Location: Detroit, MI
Position: LB
Ratings: ESPN – Watch List* (40), Scout – 4*, 247 Sports - 4*
Recruitment: RJS was the heavy favourite to be the first Michigan commit of the 2012 class, but as he started to earn more offers, he decided to hold back on an early pledge. He did grow frustrated with UM at one point as they waited a while to offer him. Royce is of course part of the Detroit trio who are hoping to play together at the next level. Last year it looked like Royce would be the lowest ranked of the three; but after a stellar junior campaign he soon earned offers from the top programs in the nation. Michigan was still the leader, but the competition was getting fierce. However Royce committed to the Wolverines at the spring game, pretty much out of the blue. His relationship with the coaches and distance from home were major factors.
Offers: Michigan, Michigan State, Iowa, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Miami (FL), Florida, Alabama, Arizona State, Pittsburgh and more.
Stats: Currently stands at 6’2 and 215lbs, and runs a 4.56 in the forty yard dash. As a junior he made 90 tackles, including 5 sacks. He also made 3 interceptions.
ESPN Analysis: None available.
Scout Analysis: He just might have as much upside as any other prospect in the state. He has a great frame at 6'2, 215-lbs, and has athleticism and speed to go with it. As a junior, he really stepped it up one more notch by adding discipline and the ability to make reads and attack to his game.
Improvements: Size? He needs to get bigger, but by all accounts has the frame to do this easily.
Film Highlights: Link here.
Final Thoughts: RJS committed just one day after fellow LB Kaleb Ringer announced for the Wolverines. With Michigan taking four LBs in 2011, UM really doesn’t need another in this class, but they will probably take at least one more because Joe Bolden and James Ross are just talented players.
With offers from Alabama, Florida and Oklahoma, RJS could be one of the top LBs in the country; a strong senior campaign could secure him a top100 spot nationally. So this is a great in state pick up for UM, who’ve started really well in the Midwest this year. It’s also great to continue the Cass Tech pipeline!
If he puts his recruiting hat on I see a lot of potential in this class! Goooo blue!
ReplyDeleteIs it just me or has Michigan became Linebacker U in this class and the last?
ReplyDeleteYeh we should be absolutely stacked at LB in two or three years!
ReplyDeleteWith lack of depth at dt, mattinson running the 3-4 at the ravens and us being stacked at lb, I possibly see a transition in the next couple years.
ReplyDeleteIt would be amazing to land 3 or 4 guys that are such highly regarded LB recruits. I know this is getting a little ahead of ourselves but just think if this class ends up like the last time we got four different 4-star linebackers!
ReplyDeleteYou know what I'm talking about: the stacked class of 2008 -- Witherspoon, Hill, Fitzgerald, and Demens. All 4 stars and all ended up all conference. or something.
Ummm, no. There will be no transition to a 3-4. This staff has stated pretty emphatically that they intend to run a 4-3. Being stacked at linebacker is not a bad thing to have and is not, in my opinion, indicative of a changing defensive scheme. They would have the personnel to run a 3-4 now if we consider the incoming Freshman so, again, no.
ReplyDeleteI read a little bit about Royce Jenkins-Stone's private life and sport life on Hostpph.comand that guy is simply amazing
ReplyDelete