2010 recruiting

All-time updates can be found on the 2010 Michigan Recruiting Board and the 2011 Michigan Recruiting Board.

Just Win, Babby?

Michigan fans have seen what impact a tough season can have on a recruiting class, as the terrible 2008 squad led to attrition from last year's class, and made this year's crop more difficult to pull in. With the Wolverines facing similar struggles in 2009, some recruits may be out of reach, but a few key guys see the team improving:

"It doesn't change anything," said Millersville (Md.) Old Mill linebacker Josh Furman, who officially visited Ann Arbor in September. "They are a young team and they need people at certain positions to play and be successful like they have been (in the past)."

While the losing streak has probably put the likes of MN OL Seantrel Henderson out of reach, Furman is an important recruit, as Michigan's linebackers have... struggled this year. The article also mentions that CA LB Tony Jefferson will visit for the Ohio State game (rescheduled from last weekend), despite MIchigan's trying season. More on visits a little later.

One Game to Sway Them All

As mentioned above, the Ohio State game looks to be an important one for recruiting. Aside from providing an opportunity to show that this ship is headed in the right direction (plz plz win), it's the biggest visit weekend of the year. The list will probably change over the course of the next week, but it's shaping up to be a blockbuster, per Josh Helmholdt in the Freep:

Official Visits:

• FL CB Tony Grimes
• FL DE Clarence Murphy
• CA LB Tony Jefferson (as mentioned above)
• PA CB Cullen Christian
• FL RB Cassius McDowell
• FL S Rashad Knight
• FL S Commit Marvin Robinson

Unofficial Visitors:

• 2009 FL CB Adrian Witty
• MI CB Dior Mathis

Aside from that article, GA LB Tyrone Cornelius has talked about visiting Michigan (as mentioned last week), but no word on whether it will be for the OSU game or post-season. CA WR Kenny Stills is in a similar situation. There are also a number of indications that some 2011 prospects will be in attendance, including FL RB Demetrius Hart, a possible commit if he really likes what he sees.

Quarterbacks

Sup Ladies?

SC QB Commit Conelius Jones's Shrine Bowl profile is now available, and he's listed as a wide receiver, who will be a defensive back at Michigan. Obviously, we won't have full confirmation of his future position until Signing Day.

In other quarterbacking news, MI QB Devin Gardner comes in for a solid round of fluff from Sam Webb in the Detroit News. He's still looking at possibly enrolling early.

"He had a great junior year and has simply built upon that," said Scout.com Midwest regional manager Allen Trieu. "He is considered one of the top handful of quarterbacks in the country and is firmly entrenched as a five-star prospect. As far as upside goes, I don't see many quarterbacks that have his potential."

Rivals recently named Gardner the best scrambler among 2010 QBs, and the second-strongest arm, behind Penn State Commit Robert Bolden. At this time, I am obligated to grumble that I think Bolden is overrated.

man, I wish mgoblog had some awesome Gardner video that I could link here.

Happy Trails?

LA QB Munchie LeGeaux committed to Colorado. Once Michigan took Conelius Jones, the writing was probably on the wall that LeGeaux was no longer an option.

Though CA CB Josh Shaw was talking as recently as last week about taking an official visit to Michigan for the Ohio State game, that's no longer a possibility. He will decide early next week between 5 schools that aren't Michigan: Florida, USC, Ohio State, Notre Dame, and LSU. I'ma be straight with you: one of those things is reallllly not like the others.

PA DT Shariff Floyd has been alternately not very interested in Michigan and not at all interested in Michigan, so the latest sign of no interest (he will fill his final official visit slot with North Carolina) isn't quite cause to remove him from the board. Michigan is totally not landing that kid, though.

VA LB Aramide Olaniyan was positively raving about Michigan following his unofficial visit in September, but now UCLA may have moved to the forefront. That does give him a reputation for falling in love with the most recent school he's visited, so don't read too much into it. Still, there's no mention of an official visit to Michigan in December, as there was immediately after his first trip.

Olaniyan said he plans to take two more visits in December and then make his decision.

"I have Duke set for (Dec. 4) and North Carolina (Dec. 11)," Olaniyan said. "I'll make my commitment right after those visits. If I get invited to an All-American game, I'll announce then in January but otherwise, I'll do it in mid-December after my last visit."

Yeah, so that probably means Michigan has really fallen off.

OH S/WR Bobby Swigert has selected Boston College.

Etc.

Michigan's chance at TX DT Jatashun Beachum is "big" ($, info in header). Michigan offered MN DE Tobi Okuyemi... but he immediately committed to Nebraska. GA DT Mike Thornton has the Wolverines "in his thoughts" ($, info in header).

