Hello: 2020 OL Andrew Gentry

Submitted by Gentleman Squirrels on December 8th, 2021 at 10:35 AM

https://247sports.com/college/michigan/Article/Michigan-football-recruiting-Andrew-Gentry-commits-177724982/

No you didn't read that wrong. Andrew Gentry is a class of 2020 OT who originally committed to Virginia over Michigan. He then went on a LDS mission trip and is supposed to start playing college football this season. Looks like he opened up his recruitment after the coaching change at Virginia.

BlueLikeJazz

December 8th, 2021 at 11:39 AM ^

It seems a foregone conclusion that he'll enroll early too, yes? Not like he's got school to think about, and getting him on campus for spring practice will help a lot in getting him back into football shape.

Wolverine10007

December 8th, 2021 at 11:40 AM ^

This is a fantastic get and would be great insurance in the scenario that Josh Connerly doesn't commit to us. 

I remember he was one of our top prospects that we were battling others for and it stung our fanbase when he choose to go to Virginia. Glad we caught him at the right time. 

bronxblue

December 8th, 2021 at 11:52 AM ^

I actually remember this recruitment because the LDS mission made him a 2-year project and him going to UVa to play for Bronco was considered a bit of a surprise because he seemed destined for BYU.  He's a legitimate top-100 guy coming out of HS and (I assume) is only bigger and stronger with 2 years of growth.  A really nice pickup for Moore and the staff and a guy who could absolutely come in and contribute early on.

Rabbit21

December 8th, 2021 at 12:41 PM ^

Hard to say on the bigger and stronger thing.  His body has definitely matured for sure, but there are a lot of restrictions on you during a Mormon mission that limit the ability to work out/eat right.

THAT said, Gentry is not your usual missionary and the church does have an interest in talented football players not getting out of shape while they are on their mission.

So it's possible he's gotten stronger, I don't know that I'd call it a guarantee.

ska4punkkid

December 8th, 2021 at 12:53 PM ^

I know from experience that all missionaries are treated the same. They have the same schedule, which includes 30 min in the morning to exercise. They have a small stipend with which to buy groceries and you aren't buying much food with that stipend.

The missionaries usually eat dinner each night at the home of a member of the church and depending on where you serve your mission you can either gain weight or lose it. Having served a mission in the southern US, I ate alot of amazing southern food and definitely gained weight. 

MFanWM

December 8th, 2021 at 12:02 PM ^

Great pick-up for the class and actually think the delayed timing due to his year off likely makes it even better in terms of physical development for an offensive lineman.

HighBeta

December 8th, 2021 at 12:15 PM ^

Very large young man. Can you imagine just how many food shopping trips had to be made to keep his family's fridge fully stocked?

He's going to open some *really* large gaps for our RBs.

UMinSF

December 8th, 2021 at 1:00 PM ^

Few things:

- Makes sense for Michigan to target UVa portal guys - they'll probably be able to transfer most credits, and also handle/care about academics.

- I don't care what this guy did during his mission. 18 year olds are kids, 20 year olds are becoming men. Put this guy in the weight room, and he's soon gonna be stronger than he was when he was recruited. Sure, might take a bit of time to sculpt his body, but can you imagine this guy as a 24 year old senior beating up on some poor frosh?

- Michigan's OL feels like it's back to traditional place as a home for future NFL mashers. Depth and quality!

SD Larry

December 8th, 2021 at 1:42 PM ^

Sounds great.  Welcome aboard Big Fella !  Congratulations on completing your mission trip and your great choice in coming to Michigan.  Go Blue !