Thursday Recruitin' Is Rendered Speechless Comment Count

Ace

The Best Players In Michigan...

...well, at the very least, they're getting offers from Michigan.

Tuesday's MSU game gave Michigan the opportunity to host several in-state prospects and dole out some offers. 2016 four-star Southfield RB Matt Falcon received one, though with Tennessee as his stated leader it'll be an uphill climb to gain his commitment, per MichiganPreps.com's Branden Hunter ($):

"It was pretty sweet seeing two quarterbacks on their way to the league. Something special," said Falcon. "I really enjoyed spending time with the coaching staff, and getting to know everyone and how they operate. I think Coach Harbaugh has his team headed in the right direction. He will do big things with the Wolverines. I could see myself playing there, but I don't know if that will happen. I still have to enjoy the process."

While there's plenty of time to catch up to Tennessee, the Vols are in strong position right now. Michigan should get more traction with a couple more offers from the evening. Three-star Farmington WR Desmond Fitzpatrick, a Louisville commit, grew up a Michigan fan, and his father told Allen Trieu that the offer meant a lot to him ($):

"As he got older," Fitzpatrick continued, "and watched the program struggle, it appeared those childhood feelings faded. When he received the offer last night, his reaction surprised me. He was a little emotional."

Fitzpatrick remains committed to Louisville, but it sounds like he's quite open to the possibility of playing closer to home. So is four-star Cass Tech DB Demetric Vance, who also added an offer Tuesday night, per GBW's Josh Newkirk ($):

“I was real excited,” Vance said of Michigan offer. “I really liked the coaching staff. They made really think I want to go there. It was just a good experience. For me to meet the new coaching staff, it seem liked I already knew them for so long. It feels good.”

Vance plans to decide after the summer. Michigan's main competition should be MSU, though Pitt and Tennessee are also involved. Vance's teammate, elite 2017 WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, could hardly talk when Harbaugh offered him, per The Wolverine's Brandon Brown ($):

"It happened at halftime of the basketball game," Peoples-Jones explained. "Coach [Jim] Harbaugh came and talked to me one on one and told me that I had a scholarship offer from the University of Michigan.

"I was honestly at a loss for words. I managed to say, 'Thank you coach, I really appreciate it.' It felt great to know that I could possibly be coached under a man with so much success."

Peoples-Jones is a national-level prospect and his recruitment could very well come down to a Michigan-OSU battle.

M also hosted a couple prospects already holding offers. 2016 Farmington Hills Harrison four-star DE Khalid Kareem is now seriously considering the Wolverines, his father told 247's Steve Wiltfong ($):

“It was amazing. It was a good atmosphere. It was my first time going up there with the new staff, and to be honest with you it was probably one of our best visits. We had the opportunity to get a lot of 1-on-1 time with Coach (Greg) Mattison and Coach (D.J.) Durkin. When we got there they kind of immediately gravitated towards us, ate with us, took us in the meeting room, watched film, saw how Khalid fit in their defense, different body types, things like that.

“It opened up his mind to the idea of playing for Michigan.”

Kareem previously committed to MSU for all of two days before his parents helped convince him it was too early to make a commitment. Let's hope this goes the way of Lawrence Marshall.

Rounding out the Cass Tech contingent was 2016 four-star OG/DT Michael Onwenu, who told 247's Steve Lorenz that the coaches were jokingly fighting over which side of the ball he'd play in Ann Arbor ($).

2016 Southfield LB Will Small self-reported an offer, but that's been refuted by multiple outlets.

[Hit THE JUMP for the rest of the roundup.]

New Offers: Offense

Yes, Michigan is still handing out offers at such a rate that putting them all in one section is the first step in constructing the Great Wall of Text. I'll start with the offers for offensive prospects, and hopefully won't perish before reaching the defense.

Top-100 CA WR Steffon McKnight currently has a top five comprised of Pac 12 schools, but he told The Wolverine's Tim Sullivan that Michigan "can most definitely hop inside of my top five" after Jay Harbaugh recently extended an offer ($). He's considering using either an unofficial or official visit to check out Ann Arbor.

