This weekend Michigan hosted Ohio DE Tom Strobel, and next weekend the Wolverines should be hosting a couple more Ohio prospects, and some very good ones, in Adolphus Washington and Dwayne Stanford.
Firstly, Strobel's visit seemed to go very well, especially since academics could be the main factor for him (he's also considering Stanford). However, I don't think he'll be deciding too soon, which means he might be too late if Chris Wormley pulls the trigger in early summer. While Strobel is a good player, I'm still favoring Wormley despite the recent criticism of him.
As for Adolphus Washington, well he is looking like the best DE in Ohio right now, and probably will be when the ESPN rankings come out in June. In fact, Washington is nearing that class of, 'we take him no matter who else we have committed'. I still think he's destined for Ohio State, but the visit this weekend should give Michigan a chance to impress.
Washington's recruitment could also be affected by his teammate, WR Dwayne Stanford. The two are looking at becoming a package deal for one lucky school, for which Michigan and Ohio State could be the top two candidates. However, again I think Ohio State is the leader, and it could be tough for UM to overturn that. On a plus note, both are being recruited by fellow Cincinnati prospect, A.J Williams!
Neither of these two plan to announce until after their senior year, so don't worry about them too much right now, because by the time they announce, Michigan's class will look very different; i.e virtually full.
Benji as far as receivers go is Michigan recruiting more for size in this years class? I know that was a staple of Loyd Carr's teams 6'1"-6'4" type receivers that made for big targets. If that's the case could Hoke be looking to convert some tight ends like Ron Thom rather then going after speed guys?
ReplyDeletealso where do you think Michigan stands with O'brien? I know Fred Jackson's the one recruiting him and Godin is his teammate, but do you think he's a Michigan lean right now?
ReplyDeleteYeah, definitely looking for bigger guys who play outside, not the 5'10 slots that we've been recruiting for RR's system. Stanford is a possession receiver, and isn't that fast, but he does a good job catching in traffic and going up for jump balls.
ReplyDeleteAs for O'Brien, he recently said that UM, MSU, Tenn and Alabama are his top four with no order. Personally I still think he'll end up at Tennessee, because when he visits there, it'll refresh what he's been thinking about them the whole time. He's certainly not a Michigan lean, in fact I'd say MSU has just as good a chance as we do with him.
So what are Michigan's main options at dt right now? I'm a bit concerned now that we're moving to 4 lineman on D that we don't have the depth especially with Mike Martin leaving and the last couple of classes being light on the position.
ReplyDeleteCurrent leaders for DT are pretty much the guys Benji listed in his Ideal Class. Sheldon Day is high on Michigan and we're high on him, Ondre Pipkins might take awhile if he goes through his increasing offer sheet, Jaleel Johnson is much more impressive than his star rating and Michigan got in early with him as well as Ondre, Vincent Valentine listed Michigan in his top schools, and Jarron Jones might be a stretch but he's there to be had if Mattison really wants to push for him when he visits. Faith Ekakitie was recently offered and is listed as a DE but he's a DT. Coaches are still offering guys every week but that should taper off eventually, as should the growing class size. :-/
ReplyDeleteAs I said in the post above, there will be major changes in the Ideal class, and right now I'm strongly considering changing the DT position.
ReplyDeleteI heard a lot of bad things about Ohio visitors and I do not understand some people actually, some are really sick in their heads, that is why I always like impartial opinions like yours and the ones I find on best pay per head football website
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