Big Commit Weekend!

Update: Michigan got it's third commitment of the weekend today, as OL and UConn commit Nolan Ulizio has flipped to the Wolverines

Michigan landed two commits on Saturday:

• 4 star and #4 rated Pro Style QB in the country and #105 player overall (Rivals) in Zach Gentry.   Zach was a long time Texas commit and Jimmy worked his magic by visiting him on Wednesday, getting him to visit this weekend and Zach committing during half time of the Michigan basketball game.   Zach had turned down the likes of Alabama, TCU, Nebraska, Tennessee, OK State, Louisville and others.  Zach is 6'6 and 230 pounds and is Michigan's 2nd QB in this class, Alex Malzone is already enrolled.

• Did I mention Nebraska?  Michigan flipped former Nebraska commit and 3 star DE Ruben Jones from Florida on Saturday as well.  Ruben is 6'4 and 225 pounds which is small for DE (he is smaller then the QB commit on Saturday!).  He will be a speed guy WDE in DJ's defense and maybe even a OLB.   He is also ticketed it for a redshirt as he needs a year in the weight room and training table. 

I love both of these commits, the Michigan defense need speed guys and that is exactly what Ruben is.   Jimmy also wanted more competition at the QB position and now he has two 4 star QB's coming in.

BTW: Chris Clark is at UCLA this weekend, who some insiders feel might have a slight lead over the Wolverines right now.   Having two big gun slingers in this class now has to be a positive in his recruitment.  While that push the pendulum towards the Wolverines?  We will find out on signing day.  

If Michigan is really only going to take 12 players in this class only 4 spots 3 spots remain in the next week and a half.  

Michigan Friday: Flip or Flop?

Since Jimmy and staff started to work very late on this class, they have really focused on prospects that are already committed to other teams.   Which leads me wonder:  Which recruits will flip or flop to the Wolverines.  Let's start with the possible flips first:

Flips?

• Big News out of New Mexico is that Texas QB commit Zach Gentry who is taking a Michigan visit this weekend.   Zach has been solid with Texas since May but was told he would be the only QB in the class and then Texas hosted another highly ranked QB this past weekend.   In the mean time, Zach has taken a visit from Jimmy, removed his Texas commit status from his twitter account and will visit A2 this weekend.  BTW Zach is 6'6 and 235 pounds, some sites have him listed as 6'7.   Yes, please!!!

• Another visitor this weekend is DE Ruben Jones who just de-committed from Nebraska last night.

• CB Damon Arnette says that South Carolina and Michigan are running neck and neck.   I know he hit it off with Peppers while he was here and could see himself playing in the same backfield.  Michigan just did a in home with him.

• Jimmy did an in school visit with FSU WR commit Auden Tate yesterday.  Auden likes Michigan and even visited during the Brady Hoke tire fire in November.   He was one of the first recruits to tweet about how excited he was that Jimmy was coming to Michigan.

• 2015 LB/FB Stanford commit Reagan Williams will be on campus this weekend.

Flops:

• 2015 LB Josh McMillon and Alabama commit who has always been interested in Michigan, scheduled an official visit for this weekend on Thursday afternoon and then cancelled it Thursday night.   Sounds like Saban got wind of the visit and shut it down.

• 2015 athlete John Kelly who is an in-state prospect committed to Tennessee yesterday.  He wants to play RB and Michigan is well stocked there and has their sites on good friend and OSU commit Mike Weber.

• 2015 Nate Dalton won't be visiting this weekend either, not sure who dropped who but it doesn't really matter. 

This is a fun time of the year and it's going to be a really exciting signing day!!

Michigan Thursday: Mid-Week Recruiting Blitz

First lets address some questions on Wheat Jr. and what is going on with his recruitment:

Jay Harbaugh has been out to meet with Wheat Jr. already but lets face it Michigan was not in his top schools before his dad got hired.  He is taking visits to Alabama, UCLA this weekend and Oregon for the last visit before signing day.   That will be it for his official visits.   That leaves out a slot for Michigan but of course with Dad on staff, there really isn't a need to do an official to Ann Arbor.  

