Anthony Zettel

We're in the middle of a recruiting dead period, and about a month away from signing day. I thought I would give an update on who's left on the board, time frames for when specific recruits will make their decisions, and who will be visiting in the near future. 

Who's Left?

2011 Michigan Commits

Name	Position	State	Rivals Ranking
Demetrius Hart	RB	FL	4 Star
Justice Hayes	RB	MI	4 Star
Brennen Beyer	DE	MI	4 Star
Blake Countess	CB	MD	4 Star
Dallas Crawford	CB	FL	3 Star
Jake Fisher	OL	MI	3 Star
Delonte Hollowell	CB	MI	3 Star
Kellen Jones	LB	TX	3 Star
Chris Rock	DE/DT	OH	3 Star
Greg Brown	DB	OH	3 Star
Jack Miller	OL	OH	3 Star
Desmond Morgan	LB	MI	3 Star
Tony Posada	OL	FL	3 Star
Matt Goudis	K	CA	2 Star

That's 14 current commitments, and for argument sake we'll just assume that Michigan will take 20 in this class. Rich Rodriguez has recently said they will take anywhere from 18-20 commits, so we'll go with 20. Here's a look at the most likely recruits left at each position, up to this point. There could be some new names pop up, but this list seems pretty solid for now.

Wide Receiver

Name	State	Decision Date	Rivals Ranking
Kris Frost	NC	Army All American Game (Jan 8th)	4 Star
Hakeem Flowers	SC	Either January or Signing Day. May still take visits.	3 Star
Devin Lucien	CA	Signing Day. Visiting Michigan January 7th	4 Star
Prince Holloway	FL	January 15th. Recently said he will commit to Michigan on his January 15th visit.	3 Star

Frost is in this category because he will most likely get his chance to try wide receiver before potentially moving to linebacker. The situation for Michigan here is that they may just lead for all four of these receivers. 

Defensive Backs

Name	State	Decision Date	Rivals Ranking
Wayne Lyons (S)	FL	Army All American Game	4 Star
Raymon Taylor (ATH)	MI	Visiting January 7th. Decision after that.	4 Star
Sheldon Royster (S)	NJ	Visiting January 7th.	4 Star
James Richardson (CB)	TX	Deciding in January	3 Star
Roderick Ryles (S)	FL	Planning a visit, decision date unsure.	3 Star

Again Michigan is in great position for most of these recruits. 

Tight End

Name	State	Decision Date	Rivals Ranking
Jack Tabb	NJ	January	3 Star
Frank Clark	OH	Visiting January 7th, decision date unsure.	3 Star
Tanner McEvoy	NJ	Visiting January 7th, decision date unsure.	3 Star

Tabb is thinking over his decision, and will be announcing sometime in early or mid January. The coaching situation had been factoring into his decision, and he was also hoping for an offer from Miami. He's not getting the Miami offer, so it will be between Michigan, North Carolina, and Arkansas.

Offensive Line

Name	State	Decision Date	Rivals Ranking
Chris Bryant	IL	January, or Signing Day	4 Star

Bryant isn't sure if he wants to wait until signing day to make his decision, or just get it over with. He is waiting to see what happens with the coaches, but Michigan is likely to land Chris.

Defensive Line

Name	State	Decision Date	Rivals Ranking
Anthony Zettel (DE)	MI	Likely to decide in January.	4 Star
Darian Cooper (DT	MD	Visiting January 7th, likely to decide signing day.	4 Star
Max Issaka (DE)	NJ	May visit Michigan	3 Star
Deion Barnes (DE)	PA	Visiting January 7th, decision in mid-late January or signing day	4 Star

As you can see, there are a lot of recruits left for only roughly 6 spots left. The good news is that there is a lot of quality left on the board. The recruits that are left and still have Michigan in the race are ranked highly, and more importantly could help Michigan in key areas. 

Visits

The next visit weekend will be January 7th, and will be host to a good amount of prospects. Here's the list so far, and as usual will be updated as we get closer. These visits aren't set in stone, so they could change from now until the 7th.

