Team 136 Best Guess Recruiting Class: July 26th

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

There are big Michigan recruiting events and then there is the BBQ at the Big House. It is one of the best events the staff puts together each year, thanks to the chance it gives their commits to meet up with the top targets for some good food and good times. And it happens to be happening Sunday, July 27th.

This year could be the best BBQ yet thanks to the high interest and timelines of the top flight visitors list expected. It is not a sure thing at all, but I believe Michigan could walk away with at least two commitments this weekend. Who will that be? Look for yourselves:

1. QB: 4* Alex Malzone, 6\’3\’\’ 200lbs. West Bloomfield, MI (Brother Rice)

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– The top quarterback in Michigan, Malzone is a talented signal caller with that winners mentality that every coach wants. He is a very talented player that has plenty of room to grow. He has a live arm and poise, and adds even more depth and talent to the QB room. Add in his ability to recruit and you can see that the staff may have landed one of the biggest steals of the class.

Offer: Yes

Visit: Yes

Commitment Story

Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED

Highlights

2. TB: 4* Mike Weber, 5’10” 205lbs. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech HS) 

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– Weber is one of the most talented tailbacks in the country and the Michigan coaching staff has finally showed him that type of attention. Both the coaches and commits have been putting the full court press on the Cass Tech product and it seems to be working very well. It looks like the Wolverines may be the team to beat and I think a decision could come much sooner than expected.

Offer: Yes

Visit: Yes

Decision Date: Any time

Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good

Highlights

Other Options: Damien Harris, Jacques Patrick, Ray Ray McCloud, Johnny Frasier

3. WR/ATH: 4* Brian Cole, 6’2” 210lbs. Saginaw, MI (Heritage HS)

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– Cole is the top recruits in Michigan and one of the highest rated players in the country. He has the skill and athleticism to play running back, wide receiver or safety at the next level. But the Wolverines coaching staff believe he is best suited at the receiver position and were preaching that to him during his two day visit. With a good season, I believe Michigan lands the Saginaw star. Then again, there\’s a chance they could land him before the season even begins if the visit goes that well.

Offer: Yes

Visit: Yes

Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED

Highlights

4. WR: 3* Grant Perry, 5’11” 175lbs. Bloomfield, MI (Brother Rice HS)

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– One of the most underrated talents in the state, Perry is a quicker than fast receiver with great hands that can play inside and out. He also happens to be Malzone\’s #1 target at Brother Rice and a life long Michigan fan. And with the uncertainty around the receiver position in this class, I am predicting an offer and commitment during his BBQ visit.

Offer: No

Visit: Yes

Decision Date: Immediately, if offered

Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good, Top 3

Highlights

Other options: George Campbell, Kirk Merritt, Daniel Imatobhebhe 

5. WR/TE: 4* Auden Tate, 6\’4\’\’ 210lbs. Tampa, FL (Wharton HS)

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– Growing up a Michigan fan had Tate waiting for one offer. And that offer had finally come. Tate  landed his \”dream offer\” and admitted the Wolverines were his leader, and was looking to visit in the near future. He has the size, speed, and playmaking ability that every coach, especially Michigan\’s staff, is looking for in an outside receiver. It will be extremely tough to pull him out of Florida, but I think his official visit will seal the deal for the Maize and Blue.

Offer: Yes

Visit: Fall (Official)

Decision Date: After Officials

Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good, top 2

Highlights

Other options: George Campbell, Kirk Merritt, Daniel Imatobhebhe, Tyrone Wheatley Jr

6. TE: 5* Chris Clark, 6\’6\’\’ 247lbs. Avon, CN (Avon Old Farms)

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– One of my favorite recruits in this class, Clark is a prototypical tight end that has the size and skill to be a star. He was committed to UNC for about a month, but that is no longer that case. Especially after a second visit to Ann Arbor. He loved both visits and didn’t waste any time committing to Brady Hoke and the Wolverines. Now he is one of the biggest and best recruiters for Team 136. 

Offer: Yes

Visit: Yes

Commitment Story

Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED

Highlights

7. OL: 3* Jon Runyan Jr., 6\’4\’\’ 270lbs. Philadelphia, PA (St Joseph HS)

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– The son of former Wolverine great, Jon Runyan, Jr is a talented youngster that is still growing. He had a very good showing at the 2013 and 2014 summer camp but is looking like more and more like a center at the next level. But that is not a bad thing at all. Michigan needs interior lineman, especially centers.

Offer: Yes

Visit: Yes

Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED

Highlights

8. OT: 4* Grant Newsome, 6\’7\’\’ 280lbs. Mclean, VA (The Lawrenceville School)

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Grant Newsome #72, OT

– After being offered by Michigan, Newsome has blown up in the recruiting world. Landing offers from most of the top programs in the country, including Alabama, LSU, Miami, and O$U. However, Michigan was the program and University he fell in love with. He is that big tackle that the staff had been looking for and it looks like he has the chance to be a star.