If you can help out finding articles on any of the commits, e-mail me, and I'll try to include your contribution.

New Commit LA S Carvin Johnson

Last week: Rummel knocks off Shaw 18-17.

Breaud was terrific, taking many huge hits, particularly from a human missile named Carvin Johnson and by linebacker Chris Randle. Johnson, who earlier this week committed to Michigan, returned a punt 69-yards for a score on a brilliant effort but the play was called back for a block in the back by Rummel.

This week: Rummel (10-0) v. Captain Shreve in Round 1 of the State Playoffs.

MI QB Devin Gardner

Last week: Inkster defeats Redford Thurston 50-28 in Round 2 of the State Playoffs. Article 2.

Gardner was 6-of-11 passing for 120 yards and two touchdowns, and he ran 11 times for 120 yards and three more touchdowns.

"He played one of the better games of the year for me," Inkster coach Greg Carter said. "He took the game over. Every time Redford Thurston (8-3) would score, he would lead the team down to answer."

Paul was there (albeit a little late), so enjoy some video from the second quarter on:

CityBallers was also there, and they provide video as well.

This week: Inkster (7-3) @ Southgate Anderson in Round 3 of the State Playoffs.

SC QB Conelius Jones

Last week: Spartanburg loses to Dorman 0-28. Jones passed 5/14 for 40 yards and a pick.

This week: Spartanburg (3-8) @ Rock Hill in Round 1 of the State Playoffs.

MI RB Austin White

Last week: Stevenson falls to Detroit Catholic Central 0-38.

Senior Austin White, who has committed to play at the University of Michigan next season, finished the game with 75 yards on 10 carries for the Spartans, but was unable to use his speed to break a big run against the very solid Shamrocks defense.

...except for a 30-yarder, which I would call "big." I was there, so enjoy some video:

As you can see, Stevenson employed some direct-snap shotgun stuff for White, including throwing a pass. I hadn't seen them use that before this year, and I wonder if this was its debut. If so, I question the logic of installing something completely new for a big playoff game. I also question the logic of only giving your running back the ball 10 times when he averages 7.5 yards each carry, but whateva.

This week:

TX RB Tony Drake

Last week: Skyline pounds Sunset 56-0. Drake had just two carries, but they spanned 102 yards, and both made it into the end zone:

Tony Drake ran up the middle 79 yards untouched with 4:50 remaining to give Skyline a 7-0 lead. Drake scored on a 23-yard run on Skyline’s next play to make it 14-0 with 2:37 remaining.

Then he got taken out of the game and Skyline won the end.

This week: Skyline (10-0) v. Garland rowlett in Round 1 of the State Playoffs.

TX RB Stephen Hopkins

Last week: Game preview:

Give me Marcus RB Stephen Hopkins to not want his spectacular career to come to an end just quite yet and a Marcus win. Prediction: Marcus 27, Hebron 23.

In reality, Marcus pounds out a 35-28 win over Hebron. Hopkins ran 28 times for 171 yards and touchdowns of 37 ad 22 yards. Article 2:

Marcus running back Stephen Hopkins, who entered the game needing 44 yards to set the school’s all-time rushing record, gained 171 yards with two touchdowns

“We’ve had a great offensive line since I have been here,” Hopkins said. “And coach Erwin always believed in me. Thanks to all of them I was able to get that done.”

“It was all guts,” Hopkins said. “We picked the right time to show it and I’m proud of the team for how we fought and won. We have to keep fighting and keep getting better every week,” Hopkins said. “We have to step it up on offense and on defense and we have a chance.”

This week: Marcus (6-3) v. Grapevine in Round 1 of the State Playoffs.

LA Slot WR Drew Dileo

Last week: Game preview:

“I love playing at The Rock,” said Dileo, a Michigan football commitment who has scored 11 touchdowns this season. “The atmosphere is great. It’ll be a packed house and we’re playing for the district championship. It’s a great honor to be in this rivalry.”

More pregame fluff. Parkview beats rival Redemptorist 44-27.

It looked like the Wolves had Parkview stopped, but on fourth-and-3 at the PBS 47 the Eagles executed a fake punt, with Dileo running 24 yards for a first down.

Three plays later, Dileo scored on an option pitch around left end. Scott’s second PAT made it 17-7 with 9:39 left in the half.

Dileo later had a 41-yard punt return.

A 23-yard Wilson to Dileo pass helped key the drive that ended with a 2-yard TD run by Brandon Johnson.

This week: Parkview Baptist (8-1) v. Marksville in Round 1 of the State Playoffs.

MI WR Ricardo Miller

Last week: Pioneer gets rocked by Canton 24-60. Miller had a TD catch:

But when Pioneer's Miles Sorise found Ricardo Miller on a 36-yard touchdown pass less than a minute into the second quarter to trim the deficit to a touchdown, it appeared Pioneer was ready to match Canton score for score.

and apparently 6 total catches for 82 yards. Update: 85 yards.