• S Sheldon Royster - Michigan is in Royster's top four with North Carolina, Rutgers, and South Carolina
• DE Deion Barnes - Michigan is in Barne's top group with Penn State, South Carolina, and Georgia.
• WR Devin Lucien - Michigan is in a very favorable spot for Lucien. This visit could determine where he ends up.
• DT Darian Cooper - Cooper still lists Michigan in his top group, but definitely has concerns about the coaching situation. He should have some answers by this time.
• ATH Raymon Taylor - Recently offered by Michigan, and recently decommitted from Indiana I suspect that Michigan leads. 
• TE Tanner McEvoy
• TE/LB Frank Clark - The Glenville prospect always speaks highly of Michigan, and is excited about the visit. 

This past weekend was host to a few important official visitors, and this weekend will see even more prospects coming in for the Big Chill hockey game. A slightly different format:

Visitors from this Past Weekend (12/3)

There were no commitments from Maryland DB Blake Countess or Florida S Wayne Lyons. I spoke briefly with Lyons, and have a full interview scheduled for later today. He had this to say so far:

"It was a good trip. The academic side of it was good, and I know my mom liked that too."

More later.

Rumors had Michigan potentially leading for Countess, and this visit was a big one since it was his first official. Blake was tweeting the whole weekend; here's a few of them:

• goblue !!!!!!!!!!
• Michigan was great. i could def. see myself there!
• I was with Josh Furman, Denard and Devin Gardner..and the other players that were there on officials.Delonte, wayne and G.Brown

His coaches aren't easy to get ahold of, so I'm still working on getting more from him. Lyons is expected to make his decision at the Army game, and will take a trip to Nebraska next.

Official Visitors for the Big Chill

This weekend is not only host to the Big Chill and fireworks, but a plethora of official visitors. Here's the list I have compiled so far. As always this list will be posted permanently in the diary section to add and remove recruits.

• LB Desmond Morgan - This could be the last visit before Morgan makes his decision. I wouldn't be surprised if he announces his choice shortly after.
• DE Anthony Zettel - This is Zettel's last official visit. He's already been to MSU, Penn State, and Iowa. 
• OL Chris Bryant - This probably won't be the last visit for Chris. He's been wavering on when he wants to make his decision. He might wait until signing day, or he might just pull the trigger. Michigan is in a favorable position either way.

I'll continue to add to this as I confirm more names.

On to specific recruits:

Kris Frost

6'3", 210 lbs.

Athlete

Matthews, North Carolina

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Frost is down to Auburn and Michigan, and has been for some time now. He still plans on enrolling early, and will be announcing his choice at the Army All American game in January. I'm in constant contact with Kris, and I believe that Michigan is in good position right now… as long as Rodriguez is retained. If Michigan were to make a change, then there might be some trouble. I don't believe that a defensive coaching change would make too much of a difference with Kris. The coaches have been on him, and are continuing to show him that they want him, as well:

Coach Rod will actually be out to my house on Thursday. They've just really been telling me how I fit in there, and how much I'm wanted. I don't think I'm going to be able to make it back up there for another visit, but that shouldn't matter too much anyway.

If you remember, Kris was going to try to come back up for another unofficial visit. That won't be happening, but it's not a big deal.

Devin Lucien

6'1", 189 lbs.

Wide Receiver

Encino, California

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If you read my post yesterday you already know that Devin has scheduled his official visit out to Michigan for January 7th. Since Michigan has offered they have shot up Devin's list, and this visit could potentially vault the Wolverines into the top spot.

I love the overall tradition at Michigan. The tradition they have reminds me a lot of what we have at Crespi (High School). The brotherhood that the players have is amazing. I love the fans, and the whole community of Ann Arbor. I can't wait to visit.

A lot of people have wondered what recruits are thinking as far as the coaching situation with regards to Michigan. Devin felt comfortable enough to share how he was thinking.