Not long after four-star CA OT Frank Martin told GBW's Kyle Bogenschutz he'd visit Michigan if they were to offer, the Wolverines came through with one, per Sullivan. Martin is getting a good deal of national attention. Tim Drevno recruited Martin while at USC, so he's got a prior connection with the current coaching staff.

Sullivan also reports that Michigan offered three-star TX OL Chris Owens, who holds offers from the likes of Alabama, Auburn, and Oklahoma.

Harbaugh didn't take long to start going after 2017 quarterbacks. Today, Michigan offered the first of them: CO QB Dylan McCaffrey, son of former Broncos WR Ed McCaffrey. So far McCaffrey's only other offer is from Colorado.

New Offers: Defensive Front Seven

Four-star TX DT Chris Daniels, who camped at Michigan back when he was a freshman, got the Wolverine offer he'd been waiting for, per 247's Steve Lorenz ($):

"I grew up a Michigan fan," he said. "You could say that they're the school I was waiting on an offer from. My mom's whole side of the family is still up in Michigan and I know they'll be excited to know that I have an offer to play for them. I'm definitely pumped about the possibility of playing for the Wolverines."

Daniels played his freshman year in Muskegon before moving to Texas, so there's a better shot here than normal for a highly touted Texas prospect. He's eyeing a summer visit.

Greg Mattison offered four-star TX DE Levi Onwuzurike, who's considering an unofficial this summer but is more likely to wait until he can take an official visit in the fall, per Sullivan ($).

The Wolverines are the latest to offer three-star IL DT Naquan Jones, who told Scout's Beth Long he'll visit Ann Arbor after he takes the ACT in a couple weeks ($). Jones has received recent offers from South Carolina and Kentucky, and he's been offered by most of the Big Ten.

Ascending four-star NC LB Julian Okwara tweeted Tuesday that he added a Michigan offer. The Wolverines also offered four-star CT LB Koby Quansah, who told MnB's Anthony Broome that he may take a visit later this month.

New Offers: Secondary

It's clear defensive back is a major priority in the 2016 class, as offers to secondary prospects continue to go out at a remarkable rate.

The headliner is five-star TX S Deontay Anderson, who told GBW's Kyle Bogenschutz it's an honor to be recruited by Harbaugh ($):

“I had one great conversation with Coach Harbaugh and then the defensive line coach and the defensive back coach like twice,” Anderson said.

“They’re great,” added Anderson,” and it’s a great honor to have Coach Harbaugh, who was in the NFL, for him to come to this school and recruit me. That’s a great feeling.”

He's considering a visit, though as one of the most sought-after prospects in the country, he'll be a very hard pull for Michigan.

Top-100 MS CB Nigel Knott can be safely considered a longshot due to being from the black hole that is Mississippi, but he told Lorenz that there's a Michigan connection for him ($):

Knott is seriously considering visiting Michigan sometime this spring or summer because of a chance visit his mother happened to make to the area in the past.

"I have aunts and uncles and cousins who live in Michigan," he said. "But my mom has seen Michigan's campus. It was only when I told her I was offered, so she didn't go into it in-depth yet, but she said it was a beautiful place and that I wouldn't want to leave after I visit there. The coaches told me the same thing, so I guess you could say I am interested in seeing it myself (laughs)."

Knott already boasts a who's-who offer sheet; just getting him on campus would be impressive. In that same vein: Michigan also offered top-100 TX CB Jared Mayden, per his Twitter.

Finally, M extended an offer to three-star VA S JJ Givens, who told Maize n Brew that the Wolverines are among the schools sticking out to him:

“At this moment the schools that are standing out are Wake Forest, Virginia Tech and Notre Dame, along with Michigan," he said.

Givens has previous connections with fellow Virginians Wilton Speight and Derrick Green, which can't hurt.

Earlier today, the Wolverines offered three-star PA S Andrew Pryts, whose early offers from Alabama, Stanford, and Penn State suggest he might be better than his ranking.