This week: Pioneer (8-3) has been eliminated from the State Playoffs, and their season is over.

OH OL Christian Pace

Last week: Preview fluff:

“Pace has been on the line for all three years I’ve been at tailback,” Mansnerus said. “I have a lot of trust in him, but all of them are good friends. We have a close bond together as teammates.”

Avon Lake outguns Maumee, 56-35 in Round 1 of the State Playoffs.

This week: Avon Lake (8-3)

OH DT Terry Talbott

Last week: Game preview. Wayne falls to Elder 14-35 in Round 1 of the State Playoffs.

This week: Wayne (7-4) has been eliminated from the playoffs, and their season is over.

PA DE Ken Wilkins

Last week: Pregame fluff. Wilkins missed his second consecutive game with mono.

"It's frustrating, but even moreso because I'm a senior," Wilkins said. "When you're a senior, any game can be your last game. You definitely want to get back and play."

When asked how he thought he has played this year, Wilkins said, "On defense, I wasn’t having as good of a year as I did last year. But I think some of that was due to a lot more people knowing who I was this year, and teams scheming more around me. I'm more involved in the offense this year, though. I was having an OK defensive year."

Trinity falls to Mars 0-17.

This week: Trinity (4-6) has been eliminated from the State Playoffs, and their season is over.

PA DE Jordan Paskorz

Last week: Hampton upsets Chartiers Valley 19-7 in Round 1 of the State playoffs.

This week: Hampton (6-4) @ Uniontown in Round 2 of the State Playoffs.

FL S Marvin Robinson

Last week: Lake Region falls to Bartow 7-45. Robinson is out for the year with an injury.

This week: Lake Region (0-8) v. East Ridge.

OH CB Terrence Talbott

Last week: Game preview. Wayne falls to Elder 14-35 in Round 1 of the State Playoffs.

This week: Wayne (7-4) has been eliminated from the playoffs, and their season is over.

Seasons Complete

MI WR Jeremy Jackson

Huron's (5-4) season ended without a playoff berth. Jackson finished with 43 catches for 573 yards.

OH WR Jerald Robinson

Canton South (3-7) missed the state playoffs, and its season is over.

OH WR DJ Williamson

Harding (6-3-1) will not make the State Playoffs, and its season has ended.

OH LB Antonio Kinard

Liberty (4-6) missed the State Playoffs, and its season is over.

OH CB Courtney Avery

Lexington (6-4) missed the State Playoffs, and their season is over.

WI P Will Hagerup

Whitefish Bay (5-5) has completed its season.

2011 OH CB Greg Brown

Ross (5-5) missed the State Playoffs, and its season is over.

All updates can be found on the 2010 Michigan Recruiting Board and the 2011 Michigan Recruiting Board.

Welcome to the Fold, Carvin Johnson

Sure to be the subject of many "Calvin Johnson with a Korean accent" jokes over the next 4+ years, LA S Carvin Johnson became the 20th member of Michigan's 2010 recruiting class last night. The full googlestalk of the under-the-radar prospect can be seen in the Hello: Carvin Johnson post, but there's still a little more info out there to be had, namely an article from nola.com. Relevant bits quoted below:

Johnson said also spoke Tuesday night to both Wolverines running backs coach Fred Jackson, who had recruited him since Michigan extended its official offer during August two-a-day practices. Johnson said reached his decision in consultation with his mother Kim.

That's a slight inconsistency with other stories, which said he was offered in May. Continuing along:

"First of all," Roth said, "everybody who knows Carvin or who has been around him knows that he’s as good of a person as he is a football player. That’s a compliment to him and his momma. Football-wise, he’s a ballhawk. He’s always around the football making plays."

Johnson, 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, with 4.7 speed in the 40, projects as a safety at Michigan. He is fully qualified academically with both the necessary core curriculum grade-point-average and test score, Roth said.

So, not only a (hopefully) good football player, but also a good student. Welcome, Carvin, may you be the first of many DB commits in November.

[editor takeover]

BONUS: A Lousiana high school coach emailed MGoBlog to suggest that just because Johnson is virtually unknown to the recruiting sites doesn't mean that he's not a player:

With regards to your posts on Carvin Johnson, I can tell you that you are wrong on your assessment.

As a veteran Louisiana high school football coach at several highly successful programs, I have had players go on and play all over the country and on to the pros. I have also had kids play for RRod at Tulane, Clemson and WVU. RRod knows the type of football we play here in LA and picks and chooses which schools he recruits. … RRod knows this state and which schools produce college-ready players.

