Monday Recruitin' Prints T-Shirts
Commence The Race To Print "Harbaugh Is My Homey" Shirts
With Michigan on the road last weekend, there's not too much late-breaking recruiting news to go over, which means we can continue to bask in the positive feels from five-star NJ DT Rashan Gary's official visit. A reader passed along the photo to the right; that is Gary sporting a Michigan towel during his game last weekend. At worst, he thinks the Block 'M' is sharp.
There are also more encouraging quotes coming from his end of the recruitment. Sam Webb caught up with Gary's mom for a two-part recap of the visit. Part one is free. Part two has the money quote ($):
“I think he’s comfortable (with Michigan),” she said. “He knows Jabrill, he knows Juwan, and now he has befriended Tyrone Wheatley and some of the other kids on the team that really embraced him. He is comfortable with them and he is comfortable with Coach Mattison, Coach Durkin and Ms. Gwen (Bush). And I have to be honest… Coach Harbaugh is the most down to earth (guy). He is a like a homey (laughter). He is that dude. He is like a homey. He is not all stuck up. He is kind of quirky-cool… and I like him. And I think Rashan likes him as well.”
Gary's mom said she's seen all she needs to see to be comfortable with her son attending Michigan—and she also mentioned she plans to go to Chop House again (man, what I'd give to be taken on an official visit) on her next trip to Ann Arbor.
Gary himself was quoted talking up the defense by TomVH in a feature on how early-season results have affected recruiting for Michigan, Florida, and Tennessee. Also impressed by Michigan's start to the season is five-star GA TE Isaac Nauta ($):
“When you take a team who hasn’t won a lot of games the past couple years and all of a sudden they come out in their first year with their new leader, that’s definitely something that jumps out at you that they’re going in the right direction,” Nauta said. “It makes a huge impact, because nobody who’s a competitor wants to go play for a losing team. You want to be in a spot that’s competitive and somewhere you can win ball games, where you know they’re doing the right things to win.”
Nauta is coming off his official visit to Georgia, the presumed favorites. TCU is also heavily in the mix, but Michigan should have a fair crack when he takes his official visit for the MSU game.
[Hit THE JUMP for the rest of the roundup.]
Commit Updates: Peters Releases Midseason Highlights
According to MaxPreps, Brandon Peters is completing 63% of his passes at 9.4 yards per attempt with 23 TDs against just two interceptions this season; he's also added a pair of rushing touchdowns. As you'd expect, his midseason highlights are impressive.
Peters had another solid effort this week, but as you can see in Maize n Brew's weekend recap, Kingston Davis, Victor Viramontes, and Chris Evans had the most outstanding statistical performances.
Meanwhile, David Reese's situation is one to keep an eye on. He wanted to enroll early, but Sam Webb reports that Jim Harbaugh informed Reese that wouldn't be an option. For now, at least, Reese is taking it in stride, but he's also going to check out other options ($):
“He is firmly committed still to Michigan,” Reese’s father David Sr. told The Michigan Insider. “The (main) reason he was strong about the midyear is he wanted to prove himself as a linebacker. It’s a great opportunity (to earn) playing time early, but we do understand that it is Coach Harbaugh’s decision. We didn’t take offense because of the people he is bringing up it’s a majority offensive guys. And we do understand the big fish he is going after and using the mid-year as a carrot for those big fish. So we didn’t take it as a sign of disrespect with what he is trying to bring up.”
Louisville, Kentucky, and Notre Dame (which hasn't offered yet) are mentioned as possible visit destinations. Reese was originally committed to Louisville before flipping to Michigan.
Corley To Take Official
Although Donnie Corley admitted to 247's Steve Wiltfong that Michigan State has spent the most time at the top of his recruitment—with Ohio State and Notre Dame also standing out at times—there's also been a significant development in Michigan's favor; Corley says he'll take an official visit to Ann Arbor ($):
Corley added Michigan is still in play and that he’ll official to Ann Arbor after the season.
“So I can get around the coaches more,” he said.
Corley plans to enroll early to whichever school he chooses.
Corley has already been to a game this year, so this is more about getting familiar with the coaches. If Michigan gets his last official visit and he sticks to his timeline of enrolling early, things could get interesting as his recruitment comes to a close.
