Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Wolverine Wednesday: Strange January For Recruiting

This is a strange January for coaches and recruits.  In the past, this was probably one of the busiest months of the year as teams tried to secure their class prior to Signing Day in the first week of February.   It's different this year as many recruits signed in December and many programs have moved on to the 2019 class. 


Michigan still has needs on the both lines and still trying to secure LB Otis Reese from heading to Georgia.   Otis was the first commit to the 2018 class and the Wolverines continue to try to keep him solid in his commitment.  Otis will be taking a number of official visits before signing day and the Wolverines will have to hold on to their commitment for the talented LB.


Michigan seems to have two 2018 offensive tackles they are interested in.  CA Jarrett Patterson (Jimmy in home visit yesterday) and FL OT Nicholas Petit-Frere are both highly recruited and has a ton of options.  Michigan is in the mix but its always tough to pull kids across the country.  Jalen Gross another prospect on the offensive line, just committed to Greg Frey and FSU this week.


Michigan had been leading for DT Tyler Friday from NJ for many months but that has changed.  Tyler was expected to announce his decision last week and made a commitment video.   Insiders started to flood the crystal balls that it was an Ohio State decision.   Tyler held off and will now make his announcement on Friday.  There is some hope that Tyler was concerned about Chris Partridge leaving Michigan and with him staying might help Michigan's chances.  Recruiting insiders are staying with their OSU pick .


Jimmy of course is also interested in Rice graduate OT Calvin Anderson.  Ronnie Bell and Kevin Doyle are both commits and are expected to stay in the class.


Who is left as a possibility outside of those guys?

  1. JaMar Chase, WR from LA.   Michigan is in the mix but Louisiana isn't exactly a Michigan recruiting hot bed.
  2. Michael Barnett, Athlete from GA.  Buzz on this recruitment has fallen off a cliff.   Michael is deciding between playing QB at Georgia Tech or RB/SWR at Michigan. 
  3. Vincent Gray, CB Rochester, MI.  Michigan doesn't really need anymore CB's but Don Brown does love tall corners.  Gray is 6'2.
Surprises?
Jimmy and staff are always good for a surprise or two down the stretch.  The new coaches are already making some noise on the recruiting trail and I expect a couple new names to pop out before February.   If Patterson, NP-F and Friday go to other schools.  I expect some late offers to an offensive tackle prospect and a defensive tackle.  Don't forget Willie Henry was a late add and he is now playing for the Baltimore Ravens.


Side note: Are there anymore Glasgow's available?  We could use more please!


There is 3 weeks to NSD and Michigan needs to do some serious work if they are going to finish this class with a couple strong additions.


4 comments:

Tim said...

What is the latest with coaches? I read so much that Pep and Drev would be gone. It now appears at least Drev is going to stay. As Pep still there it makes me wander if he will stick around too?

Our offense was bad last year. I know we were young, learning system, etc but many times they didn't appear to have a solid game plan and the play calling was odd.

Just concerns me if we are heading into 2018 with same guys at the helm.

Thoughts anyone?

EzmoB said...

I think pep will be gone. He is linked to a job with the raiders. The way Enos contract is structured it obvious either pep or derveno will be out. My money is on pep being out. Enos coaching Qb's and OC duties. Derveno working with the O line.

Cormac said...

It's great that some of the (new) coaches are making noises on the recruiting trail. However, it would be much better if they made some noise on the football field!

Bob said...

I think there is some delay with NFL coaches that still need to hired. For example the Pat's are expected to lose 2 assistant coaches to head coach positions. If they get to the Super Bowl, we still won't see much movement for another 3-4 weeks.