TomVH: Weekly Update: Chris Fox, Chris Wormley, LaQuon Treadwell and More
It was a busy weekend for Michigan with both Chris Wormley and Kyle Kalis making it in to visit. With roughly ten spots left (Ed: Now 9!), remaining recruits are watching every move, and Michigan's coaches must be strategic in their actions. Here's a look at what's been happening and what could happen next. As always you can follow me on Twitter here, and if you have any tips or questions email me at [email protected].
Chris Fox (2013)
6'6", 297 lbs.
Offensive Lineman
Parker, Colorado
Fox was a standout performer at Michigan's camp this past week. The Michigan coaches liked the 2013 prospect so much that they offered him once he left.
I talked to Coach Hoke and Coach Funk and they offered me. I got a Colorado offer a few weeks ago, too. The [Michigan coaches] told me that I fit what they're trying to accomplish, and that I look like a Michigan guy.
Fox traveled all the way from Colorado to Michigan just to camp, the trip ended up being well worth the distance. Not only did he get his offer but he also started the foundation for a relationship with Coach Funk.
I'm definitely comfortable with Coach Funk and all the coaches there now. Coach Funk was out in Colorado and stopped by our school and I actually have some family that lives up in Michigan. I love Michigan, they have great football and it would be awesome to go there. Both my parents were born and raised in Michigan too. My family is kind of split in half with Michigan and Michigan State fans. Right now I've only heard from Michigan, MSU hasn't really contacted me.
The camp gave Fox a good look at how the Michigan coaches interact with players and a good feel for the campus.
I'd definitely like to get out [to Michigan] for a game this season. It would be great to get out there. I liked everything, the campus was incredible and the Big House is incredible. I don't have a list yet, I'm just going through the process with open eyes looking for my best fit. As of right now Michigan and Colorado are my top two because they've offered.
Now that he's been on campus and gained a level of comfort with the staff, he feels great about what Michigan has to offer and where he is in the process.
It just feels good to know that I have options this early and it feels good to know that I could go there. I'd like to make my decision before my senior year so that's probably what I'll do, sometime next summer.
Fox is a name that seems to be popping up all over the place now, so I wouldn't be surprised if he got some big time attention soon. Early offers for offensive lineman are usually good signs of talent level and Fox should be right up near the top.
Chris Wormley
6'4", 255 lbs.
Defensive End
Toledo, Ohio
Wormley made a visit up to Ann Arbor this weekend. He's been relatively quiet lately and generally doesn't like talking to the media. I did catch up with him via text to see how his visit went, and where he's going from here. He briefly said the following.
It went very well. Yes I definitely came closer to a decision. My family and girlfriend [went on the visit], and I loved every part of it, but joking around with the coaches was the best part.
I asked if he knew when he would like to make his announcement or decision and he said he will make it when it feels it's right. I can't imagine that it would be much longer though. This visit seems to have been a positive for Michigan moving him in the right direction, so we'll see when it happens.
LaQuon Treadwell (2013)
6'3", 190 lbs.
Wide Receiver
Crete, Illinois
Treadwell is the younger teammate of 2012 Michigan commit Anthony Standifer. LaQuon accompanied Standifer on his visit to Ann Arbor and immediately saw what his teammate liked so much about Michigan.
Going in I expected it to be great and that's what it was. I think it was overall a great experience, the buildings, the field, and the coaches were great. The field and the academic center where you do all your class work were probably the best parts.
Since he's new to the process he feels that he benefited from Standifer's presence on the visit.
Anthony was asking most of the questions so I was picking off of him and just going off of what he was saying. I'll probably do what Anthony did and decide in the summer too. He talks to me about Michigan a lot and him being committed there helps them with me.
Their coach does not let them visit other schools or decommit once they have committed to a school, so he wants to make sure he gets it right. Treadwell has also been hearing from Michigan State, Indiana, Purdue, and Vanderbilt.
Who's Left?
With 16 17 commitments already in this class it seems likely that Michigan will have most of their spots filled by the time the season hits. Here's who's left and where they are in the process.
Offensive line (1-2):
- Nashville OL Blake Bars: Committed on Sunday.
- Ohio OL Kyle Kalis: Just took a visit to Michigan. He isn't saying much to reporters right now, but I did speak to him today. I wouldn't be surprised if he makes his decision very soon. There are a lot of rumors out there, but like I said he's not saying much in public so be careful what you believe.
- Illinois OL Jordan Diamond: Michigan is still in great position, as they always have been. Jordan's mother says that she's not sure when his decision will come but she wouldn't be surprised if he waited until after the season. He's gone back and forth so we'll just have to wait and see his final decision.
- Pennsylvania OL Adam Bisnowaty: His athletic director told me that ideally Adam would like to take a few official visits then decide. Adam has also been quiet (a theme here) but I should have something from him soon. He seems to be a forgotten name, but the Michigan coaches do really like him.