My gut tells me the Michigan coaching staff is going to let him take his visits and then get him to A2 for an un-official visit and treat him like any high profile recruit.   I think Michigan has a lot of ground to make up here but still very possible.   Last point, I have heard a couple times that Jr. is a better DE prospect then a TE at one point even dad agreed.   My guess is Michigan would allow him to play either.   I'm also not sure if he will be ready to make an announcement on signing day and could go to mid-February before making a decision.  Update per 24/7: 

Michigan OC Tim Drevno, TE coach Jay Harbaugh and running backs coach Tyrone Wheatley were in Buffalo (NY) to see four-star target Tyrone Wheatley, Jr. . he tells me.
"I mean, he's (Wheatley) one of the best recruiters in the east (laughing), but all three of them came by to visit," Wheatley Jr. said.

• QB recruiting:  OSU commit Joey Burrow told Jimmy that he is solid with OSU and Jimmy says fine, I'm still recruiting you.  This is a long shot but you never know.  Another name that keeps popping up in Texas commit Zach Gentry who has shut down communication with recruiting services after Michigan came calling.   Another long shot, but you never know.   Not a long shot is California QB Anthony Gordon who currently doesn't have any offers but Jay recently visited and watched him work out.  My guess is Anthony is in line for a preferred walk-on spot.  Update: Gentry is visiting A2 this weekend.

• DB Recruiting:  William Lockett a DB from Texas and UCLA commit will take a visit this weekend, Jimmy was in-home with his family this week.   Chris Williamson a DB from GA will also take a visit to Ann Arbor this weekend. 

Weekend Visitors:

• CB Nate Dalton has cancelled
• TE Jake Pickard and Wisconsin commit
• DE Reuben Jones and Nebraska commit 
• FB/LB Reagan Williams and Stanford commit

Others that might visit include: OL and UConn commit Nolan Ulizio and 2015 TE and Nebraska commit Matt Snyder. 

Wolverine Wednesday: Iman Liked His Visit

So the buzz last night was that 5 star CB from California really enjoyed his visit to Ann Arbor and had some strong remarks about Coach Harbaugh. 

"I feel like #Michigan is really going to be revolutionary."

Now were talking!  He even went ice skating while he was here. I guess the weather isn't going to be a factor in his decision.   He is probably still leaning towards USC but at least the staff him some thinking to do.  Iman is also good friends with Freddy Canteen.

In some other new news, it seems Peppers will be moving to Safety next year.    More athletes on defense is a great thing!

• Michigan has offered Wisconsin commit TE Jake Pickard from New Jersey.   I think these offers going out mean that Chris Clark is not a lock to Michigan and that he is leaning towards UCLA. 

• Roquan Smith's Final 3 schools are Georgia, UCLA and Michigan.  Georgia is the presumed leader.

• Jim Harbaugh and Doug Nussmeier will have in-home visits with Ryan Davis today in Florida.  Awkward.

• There was a report yesterday that Damon Arnette de-committed from South Carolina, he has not.

Seems Michigan and UCLA are in the middle of a couple head to head recruiting battles.  

• The Michigan Basketball team got a nice road win at Rutgers last night.  Everyone on the bench will get a chance to play this year.  It sounds like they pulled the red shirt off of Andrew Dakich and I have been telling you that Aubrey Dawkins has a great looking shot.  He lead the team in scoring last night with 11 points.

Michigan Tuesday: Making Up For Lost Time - The Offers Blitz Continues

When you have a "rock star" head coach.  People get excited when he comes to your town.  

• Jimmy is visiting Houston today and The Cypress Falls head coach tweeted he better get his khakis cleaned.   He is visiting 2015 CB Nate Dalton who is expected to take a visit to A2 this weekend.

• Iman Marshall seemed to have a good visit yesterday, he posted some picks of him in the #2 jersey and standing next to a Woodson picture.  He also took a picture with Red, which must mean he is a hockey fan.