Carvin Johnson is not even one of my players – but I have played against his Rummel team and know Jay Roth and his program well. Carvin Johnson can play. Here in LA, we do not send kids to camps to get hyped up. We know our kids can play. If a LA kid is going to combines, it is very much more than likely due to (a) his high school coach trying to get exposure for himself or (b) because his program isn’t any good, but he plays well. Trust me, this is how it is.

You are getting a solid player – big, physical, coached up, football smart.

Just my nickel’s worth of commentary because that kid can play. I saw him 1^st hand from my own sideline earlier this season when his team eked out a victory against us. Carvin can play and Jay is a good coach.

Coach Ox

So there you go: evidence that Johnson is a sleeper in a good way.

[/editor takeover]

Reverse Manifest Destiny

Last week, mgoblog's own TomVH reported that CA S Tony Jefferson would visit MIchigan for the Purdue game. WTKA's Ira Weintraub e-mailed to let us know that the date has changed, and now Jefferson will be in town for the contest against the Buckeyes. Greg Biggins of ESPN confirms that he will now visit the weeekend of the 21st.

Also in town from the left coast will be CA WR Kenny Stills. He also says:

"I talk all the time with [CA RB] Brennan Clay, Tony Jefferson, [CA CB] Joshua Shaw, [CA DE] Ronald Powell, a few others," Stills said. "There's a good chance a lot of us could be at the same school next year and that would be great.

Stills, Shaw, and Jefferson, plz. I believe Josh Shaw will complete that trifecta by also visiting for the OSU game. He has said he wants to take a Michigan visit, and that would be the perfect time to get him on campus.

In which I emulate Sherlock Holmes to an unnecessary degree

Remember back when GA DT Michael Thornton said he might take an official visit to Michigan at some point? TomVH confirms, via Twitter, that this will indeed happen. Considering that he's the only Georgia DT that Michigan is still heavily recruiting, we can assume this Scout header is about him, no?:

Georgia LB to Visit Michigan

GBW's Eugene Hankerson talked to the player - who plans to visit with his DT-Teammate.

Using a little detective work, we discover that there are three prospects in the Rivals database who are linebackers from Stephenson High School: Jabari Johnson, Franchot West, and Tyrone Cornelius.

Johnson doesn't have a picture available on his Scout profile, so he's out (otherwise the header photo for the article would be his profile picture). That leaves West and Cornelius. Let us compare the photographic evidence:

Cornelius, Mystery Man, and West

The mgo-photo analysis provides indisputable evidence: It's Mr. Cornelius, with the official visit, in the Big House.

I got way too much enjoyment out of this. Cornelius had been thinking about a Michigan visit for a while, FWIW.

Additional Linebackin'

FL LB Christian Jones is apparently still considering Michigan ($, info in header). I've re-added him to the board, since it seems like a lot of recruits are trying to stay as far as possible away from Florida State. Still, even getting him on campus would be a minor recruiting coup.

Part of the reason VA LB Aramide Olaniyan's is on the open market is that Duke was supposed to suck this year, and they did nothing to change those predictions in week one, falling at home to 1-AA Richmond. However, the Blue Devils have since rebounded, and now control their destiny in the ACC Coastal. Olaniyan is back to considering the Blue Devils, although Michigan still remains near the top of his list.

Happy Trails

It was apparent that he wasn't headed to Michigan for a while, but now we know where FL RB Eduardo Clements will play his college ball: Miami (YTM).

FL CB Ricardo Allen committed to Purdue.

2011 OH DE Steve Miller has committed to Ohio State, which is sad, but not unexpected. I at least thought he'd give Michigan an unofficial visit or two.

2011

Speaking of 2011, it's been a while since we've had an update on junior prospects. Athlete Vault has released an initial top 100 and relevant prospects at this time are:

#2 FL DT Timmy Jernigan (Michigan offer, but probably a Florida lock)

#3 AZ OT Christian Westerman (Michigan offer)

#10 GA TE Jay Rome (Michigan offer)

#12 MI LB Lawrence Thomas (Michigan offer, favors MSU)

#15 OH QB Braxton Miller (Michigan offer, favors OSU)

#27 FL S Hasean Clinton-Dix (Michigan interest, Dr. Phillips)

#35 FL WR/TE Kelvin Benjamin (Michigan interest)

#50 NC QB Christian LeMay (Michigan offer and camper, probably a lock to Florida)

#52 OH LB Trey DePriest (Michigan offer)

#54 DE Jalen Grimble (Michigan offer, added to the board)

#84 TX S Sheroid Evans (Stonum, Herron, Woolfolk HS)

#91 OH DE Chris Rock (Michigan interest)

#100 FL RB Demetrius Hart (Michigan lock)

Several other guys on the list will probably be of interest by the time 2011 recruiting truly ramps up.

