Photo Credit: Michigan Athletics, Derek Satterfield

Inside the Fish Bowl is Not on Commit Watch

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

Whether it’s another conference commissioner complaining about a Jim Harbaugh plan or a top recruit or high school coach choosing the Wolverines, Michigan has been by far the most polarizing (off the field) college football program in the news over the last year. And things could pick up even more as spring practices begin at the end of this month and recruiting visits will really begin.

The #CommitWatch that Wasn’t

After landing QB Dylan McCaffrey, one of Michigan’s top 2017 targets on the board is at a huge position of need, Poly Prep (NY) OT Isaiah Wilson.

He’s been favoring UM for awhile now and though he let it be known before his first unofficial visit to Ann Arbor in early February that he doesn’t have a leader, it’s no secret where the Wolverines stand. But when would he make it official?

Well, from the look of a couple cryptic tweets from Wilson, Michigan coaches and Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz, it looked like it could go down on Thursday or Friday:

So, #CommitWatch, right? You’d think so but, unless he silently committed to the staff behind the scenes, it looks like the major announcement that Wilson had in store was the release of his “final five”:

Wilson’s commitment isn’t expected until this summer or NSD (i’d lean towards sooner rather than later) and Michigan is in fantastic shape. I’d expect the staff to try and get him on campus for the Spring Game on April 1st for his 2nd visit of the year.

Samuels Seeing Michigan Clearer Through the Bush’s 

With the hiring of Devin Bush Sr. to go along with the three Flanagan high school standouts signing with Michigan in 2016, all eyes turn to Flanagan’s top 2017 recruit, CB Stanford Samuels III.

According to The Wolverines’ Tim Sullivan, Stanford let him know that not only is he really close with the 2016 Flanagan trio but UM would make a big move for him if they hired Bush Sr. ($).

The top 100 cornerback is well known on the recruiting trail already and thanks to Michigan’s recent additions, it looks like UM could eventually overtake longtime favorite Florida State as his leader. This will be a recruitment to watch closely all the way up until NSD.

All About the Benjamin

Another 2017 target that is pointing towards Michigan is Wylie East (TX) RB Eno Benjamin. I’ve been speaking with him for awhile now and have always felt that an offer from Jim Harbaugh would put UM in the drivers seat. Here’s his response from a question about what an offer would mean for UM in his recruitment from an interview I did with him back in June 2015:

I am really diggin’ Michigan, so when they come around they may be at the top.”

Well, with that offer is now in hand, it looks like he was telling the truth as he’s been sporting his love of the Maize and Blue:

Michigan already has Newton (GA) RB Kurt Taylor in the fold for 2017 but I don’t believe that would keep them from accepting a commitment from Benjamin if he were willing to pledge during his unofficial visit next month. Recruiting is so fluid and the chance to add one of the most talented tailbacks out of Texas is something UM cannot pass up, if given the opportunity.

Quick Hitters 

Photo Credit: Michigan Athletics, Derek Satterfield

Garrett Fishaw
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