I like Michigan for Michigan, so it doesn't really matter to me. I think it matters more to my parents just because they want me to be somewhere stable. Coach Dews has talked to both my parents and they both like him a lot. He's actually coming out this week on Thursday.

This is just one point of view but Devin is more interested in the program, and since he could probably play in most systems anyway, it won't matter much. The timing of this visit could help Michigan too, since Lucien is planning on making his decision on signing day, which is only 3 or 4 weeks from when he'll be on campus.

Other items [from the editor]

• The Orlando Sentinel caught up with FL RB Dee Hart, who says he will remain committed to Michigan if Rodriguez is retained. If he isn't, he's going to Florida to play in the spread.
• MI WR Shawn Conway will not qualify and is headed to a JUCO. He says he would like to return to the fold after his time there is finished but it is extremely rare for Michigan to take a JUCO kid who did not qualify out of high school. Austin Panter, the last JUCO at Michigan, was a qualifier who played seven on seven and went to JUCO for exposure, and the last one before that was Russell Shaw. Michigan's coaches have clearly known about this for a while given the offer to Lucien and late push for Arnett.

[Ed-M: bumped from diary - MGoBlog's recruiting editor updates the status of defensive recruitment]

Since Justice Hayes just committed, and there were still people looking around to see if it was ok to ask if he plays defense, I thought I would help them out. Here's a look at who's left on the defensive front for Michigan recruiting.

First, who's committed so far:

2011 Commitments

Name	Position	Height/Weight	Star Ranking
Brennen Beyer	DE	6'4", 225 lbs.	4 Star
Demetrius Hart	RB	5'8", 190 lbs.	4 Star
Justice Hayes	RB/Slot	5'10", 175 lbs.	4 Star
Dallas Crawford	DB	5'10", 185 lbs.	3 Star
Shawn Conway	WR	6'4", 183 lbs.	3 Star
Greg Brown	DB	5'10", 180 lbs.	3 Star
Jake Fisher	OL	6'7", 260 lbs.	3 Star
Delonte Hollowell	DB	5'8", 162 lbs.	3 Star
Kellen Jones	LB	6'1", 209 lbs.	3 Star
Jack Miller	OL	6'4", 270 lbs.	3 Star
Tony Posada	OL	6'5", 315 lbs.	3 Star
Chris Rock	DE/DT	6'5", 250 lbs.	3 Star
Kevin Sousa	QB	6'2", 220 lbs.	3 Star

For those counting at home, that's six commitments out of thirteen that are on the defensive side of the ball. There are around 9 spots left, give or take, for Michigan to fill up this class with. These are the current defensive recruits that Michigan has a shot with. 

 

2011 Defensive End Prospects

Photo	Name	Vitals	Hometown	Stars	Film
	Anthony Zettel	6'4", 255 lbs.	West Branch, MI	4 Stars	Junior Highlights
	Zettel is waiting until after the season is over to make his announcement. He has already taken his official to Iowa (Nov. 20th), he's visiting Penn State this weekend, and will be at Michigan on December 10th for the Big Chill.
	Deion Barnes	6'5", 230 lbs.	Philadelphia, PA	4 star	Deion Runs Fast
	Barnes has Michigan in his top five along with Georgia, Penn State, Pitt, and South Carolina. He has mentioned several times he plans on visiting after the season. He may visit for December 10th as well.

 

2011 Defensive Tackle Prospects

Photo	Name	Vitals	Hometown	Stars	Film
	Timmy Jernigan	6'2", 275 lbs.	Lake City, FL	4 Star	Junior Highlights
	Jernigan has Michigan in his top group with LSU, Alabama, and Florida State. He has made some recent trips to Florida, so I wouldn't count them out. I've been hearing a lot lately about Timmy, and a recruit actually told me that Jernigan really likes Michigan. He's concerned with our defensive scheme, however, so we'll see what happens.
	Darian Cooper	6'3", 275 lbs.	Hyattsville, MD	4 Star	Junior Highlights
	Cooper is planning a winter visit to Michigan, and outside of Jernigan, is probably Michigan's best option at defensive tackle. His season ended in the WCAC championship game this weekend, so he's now focusing on recruiting.
	Mickey Johnson	6'1", 310 lbs.	Covington, LA	4 Star	Junior Highlights
	While Johnson continues to list Michigan in his top group, I don't think he'll end up choosing the Wolverines. His name is still on the radar, but not likely.