For his part, Sheroid Evans would like to run track and major in engineering in college. Somebody get this kid on the phone with Troy Woolfolk and Patrick Omameh, stat.

Lawrence Thomas, on the other hand, is the subject of a ridiculously-misleading ESPN headline: "Mich. LB favors another Big Ten school" is a phrase which here means "Penn State is a school he is considering." The article itself even explicitly says he has no favorites.

Added OH TE Robert Mincey to the board, as he took a Michigan visit for the Penn State game ($, info in header). Same with PA OL Kevin Reihner.

SoFlaFootball also has its top 50 for 2011.

Etc.:

People close to MN OL Seantrel Henderson's recruitment are "beginning to think" he'll probably end up at Southern Cal. Uh, no, they've pretty much thought that all along. Notre Dame homers, on the other hand, think it's a 2-horse race between them and Ohio State. MI RB Jeremy Langford visited Michigan recently ($, info in header), I'd be surprised if an offer comes through. Michigan is pursuing post-grad VA DE David Mackall, currently a Maryland commit ($, info in header). I've added him to the board. SC CB John Fulton is selected to the Shrine Bowl. PA CB Cullen Christian no longer a lock? Say it ain't so! Is FL WR Kenny Shaw still interested in Michigan? A possible official visit would seem to imply so.

If you can help out finding articles on any of the commits, e-mail me, and I'll try to include your contribution.

MI QB Devin Gardner

Last week: Pregame fluff from the Detroit News. Inkster pounds Dearborn Edsel Ford 51-19 in Round 1 of the State Playoffs. Gardner completed 4 of 7 passes for 51 yards and 2 touchdowns, while also running 6 times for 98 yards and another pair of scores. mgoblog was there, and thus provides you with rockin' HD highlights:

As you can see, his first 4 pass attempts were completed. Add to that the fact that 2 of the incompletions were Hail Marys and one was a perfect fade to a receiver whose toe was on the line, and you have a pretty good passing day.

This week: Inkster (6-3) @ Redford Thurston Friday at 7:00 in Round 2 of the State Playoffs.

SC QB Conelius Jones

Last week: Spartanburg falls to Boiling Springs 35-39.

the Vikings marched down inside the Boiling Springs 30-yard line in the final minutes, but a fourth-down run by quarterback Conelius Jones, another Shrine Bowl pick, was stopped short

For Spartanburg, Jones ran for 77 yards and a touchdown and threw for a score to Alton Miller.

And what is this "Shrine Bowl" you speak of? It's the North v. South Carolina High School All-Star game. Jones was selected to play as a wide receiver. Interesting quote from the article:

Spartanburg quarterback Conelius Jones, committed to Michigan as a defensive back,

To the best of my knowledge, he's coming in to Michigan as a quarterback, with a potential move to DB down the road.

This week: Spartanburg (3-7) @ Dorman.

MI RB Austin White

Last week: Stevenson defeats Northville 21-7 in Round 1 of the State Playoffs.

Stevenson put two touchdowns on the board, including a 1-yard run by Austin White...

Stevenson then ran out the clock as White, who finished with a team-high 117 yards on 19 carries, racked up three first downs...

“He (White) is the type of back that can also be patient,’’ Ladach said. “He can nickel-and-dime you, too. Stevenson has a good offense. We did a pretty good job, but obviously we didn’t do enough.’’

This week: Stevenson (8-2) @ Detroit Catholic Central Saturday at 7:30 in Round 2 of the State Playoffs.

TX RB Tony Drake

Last week: Skyline downs W.T. White 62-3. Drake had just 4 carries, but they went for 50 yards, including a 13-yard touchdown.

This week: Skyline (9-0) @ Sunset on Thursday.

TX RB Stephen Hopkins

Last week: Game preview pregame fluff . Marcus defeats rival Flower Mound 63-39.

Hopkins broke loose for a 49-yard touchdown scamper on the ensuing play. It was the first of many long runs for Marcus.

Hopkins ran 21 times for 217 yards and two touchdowns, the second of which covered 44 yards. Hopkins photo by Louis DeLuca of the Dallas Morning News.

This week: Marcus (5-3) @ Hebron.

LA Slot WR Drew Dileo

Last week: Game preview. Parkview Baptist beats Baker 35-0.

Senior Drew Dileo scored on a 19-yard run with 9:16 remaining in the third quarter. Dileo passed to Johnson for two points and the final scoring of the game.

Dileo added 36 yards rushing on five tries.

This was a "pull the starters" type of game in bad weather, which partially explains the pedestrian stats.

This week: Parkview Baptist (7-1) @ Redemptorist on Thursday.