• Michigan just offered Texas 2015 CB Will Lockett who is committed to UCLA right now.  He is expected to visit A2 before signing day.

• Jim and staff seemed to be targeting UCLA and Nebraska commits:  2015 DE from Florida Reuben Jones a Nebraska commit will be visiting Ann Arbor this weekend, he will now be joined by 2015 TE Matt Snyder another Nebraska commit.  "I had pretty much decided that I wanted to take the visit," Snyder said. "It was more about working out the details with the coaches today and getting to meet them. They were friendly and really easy to talk with. We talked a lot about football but other stuff as well."

• Jim spoke to highly rated 2016 QB KJ Costello yesterday.

• There is some twitter activity between coach and 2015 QB Zach Gentry who is committed to Texas.  Nothing more than that right now.  Zach is 4 star 6'6 and 230 pound QB.

• There is plenty of smoke around Mike Weber and his current situation.   Most insiders expect him to take another visit to Ann Arbor to meet with the coaches and then make a final decision if he wants to be in this class.   Mike has a long history with Wheat even back to the Syracuse days and I like Michigan's chances if they can get him on campus for an official visit. 

Michigan Monday: LeVert Is Out and Recruiting Blitz

John Beilein's club just can't seem to catch a break.  Everyone knew they were young coming into the year but now their only scorer on the floor and best player is done for the year as Caris LeVert hurt his foot on the last play of the Northwestern win over the weekend.   He is schedule for surgery and out for the year.

This of course pretty much puts a nail in the coffin for the Wolverines making any tournament at the end of the year, which was trending more towards the NIT then the NCAA.   I'm sure the strategy will now to be play to younger guys, get them experience, and prep for next year.  

We have probably seen the last of Caris on the floor for Michigan as he is still expected to be a 1st round draft pick and is expected to declare for the draft after the season.   Good luck to him!

Visit Update:

Chris Clark seemed to have a really good time this weekend and posted a bunch of photos on social media.  He didn't re-commit publically and is still going on the UCLA visit next weekend.   Jimmy will have a in home visit with him after his trip to the West Coast.   "Right now, it's neck and neck," Clark said. "I'm not really too sure what I'm going to do. The visit to UCLA is really important, I've never been on the west coast.  "So we'll see what it's like. I don't think anyone's leading right now."

5 Star Iman Marshall is on campus right now.  He arrived at DTW last night wearing a Michigan winter jacket.  

Michigan really helped themselves with LB Roquan Smith who wasn't even on the radar before DJ Durkin was hired.   He also tweeted out a bunch of pictures and sounds like he will have Michigan in his top 3 which he plans to announce this week.  I believe Roquan will be a signing day announcement.   "I enjoyed it; it's more than just football up there and the education is second to none," he said. "It's a great environment and the alumni are all over. It's also a place where you can grow up as a man and player on the field."

The news was also positive for CB and South Carolina commit Damon Arnette as well.  Some insiders are predicting Damon will now sign with the Wolverines.  We will see if he de-commits from USC soon or will wait until signing day.   Damon seemed to hit it off with Jabrill during the visit.

Shelton Johnson enjoyed his visit and it was his first time he has ever seen snow.  He is visiting FSU this weekend.

Offer Updates:

There was a little buzz over the weekend that Joey Burrow a OSU QB commit might be looking around and spoke to the Michigan coaches.  We all know the OSU QB situation and they have two QB's committed in this class.   Burrow took a visit from Urban over the weekend and now expects to stay in OSU's class.   Michigan still seems to be looking for another QB in this class.   More to come.........

Michigan has been busy on finding a couple of offensive lineman as well.   The latest offer goes out to UConn commit from Ohio, Nolan Ulizio who is a 6'6 300 pound road grater.  He is not highly rated but the coaches must see something they like. 