More 2016 Updates
Michigan got an official visit a couple weeks ago from three-star FL DT and USC commit Keyshon Camp, but it doesn't look like that'll amount to much, per Scout's Gerard Martinez ($):
Camp also hopes to take official visits to Oregon, Alabama and Pitt. He is also in the process of scheduling an official visit to USC.
“I talked to Coach (Chris) Wilson and I think I’m going out there Nov. 6 when they play Arizona,” said Camp. “They really showed me everything I needed to see when I came out for the Rising Stars Camp — that’s why I committed.
“Really, that’s the school I’m going to be going to, so I just want to get the feel of how it would be playing at the Coliseum. I can’t wait to see the fans and a game when I go out there.”
Another option at defensive tackle, four-star CA DT Boss Tagaloa, included Michigan in his top five with Arizona, Cal, UCLA, and Washington, per The Wolverine's Brandon Brown ($). Michigan should get an official visit, though prying Tagaloa out of Pac-12 country might be tough.
Tim Sullivan reports two new 2016 offers have gone out recently. Top-100 GA WDE Robert Beal has an offer sheet to match his ranking; given how late they're getting into the mix, it'd be a surprise for Michigan to be a major player. Three-star GA WDE Tomon Fox, a North Carolina commit, looks like a more realistic option; Tim thinks Michigan and NC State are the two programs with the best chance to flip him.
October 5th, 2015 at 3:46 PM ^
If we land Gary I will be the happiest man on Earth. I get giddy just reading about him. Would be one of the biggest recuits in Michigan history.
October 5th, 2015 at 4:09 PM ^
Your handle and signature make me think you are not just whistlin' Dixie.
October 5th, 2015 at 4:09 PM ^
he'd be the biggest since like.. Mitch McGary
October 5th, 2015 at 4:24 PM ^
All your Gary's belongs to us....
October 5th, 2015 at 7:00 PM ^
that Gary would be the highest ranked football recruit ever since he is #1. Peppers is probably the current holder of that distinction.
October 6th, 2015 at 5:47 AM ^
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October 5th, 2015 at 3:47 PM ^
Nauta was on the sidelines to watch Alabama wax the Dawgs in the pouring rain?
Yikes
October 5th, 2015 at 4:54 PM ^
And follow that up with a visit here and sees us wax Sparty, and who knows? Maybe he goes Blue.
October 5th, 2015 at 8:33 PM ^
Even with all the talent at The Opening, I thought Nauta really stood out. He should be a star in college.
Tough to get worked up about Corley. I think Ahmir Mitchell is much better.
October 6th, 2015 at 5:46 AM ^
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October 5th, 2015 at 3:49 PM ^
Harbaugh is that dude!
It's interesting to see that they aren't letting Reese enroll early, specifically citing 'big fish' that they are still after. Are we assuming that some of these are LB recruits?
October 5th, 2015 at 4:18 PM ^
at least to me, is LB is a spot where next year we might need contributions from true freshmen.
October 5th, 2015 at 6:59 PM ^
He said it was offense guys, so I imagine Corley is one of them.
October 5th, 2015 at 3:51 PM ^
At this time last season, Hoke's class and our prospects with any top recruits was falling apart as things got ugly on the field. Winning and some awesome defense certainly help the cause along with HARBAUGH.
October 5th, 2015 at 4:56 PM ^
season, the payoff on the recruiting trail will be huge and quick, IMO. I have to believe there are a lot of big time players out there who have been holding off on Michigan, even with Harbaugh, waiting to see if he translates into success on the field too. Every win now will help that much more.
October 5th, 2015 at 5:15 PM ^
Beat NU, and the MSU game is going to get a ton of hype and has a good shot to be the choice for Gameday (A&M/Bama, LSU/Florida, and ND/USC are only other real choices, and at least 2 of those will be on rival networks).
Win that one and we shoot up the polls and have a very favorable schedule until the OSU game. We'd be in the news every week on the way to 10-1 and a collosal showdown with a team that won't have more than one loss either.
Quite a turnaround from a year ago.
October 5th, 2015 at 3:51 PM ^
At least with the camp visit Michigan doesn't mind taking a chance with an official from a kid who is unlikely to switch from the school he is committed to. Don't think the previous staff did that much and it never hurts to take a shot if you think they can play. Worst thing that happens is they say no.
October 5th, 2015 at 3:55 PM ^
The Gary towel picture and his mom's quotes have me super optimistic - Harbaugh is indeed a homey. Wear that all season long Rashan and join the greatest football in the land!