MI WR Ricardo Miller

Last week: Pregame fluff. Pioneer bests Temperance Bedford 28-7 in Round 1 of the State Playoffs. MLive article.

Then midway through the final quarter Sorise capped a five-play drive with a 22-yard pass that bounced off a Bedford defender into the hands of Pioneer's Ricardo Miller for a TD...

Miller, who has verbally committed to play at Michigan, caught five passes for 70 yards after making just two catches for 16 yards in the first contest.

"We had to play a lot more Cover 3 because they went to a tight-end set with Ricardo Miller in the middle," Wood explained. "You can't let Miller run free down the seam, so we had to bring the safety over the top."

Big game for Miller, especially considering the inaccuracy by the Pioneer QB. Also, hooray for filling in stats for a game that had previously been blank on his season-long chart. Miller photo by Lon Horwedel of AnnArbor.com.

This week: Pioneer (8-2) @ Canton Friday at 7:00 in Round 2 of the State Playoffs.

OH WR Jerald Robinson

Last week: Canton South continues its 1-game win streak with an upset over Carrollton 28-21. Robinson caught a 30-yard touchdown pass in the game.

This week: Canton South (3-7) missed the state playoffs, and its season is over.

OH WR DJ Williamson

Last week: Harding defeats Akron North 63-24.

This week: Harding (6-3-1) will not make the State Playoffs, and its season has ended.

OH OL Christian Pace

Last week: Avon Lake defeats Amherst-Steele 34-6. You can watch the entire game at that link, if you so desire.

This week: Avon Lake (7-3) @ Maumee Friday at 7:30 in Round 1 of the State Playoffs.

OH DT Terry Talbott

Last week: Wayne defeats Springfield 40-13. No mention of either Talbott in the article.

This week: Wayne (7-3) v. Elder in Round 1 of the State Playoffs.

PA DE Ken Wilkins

Last week: Trinity defeats Ringgold 24-10. Shockingly, that made them eligible for the playoffs, even at 4-5.

The Hillers were shorthanded entering the game, having to play without Michigan recruit Kenny Wilkens [sic], who was out with mononucleosis.

This week: Trinity (4-5) v. Mars in Round 1 of the State Playoffs.

PA DE Jordan Paskorz

Last week: Hampton "roughs up winless Highlands" 59-0.

This week: Hampton (5-4) v. Chartiers Valley in Round 1 of the State Playoffs.

OH LB Antonio Kinard

Last week: Liberty loses to Girard 12-19.

This week: Liberty (4-6) missed the State Playoffs, and its season is over.

FL S Marvin Robinson

Last week: Lake Region loses to Jenkins 7-34.

The Thunder are playing without starting quarterback Tavaris Carr and Division I prospect safety Marvin Robinson because of injury.

Word on the street is that Robinson might be able to play injured, but with his team doing so poorly, he doesn't want to jeopardize spring practice at Michigan by re-aggravating it.

This week: Lake Region (0-7) @ Bartow.

OH CB Courtney Avery

Last week: Game preview. Lexington falls to Ashland 28-31.

The loss tempered a career night by Avery, who has battled injuries all season. The Michigan-bound senior completed 32 of 42 passes for 313 yards and two TDs and rushed for a score.

“Courtney is a player,” said [opposing coach] Valentine. “There’s a reason everyone was behind him and he goes to Michigan. I look forward to seeing him play on Saturdays.”

This week: Lexington (6-4) missed the State Playoffs, and their season is over.

OH CB Terrence Talbott

Last week: Wayne defeats Springfield 40-13. No mention of either Talbott in the article.

This week: Wayne (7-3) v. Elder in Round 1 of the State Playoffs.

WI P Will Hagerup

Last week: Whitefish Bay falls to Eisenhower 10-17 in Round 1 of the State Playoffs.

This week: Whitefish Bay (5-5) has completed its season.

2011 OH CB Greg Brown

Last week: Ross loses to Sandusky 0-30.

Greg Brown intercepted a Zak Esposito pass as Sandusky was going in to score, but set up in awful field position assisted Sandusky in forcing Ross to a three-and-out.

This week: Ross (5-5) missed the State Playoffs, and its season is over.

Seasons Complete

MI WR Jeremy Jackson

Huron's (5-4) season ended without a playoff berth.

Somewhat light update this week, though delayed until Thursday due to a busy Wednesday. All-time updates can be found on the 2010 Michigan Football Recruiting Board. Don't forget about the 2011 Michigan football Recruiting Board, although there is no 2011 news in this update.

Up Front

I've added TX DT Jatashun "Big Tex" Beachum (pictured at right) to the board, as he plans on visiting Michigan ($, info in header). He's currently committed to Arkansas as a running back(!) and is a 280-pound dual threat QB(!) in high school. That's one heck of an athlete that the Wolverines are pursuing on the defensive line.