- Arizona OL Andrus Peat: I also reported how Peat's visit to Michigan went a week ago. Don't get too excited about Peat yet, I still think he ends up elsewhere but stranger things have happened.
- Washington OL Joshua Garnett: Recently put Michigan in his top eleven and told me back in May that he would like to take an official visit to Michigan, which he still maintains. I should have more on him this week, but spots remaining could end up being an issue here depending on timelines and decisions of his peers.
- Washington OL Zach Banner: The same can be said for Banner as with Garnett. Timing and space might hinder this, but we'll see how it plays out.
Defensive Line (2-3):
- Missouri DT Ondre Pipkins: He told me last week that he will be making a visit to Michigan in July or August, we'll see which one it ends up being. He also might choose to move up his decision, which is interesting.
- Michigan DT Danny O'Brien: Performed well at Michigan's camp this past weekend and told me the coaches were impressed. He also told me the Michigan coaches expressed that they want one interior lineman, which seems to be between Pipkins, O'Brien, and kind of Sheldon Day. I do think there is still a chance they could take both. O'Brien would ideally like to take a couple official visits, but is also watching what Pipkins does in his recruitment.
- Ohio DE Adolphus Washington: He and teammate Dwayne Stanford are still trying to reschedule their trip to Ann Arbor. Stanford told me they are waiting because of the Fourth of July holiday. I don't think we'll know how interested they really are until they visit. They both were very fond of Ohio State so it could be interesting how it plays out.
- Ohio DE Chris Wormley: As mentioned above Michigan is in good shape with Chris and he's going to announce when he feels he's ready.
Safety (1):
- Ohio S Jarrod Wilson: I posted a few days ago that Wilson will be announcing in July 8th at 2:30pm EST per his coach's email and press release.
Others:
- The other prospects Michigan is recruiting like Bri'onte Dunn, Ron Thompson, Aaron Burbridge, Amara Darboh, Jehu Chesson, Alden Hill, EJ Fatu, and Sione Houma are still somewhat in limbo. Dunn, for example is still committed to Ohio State according to his father. His father told me Bri'onte would be at Ohio State's camp this past week and it looks like that happened. I still believe they're waiting to see what the sanctions are before making a move.
Extra:
PA running back Greg Garmon told me that he received an offer from Ohio State this weekend. I was told that he worked out at camp as a defensive back and may have been offered as an athlete. It's interesting to say the least that he received an offer from them. He also told me that Michigan is still in it for him and that he, "Loves them."
New Jersey ATH Devin Fuller told me that he's not sure of the exact date but he would still like to make it out to Michigan this summer.
"but joking around with the coaches was the best part."
Love to picture Hoke and Mattison doing a little standup routine in front of the recruits. With how much we see the coaches it can be hard to remember they're real enjoyable fun people, but they seem to really hit it off with all these kids in a little amount of time.
if they didn't take committments from both Pipkins and O'Brien. If I had to pick between the two I'd take Pipkins, but having O'Brien as well would be much preferable to just Ondre.
This surprised me as well. It's hard to believe we wouldn't find space for Pipkins, O'Brien and Wormley.
If so, the coaches must be pleased with what they've seen from Campbell, Washington and Ash.
4-3 over-under it's the outside rushers who matter most. The 5-techs are more the focal point but it's tough to see who the 3 tech will be. My guess is Pipkins is the NT and Godin and Wormley would line up outside him with the WDE and SLB as the outside rush on the line of scrimmage. The other interior lineman will get 1on1 matchups because we'll have 5 hands in the dirt at times so that's why I'm guessing Godin will get that spot. What we need is the stud NT to handle the interior double team and Pipkins is absolutely that guy. I imagine they're keeping their options open with other top midwest DT's, Day and O'Brien could develop into NT's but Pipkins is already there if he drops.
I read in the 4-3 under that typically the best players on the defense should be the WDE and the SLB. I don't think we are at the point where we can say that our two best players are playing at the WDE or the SLB. I agree that Pipkins is probably the best to handle the NT position and from everything that I read, the coaches see O'brein at NT as well.
Quick and active and relentless to the ball. He can hold ground or slip around blockers into the backfield. Pipkens is quick as well, which means you can flip them and cause at least some confusion if we run an Over or Base 4-3 at times. Godin seems ideal at the 5-tech, and the coaces have told him as much.
O'Brien and Pipkens, pls.
Devin Fuller is one of the recruits who I really want.. He could play any position, but would also fulfill our QB need. I didn't really think we had a chance, but it's nice that he wants to visit. Also, pretty surprising that Diamond wants to wait until after his season.
Thanks, Tom. We haven't heard much about Burbridge lately, and I assume that means he's been working on grades, which is great. Is he looking on track to qualify, do you know?
as always Tom. Thanks.
Thanks Tom! I have been waiting all day for this since you told us we could unbuckle.
Kalis update "I wouldn't be surprised if he makes his decision very soon." that seems like good old cryptic Tom
...There are a lot of rumors out there, but like I said he's not saying much in public so be careful what you believe.