Michigan offered a couple elite 2017 recruits who project to the secondary. VA five-star ATH Devon Hunter will have his choice of top programs, and Michigan's recruitment of his 2016 teammate could give them an edge, per Lorenz ($):

Hunter is current teammates with 2016 Top150 linebacker Jaquan Yulee, who was also offered by the Wolverines recently. The two have already been discussing a potential visit.

"Jaquan and I try to visit programs that we both hold offers from," he said. "Michigan was a school we were already talking about right after they offered him. Now that they've offered me, we're definitely working to get up there this summer."

Yulee told Sam Webb this week that Michigan had moved up in his top group, and he's looking to visit soon ($). It'd be quite a bonus if Hunter joined him.

M also offered 2017 five-star ATH Jeffrey Okudah, who told Lorenz it was a "surprise" to get one from them this early in the process ($). Okudah, like Hunter, projects to safety and has just about every school in the country in pursuit.

Comments

michiganinmd

February 19th, 2015 at 2:12 PM ^

Seeing as Ace, Steve Lorenz and Steve Wiltfong, among others, put in crystal balls for Falcon to Michigan this week, Tennessee should be looking over their shoulders - Harbaugh is coming!

Bodogblog

February 19th, 2015 at 4:11 PM ^

You're correct, Ace just put in a crystal ball for Falcon to Michigan yesterday afternoon.  That doesn't seem to connect with his phrasing above.  Though to the extent that Ace is sometimes Brian and vice versa, it would make sense if they crossed opinions as they merged through one another.  

Real Tackles Wear 77

February 19th, 2015 at 2:20 PM ^

I'll believe OSU is a player for future Cass kids when I see it...very doubtful that the coaching staff there will allow another kid to get played like Weber did.

Also, what's the deal with Tennessee recruiting Michigan so well? I know Butch Jones came from CMU but they have been a player for some top MI recruits since well before Jones got there. 

StateStreetBlue

February 19th, 2015 at 2:35 PM ^

If I had to guess I'd say that the SEC (and southern culture) appeals to Michigan kids while still being close enough for families to visit for the weekend and games. Granted, it's a 7 hr drive from Mich, but it's more doable than say LSU or UGA .

Having only been to Tenn campus for the first time last year, it is really a fun college town, Tons (TONS) of cute girls in dresses, a finatic football culture, huge stadium, and just a very laid back feel.

Again, just a guess though.

getsome

February 19th, 2015 at 3:18 PM ^

Knoxville is amazing - beautiful college town, nice weather, SEC ball and decent other major sports programs, impressive facilities, awesome game environments with passionate fans, etc. Neyland is up there with coolest stadiums where I've watched games. One my buddies played under Fulmer toward end of his tenure and its just a dope place made even better when playing big time ball for free. Tons of cool bars / restaurants, friendly southern culture / environment (might be cliche, but doesn't make it false), and tons of smoking hot chicks. Some prioritize an elite academic pedigree and alum base when wading the recruiting waters, other kids obviously place those attributes further down their lists. Jones came in with tons of energy and has been able to pitch early PT to kids who want to help the new dude turn around the program. I absolutely see the appeal - different strokes...

oingoboingo

February 19th, 2015 at 3:37 PM ^

I can't find the article now, will edit with link if I do, but I have seen Wilcher quoted as saying he has spoken to Meyer and was assured that it wouldn't happen again (how true that is remains to be seen). 

Ohio State will still be a player at Cass Tech but I imagine it will be harder for them to pull kids from there now that Harbaugh is at the helm. 

coldnjl

February 19th, 2015 at 3:55 PM ^

If Wilcher doesn't let this influence future Cass-OSU ties, then he is a push over. A player of his gets screwed, but as long as it doesn't happen next time, it will be ok? BS. I am not saying don't let OSU recruit the school, but you gotta remember what happened and not vouch for that coaching staff moving forward.

maize-blue

February 19th, 2015 at 4:27 PM ^

I don't know the validity of the original tweet but the Mgofish twitter account stated that OSU assistant coach Coombs recently tweeted out a pic of Cass Tech coaches in Columbus but then quickly deleted it. I don't know if the pic was from today or what it was, but I don't think much will come from the Weber situation. OSU will continue to be a strong player there I think. We'll just have to start beating them on the field.