Both MN OL Seantrel Henderson and PA DT Sharrif Floyd opted against visiting Michigan last weekend, which seriously damages Michigan's chances at both of them (though it may be a better thing that they didn't sit through the rain to see Michigan get pounded). The Daily Gopher thinks Michigan is hanging on near the back of Henderson's top schools, though that was with the assumption he would visit Ann Arbor. As for Floyd, he went to Ohio State instead, and he has a new top five:

In no particular order, they are: Florida, Ohio State, North Carolina, South Carolina and USC.

Last Line of Defense

Michigan's woes in the secondary, compounded by the dismissal of Boubacar Cissoko from the team yesterday, have a number of recruits giving Michigan a hard look. CA CB Tony Jefferson, currently a UCLA commit, plans to take a Michigan visit for next week's Purdue game, as mgoblog's own TomVH said Tuesday. UCLA (where he is currently committed), Florida, and Miami are his other finalists.

Added LA S Carvin Johnson to the board, as he took an official visit to Ann Arbor for the contest against the Nittany Lions ($, info in header). He really enjoyed the visit, as well ($, info in header). Johnson has a Michigan offer, and favors the Wolverines pending a couple more official visits. Carvin is on the left in the photo, next to Wolverine commit PA DE Ken Wilkins (image courtesy of Josh Helmholdt in the Detroit Free Press).

FL CB Tony Grimes has had Michigan near the top of his list for quite some time now, and the Wolverines may be in a similar position for his teammate, FL DE Clarence Murphy. However, neither is ready to make a decision any time soon:

"I'm just letting things come to me in recruiting," Grimes said. "I'm more focused on my play on the field, but I am staying in touch with certain college coaches. The recruiting stuff will all play itself out in the end. I'm in no hurry to make a decision."

Added Murphy, "We are probably just going to continue to focus on high school football right now and then once it gets towards that deadline, we are going to put our heads together after we take our officials and (determine) where we want to be the next three to four years."

Grimes is one of Michigan's top prospects at corner, and adding a pass-rusher would be icing on the cake.

Elsewhere in Michigan leans, PA CB Cullen Christian enjoyed his visit to West Virginia. The Mountaineers are probably Michigan's biggest competition for Christian.

Moving to a prospect that the Wolverines don't have a great chance with, CA S Dietrich Riley is favoring Tennessee, Notre Dame, Florida, and USC. I think the title "Riley Down to Four" might be overstating the case, but any other school is definitely facing an uphill battle. Michigan is one of four schools vying for his final official visit.

Etc.

OH LB Steve Mehrer visited Ann Arbor last weekend ($, info in header). His best current offer is Bowling Green, so he's probably way down the list of possibilities. OH TE Alex Smith has Michigan in his final two with Cincinnati. ESPN has (rather unwisely) made it impossible to link to their "On the Trail" recruiting updates, so no link, but CA RB Anthony Barr has eliminated Michigan, and I've removed him from the board.

If you can help out finding articles on any of the commits, e-mail me, and I'll try to include your contribution.

MI QB Devin Gardner

Last week: Inkster defeats Steubenville 36-29. It snapped a multi-year regular season win streak for the Big Red.

Inkster's season seemed over when Steubenville took a 29-28 lead with 1:19 left to play, but Michigan-commitment Devin Gardner completed a 63-yard bomb to Vorheese Zanders with 39 seconds left.

Gardner completed 14 of 25 passes for 275 yards and four TDs. He also ran 11 times for 55 yards and a score.

This local article provides much more detail on the gameplay itself. Video highlights from the local news. Also, this mgoboard thread was pretty epic while the game was in progress.

This week: Inkster (5-3) @ Dearborn Edsel Ford in Round 1 of the State Playoffs.

SC QB Conelius Jones

Last week: Spartanburg breaks its losing streak by knocking off Hillcrest, 31-20.

Jones capped Spartanburg’s first possession of the second half with a 45-yard touchdown run to make it 17-0.

“The team had a lot of energy before the game, and we came out (after) halftime with more energy,” said Jones, who had 10 carries for 90 yards and two touchdowns.

Jones photo by Mike Bonner of the Spartanburg Herald-Journal.

This week: Spartanburg (3-6) @ Boiling Springs.

MI RB Austin White

Last week: Stevenson pounds Livonia Churchill 42-10.

Stevenson was led by senior Austin White, who rushed for a game-high 211 yards on 19 carries.

This week: Stevenson (7-2) hosts Northville in Round 1 of the State Playoffs. The Spartans rocked Northville 31-0 earlier this season.