So the word is that he could make his decision soon, but "there are a lot of rumors out there" and "be careful what you believe"? Tom, is this some sort of Yoda trick/lesson?
Thanks, Tom. Always great stuff in here.
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<br>Any idea if we'd take another run at Pittman if he gets his academics together? Washington has always seemed OSU bound to me.
Tom, do you think that LaQuon Treadwell is going to blow up and be a big time recruit? around 6'3 and 190 he seems like he would be a great pick up for us.
I hope he blows up, from what he's been saying on twitter Michigan definitely seems like his leader. I haven't even seen him talk about any other school and he and Anthony Standifer are best friends so that definitely helps.
I'm pretty sure Morris has been trying to recruit him as well.
Isn't Diamond's coach the one who wants his players to wait as long as possible before committing to help others kids on the team get noticed? If true that me be the only reason he is waiting at this point.
I think you are correct. I remember hearing last year that Chris wanted to get exposure for his teammates because he thought that some of them were deserving of offers.
yes please!
...and are about to start falling down.
I believe we are one commitment on the defensive line, and offensive line and the others will follow suit so they don't lose their spots.
I'm just waiting to get "buckled up" again...
Interesting that Jarrod Wilson was the only Safety target that was mentioned... could be a sign from Tom but who knows.
Don't take that as any sort of sign, he's just the only safety on our board.
Will that stick? It seems rather early, and considering the momemtum and need, a Richardson, Standifer, Gant, Clark secondary haul would seem like a bit of a fizzle.
That would leaves us with Gant, Clark, T. Carter, and R. Taylor projecting as safeties from this group, with only Gant and Taylor projecting as anything other than role players. And both Gant and Taylor have real question marks as to whether they're physical make up suits the position.
No, he's not. We're in on a few other safeties (Elijah Shumate, DJ Singleton, plus a few ATH/CB types who could play S like Yuri Wright, Nelson Agholor, Deon Bush, and Marcus Maye). I don't know how likely it is that they take serious looks at Michigan, although a couple of them have listed Michigan near the top.
Yeah but I'm not so sure we're actively looking to land them at this point. Good names on that list but I think only the NJ kids are guys we might actually have a shot with and with 4/5 DB's in the fold depending on Wilson's decision, we're pretty full up. Unless there's a decommit, I'd be surprised if DB recruiting continues in force regardless of Wilson's decision.
We'll see...
Hopefully Wilson commits and we don't even have to worry about it. But Yuri Wright is a guy who could play FS, too, and I'd sure as hell take him over Jeremy Clark.
mentioned because Jeremy Clark just committed...kinda. The coaches are only going after Wilson now, and if he doesn't commit then Clark will get offered a full scholarship. I think that does it for safeties.
Clark already was offered a "Full Scollie" It is just the time when he would be enrolling that is in question. If Wilson picks the good guys, Clark enrolls like and early 2013 prospect instead of in the fall.
Serious question: Who else are we in on that Tom could mention? I can't think of any other safeties that we have been talking about recently
I've heard Elijah Shumate's name thrown around but you guys are right, I remember reading we are only going after Wilson now... my bad
Of course both of Fox's parents were born in Michigan and he has family in Michigan. Hoke apparently goes to ancestry.com before mapping his recruiting trail.
...appears to be a sound strategy.
Wow, what happened to Diamond? It would seem (unless I am completely missing something) that his interest in Michigan has dwindled as indicated of him going back and forth. Is he going back and forth between teams, or a decision date? I don't mind if he decides on NSD, but is the interest of Michigan from Diamond as strong as it was about a month ago?
He has been here more than any other out of state prospect. He is following his coaches philosophy of drawing out the process.
for the information.
But sometimes coaches like their big recruits to wait (even if they know where they want to go) so when people scout them they see their other players and maybe someone who would have gone unnoticed gets an offer. And some just like the attention and all the rankings for their players; but I wouldn't cast that on this group of coaches.
If that's true, than he may be silent commit. Obviously Hoke would respect the H.S. staff on that. Interesting. If the coaches haven't told him he's "good to go", I'd be getting nervous about my spot, though.
i dont know if youve been following it closely, but I have the opinion that Diamond is more on the fence of when not where.
That is what I wanted to know.
Provided information of Pipkins, Croom, Jones, Bars, now Fox, etc? Anyone I missed?
You are creepy, please stop. Also do not facebook or tweet our recruits. I am not saying you do but just a hunch.
Thanks for the update Tom. Always appreciated.
I'm thinking we just go ahead and wrap this class up in the next few weeks with Kalis, Diamond, Bars, Pipkins, Obrien, Wormley, Wilson, Dunn, Burbridge, Thompson... uhhh, yes please!
Well we got bars!
Thanks for the updates. Until 7-8-11 I can remain unbuckled, good to know.
He got an offer from osu, so that might be something to keep an eye on. I think they are trying to have a back up plan if Dunn does decide to go another school.
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