Initial Rivals 100 for 2014
Interesting that they already have 5 new 5 stars and dropped a kid's 5th star from their ten early 5 stars list. Players of note:
Malik McDowell #21
Damon Webb #32
Montae Nicholson #47
Alex Bars #55
Drake Harris #56
David Cornwell #63 (although he now seem unlikely)
Michael Ferns #84
Artavis Scott #93
At least these are the kids who have shown the most Michigan interest early, other than Webb and Cornwell. Webb is included because he is an Ohio guy, Cornwell because there was buzz on him recently.
February 11th, 2013 at 2:03 PM ^
One of the guys at Rivals (I forget who) said he thought Speight would start out as a high 3-star prospect.
February 11th, 2013 at 2:11 PM ^
Will this be the tipping point that calls the 3 star mafia out of hiding? I thought we wouldn't hear from them after the 2010 class.
February 11th, 2013 at 1:50 PM ^
He does seem unlikely at this point, but that really doesn't concern me that much. Speight is going to be a revalation this year and on the camp circuit. Plus he looks young. I feel like he may not be done growing. 6'7" QB, anyone?
February 11th, 2013 at 1:52 PM ^
FWIW, Speight is the same age as our 2013 class. He re-classified after hurting his collarbone during his junior season. So this year, he's technically a fifth-year senior.
I guess if you're expecting Morris to grow some more, you can expect the same from Speight? But I wouldn't.
February 11th, 2013 at 1:52 PM ^
I'm fine with a 6'7" quarterback as long as he's not as douchey as Mallett.
February 11th, 2013 at 1:57 PM ^
of that are very near to zero. I mean, unless he's secretly named Tyler Bray or something.
I suspect that may have had a little to do with the offer, actually. These coaches love to tear kids down and rebuild them. I think they probably favor tools and attitude over outright production. Obviously, the kid has to have the build and the tools, but if he needs a redshirt and some time learning the game to become what he can be, they'd rather have that as long as he's got the attitude and the commitment, rather than a kid who is absolutely ready to go, but also is a douche because he knows it.
February 11th, 2013 at 1:50 PM ^
I wonder why we didn't offer Cornwell first since he seems like the consensus top guy?
February 11th, 2013 at 1:54 PM ^
I guarantee the Michigan coaches evaluated Speight/Cornwell closer than the ratings sites. A lot of times, the 'well I just trust the coaches' argument is silly, because the guy we landed is just because we missed out on someone else. In this case, they had their pick of literally every QB in the country and chose Speight. So whatever the reason, I wouldn't worry about it.
February 11th, 2013 at 2:17 PM ^
Recruiting services don't take into account other factors.
Listen to Hoke's signing day interview with Sam Webb and his press conference. They also look at off field factors that the recruiting services might not value.
February 11th, 2013 at 3:36 PM ^
February 11th, 2013 at 4:07 PM ^
February 11th, 2013 at 3:13 PM ^
Is Michigan still recruiting Parrker Westphal? I haven't seen him mentioned anywhere in a while whereas the names of other DBs keep coming up.
February 11th, 2013 at 3:47 PM ^
Greg Mattison visited him on 1/31. I would say that we are still recruiting him.
FWIW, on his 247sports profile, we are the only team listed as "warm."
February 11th, 2013 at 4:02 PM ^
February 11th, 2013 at 4:00 PM ^
February 11th, 2013 at 5:23 PM ^
Marzia Prince is lovely.