MGoBlue-querque

February 19th, 2015 at 2:37 PM ^

I really want Matt Falcon to commit, not only because he'd be a great addition, but also for the possibilities of posting this video over and over. 

 

Yippie ki yay, Mr. Falcon. --- John McClane (Die Hard 2 edited, poorly, for teevee)

 

 

Farnn

February 19th, 2015 at 2:41 PM ^

Good to see a lot of the Michigan recruits excited about Michigan again.  Was a bit worried seeing all the top players in Michigan crystal balled to MSU, OSU, and other teams.  Hopefully Harbaugh can land most of the top 7-8 guys in the state and keep OSU out.  Don't have much hope for Hayes(who wants to leave the area) but Hill should be flippable if his brother likes the new staff, and not sure how the Weber situation will affect Onwenu. 

Bodogblog

February 19th, 2015 at 3:09 PM ^

It's so early for these 2016 kids.  None of them are off the table, especially the local ones.  Seeing Harbaugh on the sidelines and (hopefully) some development and progress could turn things very quickly.

softshoes

February 19th, 2015 at 3:17 PM ^

Love how many of these Tx kids have Michigan connections. I'd never considered that back in the 80's when the last Mich. resident was turning off the lights before leaving for Texas might someday send a 4 or 5* home to play for family left behind.

As a Wings fan I should have realized it sooner. So many nights, when the Wings visit, arenas around the country seemed stuffed with misplaced Wings fans.

StraightDave

February 19th, 2015 at 4:00 PM ^

Yes please.   He is an absolute beast on the field.   Last I heard he was a TCU lean but I'll ask my Trinity friends for more info on this dude.  But, yes, this kid is legit.

maize-blue

February 19th, 2015 at 4:32 PM ^

I think if Harbaugh can get to 9 wins this season, maybe 8, the 2016 class is going to be killer. I think there is a lot of interest but they will be waiting to see if Harbaugh can turn this thing around. If that happens, there will be no shortage of top players willing to jump on board.

Farnn

February 19th, 2015 at 5:04 PM ^

Unfortunately that will likely be too late to have a big impact on 2016.  These relationships develop early and Michigan is already behind most schools with established coaching staffs, esspecially with so many coaches from the NFL.  I think this class may be a bit of a let down for fans based on expectation but 2017 will be much better.  Similar to the 2013 class for Hoke, the second full class for Harbaugh will be great.

Mr Miggle

February 19th, 2015 at 6:33 PM ^

I expect it will never mean less than this season for Harbaugh. He doesn't need immediate wins to convince anyone that he's a top coach. What he needs is an opportunity to build relationships. He'll already be too late for some. He'll be able to sell early playing time if need be.

On the other hand, much of the class could well be filled before the season. A good season could make it easy to fill spots early for 2017 too. It's tough to build classes with a lot of signing day decisions.

alum96

February 19th, 2015 at 10:19 PM ^

If we have 20 spots for 2016 (we currently have something like 14) I'd expect all but 3-4 to be filled by the time we get to mid November and show "8 to 10" wins.  It really is not going to be a factor except for a few kids who wait until the last moment.  Let us not make this into a meme - kids are going to come here for Michigan + Harbaugh in the 2016 class.   Progress on the field will impact the 2017 kids far more.

Lakeyale13

February 19th, 2015 at 6:31 PM ^

I can only hope we can pull talent from the West Coast and South now that we have Harbaugh. I know we have pulled recruits in the past from these areas, but it seemed they were lower level recruits that didn't have offers from their regional powerhouses. If Jimmy can't do it, nobody can.

Unsalted

February 19th, 2015 at 8:02 PM ^

Dylan McCaffery is an interesting offer, especially with JH's Stanford connection. McCaffery's dad, Ed, is a Stanford grad, and his older brother Christian (a one time M target) was a freshman running back for Stanford this year who saw playing time.

Dylan led Valor Christian HS to its 5th consecutive Colorado state championship. Valor is a relatively new school, founded in 2007, with college like facilities. They moved up from 4A to 5A (Colorado's largest schools) in 2012-13.