 

2011 Linebacker Prospects

Photo	Name	Vitals	Hometown	Stars	Film
	Kris Frost	6'3", 210 lbs.	Matthews, NC	4 Star	Junior Highlights
	As everyone knows, Frost just got back from his official visit to Michigan. This visit came at the perfect time for Frost, and for Michigan. He will take officials to LSU and Cal, and is going to try to make it back up to Michigan again before deciding at the US Army game. Frost will be an early enrollee. I included him here for argument sake, since he is also being recruited for receiver.
	Desmond Morgan	6'1", 225 lbs.	Holland, MI	3 Star	Senior Highlights
	Morgan is a lifelong Michigan fan, and was beyond excited to receive his offer. He took an unofficial visit with his dad to the Illinois game, and will be back for an official visit on December 10th. He's taking his time, but I expect him to be in this class. If Michigan grabs Morgan and Frost, that will be a nice linebacker haul for the 2011 class with Kellen Jones already on board.

 

2011 Cornerback Prospects 

Photo	Name	Vitals	Hometown	Stars	Film
	Blake Countess	5'10", 170 lbs.	Owings Mills, MD	4 Star	Senior Highlights
	Countess has a top four of Georgia Tech, Maryland, NC State and Michigan. It's been rumored that Michigan is in the lead, but Georgia Tech might be right there with them. Countess plans on visiting December 3rd, and will also be playing in the US Army game.
	Daren Kitchen	6'1", 170 lbs.	Houma, LA	3 Star	N/A
	If Michigan missed on Countess, they may finally offer Kitchen. Kitchen has said he's a big fan of Michigan, and would most likely commit if offered.

 

2011 Safety Prospects

Photo	Name	Vitals	Hometown	Stars	Film
	Avery Walls	5'11", 185 lbs.	McDonough, GA	4 Star	Junior Highlights
	Walls has already been to Michigan several times, including an official visit for the U Conn game. He has since taken visits to Oregon and Cal. I still think Michigan is in a good position, but I think Oregon has made a good impression on him. Due to an illness in his family he had put recruiting on the back burner. He still plans on taking a few more visits before he announces.
	Wayne Lyons	6'0", 190 lbs.	Ft. Lauderdale, FL	4 Star	Senior Highlights
	Lyons recently announced that Michigan will get one of his official visits. That was huge news for the Wolverines, as they seem to be climbing up his list. Wayne plans on being up at Michigan on December 3rd, and then out to Nebraska on December 10th. He has already taken visits to Notre Dame, Stanford, and UCLA. Michigan is making a move with the talented safety.
	Karlos Williams	6'2", 210 lbs.	Davenport, FL	5 Star	2010 Spring Game
	I'm including Karlos on this list because he still maintains that he will visit Michigan. The visit will probably take place in January. I've heard that it's not likely he will switch from FSU, but there's at least a small chance. He has been recruiting hard for FSU, so don't get your hopes up, but who knows what could happen with a visit.
	Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix	6'2", 190 lbs.	Orlando, FL	5 Star	Junior Highlights
	I'm including Ha'Sean for the same reason that I'm including Karlos, he still plans on visiting Michigan. I have heard that there's a small chance that he changes his mind from Alabama. Don't get your hopes up here either, but with his teammates selling Michigan and his visit you never know.

Michigan obviously doesn't have enough room to take everyone, and they're still looking for a few more offensive positions like tight end and offensive line. Most of the decision time tables for these recruits are after the season, or during the Army All American game. That should give Michigan plenty of time for visits, and a little extra push with coaching visits too.