A 4 star lineman who recently de-committed from Georgia is Patrick Allen, is now back on the Wolverines radar.  Patrick took an official to Michigan back during the season and now will consider Michigan with the new coaching staff in place.  Jay Harbaugh is leading this recruitment.   His top list is now:  Georgia, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Michigan.

A guy looking for an offer is 4 star OL and recent de-commit from Wisconsin Sam Madden.  Sam is a huge man at 6'7 and 345 pounds.   It seems some academic issues popped up and he now will not be attending Wisconsin.  Maddden got all A's his final year of HS  (he has graduated) and was expecting to enroll at Wisconsin next week.   Michigan has yet to reach out but if the academic concerns are accurate, a Michigan offer is probably a bit of a reach.

Michigan didn't receive any commitments this weekend and it seems like the Wolverines still have plenty of work to do before signing day.  I think it was a positive weekend but Michigan still has some ground to make up with the likes of Clark and expand the relationship with the new guys in a very short weekend.

Michigan Friday: Wheatley Does Visits and Takes A Visit - Plus A Big Visit Weekend

Let's start with Wheat first.  Ty Wheatley in his new Adidas winter jacket ($250 at MDen) and his Maize and Blue Adidas shoes was at Cass Tech yesterday.   As we know, Cass Tech is always full of D1 prospects and home to a Mr. Mike Weber who is committed to Ohio State.   Getting Mike on campus for a visit with all the coaches is job #1.




Ty's son who is a 4 star prospect was visited yesterday by Harbaugh but Jay not Jim.  Which makes sense as they both are son's of Michigan legends/coaches.   Ty Jr. has officials set up to Bama, UCLA and Oregon right now.    He needs to set up one to see Dad soon. 


- For those hoping QB Kevin Hogan would be a 5th year graduate transfer from Stanford, announced yesterday that he was staying at Stanford.   I'm disappointed and would have loved for him to run the offense in A2 next year.   I still think Shane Morris needs a redshirt year.

Michigan also visited KLS on Thursday.  I think he loves Michigan but this is a pipe dream.

Michigan also offered 4 star WR from Florida Ryan Davis. He has offers from everybody.

Michigan is all over Florida (which I love) and has offered Rutgers commit and 3 star CB Jarius Adams.  He is planning to visit on 1/30.

Who's Coming In This Weekend?

• 4 star TE Chris Clark - who could be on re-commit watch this weekend as he is very high on Harbaugh getting the job.   He loved Michigan once and might fall in love again this weekend.  The coaches won't have to sell the school just the offense and direction.  A bit of not great news is that Alize Jones another top rated TE just de-committed from UCLA and now is going to ND UCLA is where Chris has set up an official at in two weeks.

• 5 star CB Iman Marshall will be in on Monday for his visit.  He is considered a strong USC learn, but you never know.

• 3 star CB Damon Arnette, who is committed to South Carolina.  He is a 3 star with a 4 star offer sheet, he of course is in play due to DJ Durkin.  

• 3 star DE Shelton Johnson was just offered yesterday and is already planning to visit this weekend (that has to be a good sign).   He has a FSU and Miami offer.

• 4 star LB Roquan Smith, who visiting 200% due to DJ Durkin being the new DC at Michigan.  He has a lot of options and recruitment will probably do down to signing day.

• Commits Kinnel and David will be in town for their official visits as well.

Anyone on commit watch Bob?  Best guess is Chris Clark.

I hope these 3 star guys understand there are only 6 spots left in this class and if they love the situation they better pull the trigger before it's too late.   It's also obvious that Michigan is looking at a number of DB's and DE's in this class.   Scout's also think that Michigan might go after Drew Lock a Pro Style QB committed to Missouri.  He is a legacy player to Mizzu and probably is a "lock" to commit there.   (yes, I just did that!)

Sounds like Jimmy would like another QB in this class.   With two guys committing early, he might be able to play with the scholarship a bit to get a guy in.

•  Farmington Hills Harrison junior defensive end Khalid Kareem should feel honored as he was Jimmy's first school visit as Michigan's head coach.   Kareem is a 2016 prospect.