Another one for Michigan. Another defensive back commit and another transfer as the staff has reached into the college football free agency pool aka transfer market and has added its second transfer of the off-season as Utah graduate transfer DB Casey Hughes has committed to Michigan.
Commitment
It’s a blessing to say that I’ll be finishing my last collegiate season at the University of Michigan. I want to thank the entire Michigan coaching staff for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to join their program. COMMITTED! 〽️ #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/c5MAb683T3
— Hughdini (@CaseyLive24) January 21, 2018
Scouting Report
After waiting his turn at Utah, Hughes showed out for the Utes in 2017. Appearing in 11 games at cornerback, he racked up 35 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles and a sack. His physical style of play and ability/willingness to make open field tackles makes him an impact player at any spot in the secondary. However, according to TMI’s Sam Webb, Hughes is slated to play nickel and safety for the Wolverines. A spot that he’ll have a very good chance to make an impact at in 2018 as Josh Metellus and Jaylen Kelly-Powell may be his biggest competition.
Utah cornerbacks coach Sharrieff Shah praised Hughes for having the patience necessary to develop his body and mind into a player who could guard the Pac-12’s best receivers. “It’s been a long time coming,” Shah said of Hughes’ success this season. “I mean, I recruited Casey out of Nevada. He’s been with me for four years, and for him to wait for four years and to finally get an opportunity speaks to his patience, his trust in to just me but the program and the process.” – Desert News’ Amy Donaldson
Recruitment
Hughes had a pretty quick recruitment as he decided to leave Utah on January 10th and only made two visits before making his decision on January 21st. The first visit went to Colorado State and the second went to Michigan, where he didn’t waste very much time before deciding to commit to spend his final year of eligibility in Ann Arbor.
- Height: 6’0”
- Weight: 185lbs
- Hometown (School): North Las Vegas, NV (Utah from Legacy HS)
- 2014 Recruiting Rankings: Rivals (2*) – 247Sports (2*, #147 CB) – ESPN (2*, #151 S)
- 2014 Composite Ranking: Three star, #1595 overall, #126 CB, #10 in Nevada
- Career Stats at Utah:
- 2014: Redshirt
- 2015: 9 GP – 1 Total Tackle
- 2016: 9 GP – 5 Total Tackles – 1 FF
- 2017: 11 GP – 35 Total Tackles – 2.5 TFL – 1 PD – 2 FF – 1 Sack
Highlights
As for the Rest of the Roster
Hughes becomes the 17th scholarship defensive back on the roster (depending on what Brandon Watson does with his 5th year). He’s also the 2nd transfer this off-season for Michigan which is likely to add another before spring ball as the staff is looking at the offensive tackle market. Rice OT Calvin Anderson is the best bet as he’s expected to visit Ann Arbor next weekend.
Photo Credit: Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune
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