Offer: Yes

Visit: Yes

Commitment Story

Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED

Highlights

9. DE: 5* Keisean Lucier-Smith, 6\’4\’\’ 235lbs. Orange, CA (Lutheran HS)

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Keisean Lucier-Smith #16, DE
– One of the best players in the class, KLS is an explosive pass rusher that has admitted his admiration for the Maize and Blue. The coaches have been picking up their interest with him and have finally offered. Michigan was a member of his top 11 schools and many believe it is a race between the Wolverines and the Bruins of UCLA. Once he visits Ann Arbor, I think the decision will be made.

Offer: Yes

Visit: Yes

Decision Date: Signing Day

Michigan\’s Chances: Very High, Top 2

Highlights

Other Options: Terry Beckner Jr, Josh Sweat, Jalen Dalton,  Jalen Bates

10. SSDE: 4* Darian Roseboro, 6\’4\’\’ 265lbs. Lincolnton, NC (Lincolnton HS)

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– Not a huge name on the recruiting radar, but he should be. Roseboro is a beast on the defensive line that can play inside and outside, which would fit in perfectly at Michigan. There wasn\’t much hype between him and the Wolverines until he spent 4 straight days in Ann Arbor recently. It is rumored that he is favoring Michigan and could pull the trigger during/after the BBQ at the Big House.

Offer: Yes

Visit: Yes

Decision Date: August 22nd

Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good

Highlights

Other Options: Terry Beckner Jr, Josh Sweat, Jalen Dalton, Jalen Bates

11. MLB: 4* Darren Kirkland Jr, 6\’1\’\’ 213lbs. Indianapolis, IN (Lawrence Central)

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– A prototypical MIKE linebacker, Kirkland was the first linebacker commit for the class. His bulldog type style is a perfect fit in Mattison\’s defense. He has the size, speed and skill to dominate from sideline to sideline. With great coaching, he has the chance to be a star.

Offer: Yes

Visit: Multiple Times

Commitment Story

Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED

Highlights

12. LB: 4* Tyriq Thompson, 6’1”220lbs. Detroit, MI (King HS) 

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– Tyriq is the son of former Wolverine safety Clarence Thompson but that doesn\’t mean he is a lock to be a Wolverine. Thompson has been rumored to be leaning towards East Lansing, though he has shot that rumor down multiple times. Now, with his decision quickly approaching, it looks like Michigan may be his school of the future. It has been reported that he has already made his decision. So, why would he visit Ann Arbor for the BBQ if he were choosing another school?

Offer: Yes

Visit: Yes

Decision Date: Late Summer

Michigan\’s Chances: Very Good, Top 2

Highlights

Other Options: Josh McMillon, Asmar Bilal, Osa Masina

13. CB: 4* Garrett Taylor, 6\’1\’\’ 187lbs. Richmond, VA (St. Christophers)

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Garrett Taylor #11, CB

– Seen as a Stanford lean since last summer, Taylor\’s recruitment completely changed when he visited Ann Arbor two weeks ago with his parents. Thanks to full dedication from the coaching staff, professors and University, Taylor fell in love with the school and moved his commitment up. And as they say, the rest is history.

Offer: Yes

Visit: Yes

Commitment Story

Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED

Highlights

14. CB: 4* Marcus Lewis, 6’2” 180lbs. Washington, DC (Gonzaga HS)

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– The Florida commit will be making his way up north for a couple visits this summer to make sure he\’s making the right decision. Before committing to the Gators, I thought the Wolverines would have a great chance with Lewis thanks to his size and style of play, the staff\’s relationship to his high school and the program\’s history of producing cornerbacks. Now, he has admitted that the Wolverines are right there with Florida, which is why I believe he flips his commitment at the BBQ.

Offer: Yes

Visit: BBQ at the Big House

Michigan\’s Chances: Florida

Highlights

Other Options: Mook Reynolds, Iman Marshall, John Reid 

15. S: 4* Tyree Kinnel, 6\’0\’\’ 185lbs. Huber Heights, OH (Wayne HS)

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– Another camper at the 2013 summer camp, Kinnel is rising fast on the recruiting boards. He is a very instinctive and athletic ball hawk that Mattison seems to love. Look out for him now that he has an offer. Im a really big fan of this kid already. He was named DB MVP at the Rivals Challenge, which featured some of the top prospects in this and next years classes, and has been improving with each and every game he plays. The Wolverines landed a big time steal.

Offer: Yes

Visit: Yes

Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED

Highlights

16. K: 3* Andrew David, 5\’8\’\’ 170lbs. Massilon, OH (Washington HS)

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Andrew David, K

– The member of the Chris Sailer Kicking Academy is one of the top kickers in the country and landed an offer after his great showing in front of the coaching staff. He didn\’t wait long to become the first commitment of Team 136.

Offer: Yes

Visit: Yes

Michigan\’s Chances: COMMITTED

Garrett Fishaw
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