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Jayden Denegal Has Committed To Michigan Comment Count

Brian June 23rd, 2021 at 4:57 PM

Michigan picks up a QB for their 2022 class:

Apple Valley (Calif.) quarterback Jayden Denegal has just committed to Michigan.

Denegal worked out for the Michigan coaches this morning and was offered a scholarship immediately after the camp. The talented signal caller didn’t waste too much time in jumping on the offer.

“I’m really excited to be a Wolverine,” Denegal said. “This is a dream for me, to play for a big time school like Michigan. I really didn’t know what to expect coming out here but was hoping for the best."

Denegal is a composite four star who may have some upward mobility in the rankings if 24/7 reconsiders their current three-star take. Denegal was under the radar a bit until Michigan offered him; his other two P5 offers are from Utah and MSU.

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Comments

mwolverine1

June 23rd, 2021 at 5:28 PM ^

I think you have a bit of an optimistic take on his rankings. He's a 3* on 247 and Rivals, but a 4* in the composite due to a 163rd overall ranking on ESPN. It's more likely he moves down than he moves up.

That being said, he's a nice developmental piece to bring in after JJ McCarthy (and hopefully before Dante Moore and CJ Carr). Denegal has legit size and a decent arm and will be a lot better once he fixes his mechanics and footwork. I think he's a good prospect to let stew for a few years before unwrapping.

bronxblue

June 23rd, 2021 at 5:59 PM ^

I agree he's probably not destined for a huge jump up but he's the #17 QB per 247 and the #16 is a 4* so for those who care about starz it's not a huge leap up to get him to that level.

I agree he seems pretty raw.  I don't want to make the Milton comparisons because they are different players but he seems like a guy who'll need a couple of years to clean up his mechanics and work on his fundamentals.  I do think some arm strength concerns could be mitigated with better footwork and throwing angles; I'm not a QB guru but you can see areas where he loses momentum.  That's not unreasonable or unexpected by any means but I wouldn't be shocked if he looks much different after a couple years of college prep.

tkgoblue

June 23rd, 2021 at 5:29 PM ^

Based on the 4 min of film I just watched, his throwing motion and stature reminds me of Kellen Mond out of Texas A&M. Has size and decent arm. Definitely a project. Good to have a QB on board! 

DonAZ

June 23rd, 2021 at 7:09 PM ^

I think it's great to have fans from other teams here, provided the discourse is civil and it doesn't turn into a Roll Damn Tide situation. But if this post by "A State Fan" is any predictor of the future, then I think his (her?) Presence is a net benefit to the board.

njvictor

June 23rd, 2021 at 5:53 PM ^

After watching his film, I understand why some people are iffy on him and why he may not have been a take for MSU. He's physically imposing but doesn't play like it. His mechanics need a lot of work, his arm strength isn't great for a 6'5" guy, and a lot his passes are pretty iffy. Perhaps he's improved this spring/summer and the staff jumped on him after his work out

AZBlue

June 23rd, 2021 at 6:16 PM ^

As I said in the the pre-commit thread on him, I think he can be both a great fit for M - excellent measurables and upside - while also not being an ideal option for MSU.

I would guess MSU is looking for someone to compete for (at least) a backup role in '22** and hopefully a 3-4 year potential starter.  M is looking for someone with high upside that is not worried about being option 3 or 4 in 2022 (hopefully no transfers) and not afraid of potentially slotting between two 5-star QBs.  Someone who can develop and  - if he hits his potential - challenge for a starting role in year 3+.

 

** Not going to look it up, but I think MSU's transfer QB only has 1 year eligibility (who knows with the CoVid rules).  Thorne has potential (similar to McNamara IMO) but the other competition in 2022 is 2 non blue chip underclassmen with zero game reps.

kurpit

June 23rd, 2021 at 8:56 PM ^

Denegal was under the radar a bit until Michigan offered him

Uh... They just offered him today. Lol. I think you can just say that he's a fairly under-the-radar recruit.

uminks

June 24th, 2021 at 12:49 AM ^

Nice pickup! Welcome Jayden!  I think he will have some time to improve over the next couple years. When JJ graduates, he will be ready to compete with any of the other young guns.