TX RB Tony Drake

Last week: Skyline rocks Carrollton Creekview 62-21. Drake ran 16 times for 139 yards and a score. He also caught 2 passes for 14 yards.
This week: Skyline (8-0) v. W.T. White on Thursday.

TX RB Stephen Hopkins

Last week: Game preview. Marcus falls to Coppell 21-42. Hopkins ran 22 times for 96 yards. For the first time this season, he was kept out of the endzone.
This week: Marcus (4-2) v. Flower Mound at SMU.

LA Slot WR Drew Dileo

Last week: Parkview Baptist beats West Feliciana 23-7.

Drew Dileo added 50 rushing yards with one TD. He also recovered a fumble to set up one fourth-quarter TD.

...and 1 badass stiff-arm, pictured at right courtesy of The Advocate's John Oubre.

Parkview drove to the WFHS 19 to open the game after a 51-yard kickoff return by Dileo.

This week: Parkview Baptist (6-1) v. Baker.

MI WR Ricardo Miller

Last week: Pioneer falls to Dearborn Fordson 21-24.

Pioneer quarterback Miles Sorise threw three first-half touchdown passes -- 31 yards to Brandis Yarrington, 38 yards to Michigan-bound receiver Ricardo Miller and 23 yards to Mark Hugan...

Sorise led Pioneer back on two late drives, finding Miller after he got past a Fordson defensive back who tried to jam him at the line.

This week: Pioneer (7-2) hosts Temperance Bedford in the 1st Round of the State Playoffs. The Pioneers fell to Bedford 21-28 earlier in the season.

OH WR Jerald Robinson

Last week: Canton South beats(!) Alliance 34-12.

Jerald Robinson also had a 45-yard touchdown run for the Wildcats. Robinson finished with 65 yards on five carries.

This week: Canton South (2-7) @ Carrollton.

MI WR Jeremy Jackson

Last week: Huron beats Ypsilanti 19-13.
This week: Huron (5-4) missed the state playoffs, and Jackson's senior season is over.

OH WR DJ Williamson

Last week: Harding pounds Youngstown East 43-6.
This week: Harding (5-3-1) v. Akron North.

OH OL Christian Pace

Last week: Avon Lake beats Brecksville-Broadview Heights 39-10.
This week: Avon Lake (6-3) @ Amherst-Steele.

OH DT Terry Talbott

Last week: Wayne beats Centerville 42-20.
This week: Wayne (6-3) @ Springfield.

PA DE Ken Wilkins

Last week: Trinity beats Yough 41-21. Wilkins caught a touchdown against Yough, and has played more tight end than defense this year:

Ken Wilkins, a Michigan recruit, caught two touchdown passes from Andrew Steratore but the first-team all-state defensive lineman from 2008 hasn't seen much time on defense.

This week: Trinity (3-5) v. Ringgold.

PA DE Jordan Paskorz

Last week: Hampton loses to Franklin Regional in a 35-34 nailbiter. It seems that Paskorz, like Wilkins, has done most of his work this year on the offensive line, rather than defense:

"Tackle Joe Raimondi and tight end Jordan Paskorz [a Michigan recruit] have really stepped it up," DeMatteo said. "Both have done a fantastic job on the offensive line."

This week: Hampton (4-4) v. Highlands.

OH LB Antonio Kinard

Last week: Liberty falls to Howland 18-0.

Liberty was lead by Robert Smith-Harris who rushed for 11 yards, and Antonio Kinard who caught a 42 yard pass from Nick Mattocks.

This week: Liberty (4-5) v. Girard.

FL S Marvin Robinson

Last week: Lake Region falls to Lake Gibson 14-51. Robinson is out with an injury.
This week: Lake Region (0-7) v. George Jenkins.

OH CB Courtney Avery

Last week: Game preview. Lexington shuts out Mansfield Senior 34-0.

Lexington senior quarterback Courtney Avery completed 12 of 19 passes for 171 yards and one TD in a steady rain. He also scored on a shifty 25-yard run for a 10-0 lead at the half.

This week: Lexington (6-3) v. Ashland.

OH CB Terrence Talbott

Last week: Wayne beats Centerville 42-20.
This week: Wayne (6-3) @ Springfield.

WI P Will Hagerup

Last week: Whitefish Bay loses to Milwaukee Lutheran, 21-28.
This week: Whitefish Bay (5-4)

2011 OH CB Greg Brown

Last week: Ross dominates Lima Senior 45-17.

The scoring onslaught began with Brown, whose 6-yard TD capped an 8-play, 48-yard scoring drive on the Little Giants' first possession of the second half.

Full stats updated when the Fremont Ross Football website posts them.

This week: Ross (5-4) @ Sandusky.