have a top list. Though it’s clear that this visit definitely helped Michigan’s chances going forward. Alabama may be the childhood favorite team and the “offer he’s always wanted” but Michigan was his first offer and thanks to the New Jersey connections, Chris Partridge especially, the Wolverines look to have as good of a chance as anyone to end up with one of their top overall targets in 2018.
Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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