The Michigan football program is set to host another big group of visitors this season, and this time it’s for the homecoming match up against Lovie Smith and his Fighting Illinois from Illinois.
With the fan base buzzing, the streets of Ann Arbor packed and the team playing as good as it has in decades, this could be a big moment in the season and recruiting cycle. Check out who is all expected to be in town this weekend:
Officials
DT Phillip Paea
Paea has been committed since the spring and isn’t going anywhere. Look for him to be a main recruiter alongside Tony Tuioti for Jay Tufele during this trip.
OL Kai-Leon Herbert
Herbert will be making his way back up to Ann Arbor for his first trip to Michigan since his commitment. Look for the staff to try and re-solidify that pledge as he’s been rumored to be slipping away a bit as Florida and Miami are pushing extremely hard to keep him in state.
DT Jay Tufele
The biggest target on campus this weekend. Tufele is, arguably, the staff’s top defensive target on the board and a player they want in this class. With the Poly connections, educational opportunities and early playing time available, I believe Michigan could move into the driver’s seat after this visit.
LB Willie Gay
Gay is one of the best linebackers in the class and is high on Michigan. Michigan is also high on him but, according to Wolverine247’s Steve Lorenz, qualifying could be a real issue here. At this point, I believe UM will be his top choice after the visit but he sticks with his Ole Miss commitment.
DE Robert Porcher IV
According to multiple reports, the son of the former Detroit Lions’ great will be making his way to Michigan this weekend. Porcher is a strong Nebraska commit but with the staff pushing to add another defensive end to the class, he’s become a top target. That pursuit has obviously paid off as he’ll be in town to see Michigan’s defense in person.
CB Matt Hankins
First reported by TMI’s Sam Webb, Hankins will also be taking his official visit to Michigan this weekend ($). As an Iowa commit out of Texas, Hankins looks like a very real possibility to flip to the Wolverines. He’s a versatile defensive back that could play multiple positions. Look for the staff to push for him during this trip.
DT Donovan Jeter
According to Wolverine247’s Isaiah Hole, Jeter will be visiting Michigan this weekend as well ($). The new Notre Dame commit backed off his pledge from the Fighting Irish recently and quickly set up this make up trip to Ann Arbor. It’s not known where he sits on the staff’s board but look for them to be a top contender with Pitt when he makes his final decision.
Unofficial
2017 S Jordan Ulmer (per TMI’s Allen Trieu)
2018 OG Emil Ekiyor (per TMI’s Brice Marich)
2019 OT Logan Brown (per TMI’s Brice Marich)
2019 DT Mazi Smith (per The Wolverine’s Brandon Brown)
Who are you most looking forward to seeing visit Michigan this weekend? Let us know in the comment section below!
Photo Credit: Scout.com
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