October 5th, 2015 at 3:57 PM ^
...but I am totally going to Amazon and getting some Poo-Pourri.
October 5th, 2015 at 6:15 PM ^
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October 6th, 2015 at 1:31 PM ^
for every toilet in the house. Even if you have a fan that stuff is awesome. To me I feel like the barrier provides more sanitation. Think uniforms: If you feel good and look good you perform better! Just sayin
Go Blue
October 5th, 2015 at 3:59 PM ^
Who's the big fish were trying to real in and what is limit on early enrolling? I guess there's a max limit?
October 5th, 2015 at 4:11 PM ^
Can the head coach influence or flat-out prevent a player's early entry? I guess there must be a max limit, like you said... and maybe a Bush or Kelly would like the "early entry linebacker" slot instead, with many of them going to offensive players so they can learn the system?
October 5th, 2015 at 4:20 PM ^
can't go over 85 even in the winter/spring. SO I guess there are 3 available spots (the one's the walk-ons currently have) plus any that may open via transfer.
As I noted below - Sam said that a few are already slated for offensive commits.
October 5th, 2015 at 4:37 PM ^
Isn't David Reese from Farmington? I'm sure his Dad isn't in a rush to part w/ 6 to 8 grand, but a semester of in-state tuition while living from home should still be an option right?
Definitely would not blame the family for checking out all their options though, or just deciding to wait. There is more to life than football, despite what one might read on this blog.
October 5th, 2015 at 5:00 PM ^
I'v never heard of a freshman football player staying at home instead of on campus with the rest of the class.
October 7th, 2015 at 12:38 PM ^
"There is more to life than football"
You mean like basketball, Hockey, softball, volleyball, gymnastics and baseball?
October 5th, 2015 at 5:01 PM ^
Reese was told that EE would not be an option right now. It's not that Harbaugh wouldn't like to see all of the recruits come in early to get a jump on school, coaching, etc. They can't due to scholarship limitations - unless they pay their own way, which could be possible in some cases.
October 5th, 2015 at 5:33 PM ^
available. We'll have some seniors who are graduating in December or have already. They probably won't be back if they're out of eligibility..
October 5th, 2015 at 4:12 PM ^
the guy sporting the block M towel ..... hmmmmmm. (sheesh)
Go Blue!
October 5th, 2015 at 4:17 PM ^
that some of the EE spots are set for offensive commits (not sure who or whether these are existing or potential commits) and a few potential D commits. The big fish are Bush Jr., Kelly, and the LB from TX (plus of course Gary) but not sure which of those are possible EE's.
October 5th, 2015 at 7:28 PM ^
Dontavius Jackson. Ive been wondering about him lately as Texas' season falls apart. They lead his CB but he and a teammate seemed genuinely interested in Michigan. Hes been pretty much radio silent since his season began.
October 5th, 2015 at 4:04 PM ^
It's no secret they wanted fitzpatrick, and the orignal story was him and Reese were a combo deal. We have a lot of offers out to play makers and higher profile recruits. Personally I believe Reese will undoubtedly sign somewhere else, and my bet is ND.
October 5th, 2015 at 4:07 PM ^
Seems like it's already starting to get to the point wherre kids might need to start committing sooner rather than later so as to not be left out.
October 5th, 2015 at 4:14 PM ^
You can only count three early enrollees toward the prior class with respect to the 25/year limit, but I've never heard of any cap on the total number you can actually bring in. I know USC had 7 guys enroll early this past spring. And functionally, it is hard to find that many guys in a class who are even eligible to do it (I remember Shane wanted to but couldn't because of the way his high school structured its curriculum).
Have to think something else is going on there, though it could be as innocent as not thinking he will be able academically to come to Michigan in the middle of his senior year.
October 5th, 2015 at 4:47 PM ^
The cap is 85 at all times. Harbaugh can't stop someone from enrolling early, but they might not have a scholarship available to give for the winter/spring. Paying their own way, especially for out-of-state recruits, isn't a viable option oftentimes.
October 5th, 2015 at 4:57 PM ^
Hadn't really thought about that spring semester thing, but that may explain why Harbaugh "allegedly" wanted Pipkins to medical even though he was a senior eligibility wise and his scholarship couldn't be used to help out during the season.
Right now we're at 82 with former walk-ons included. Will be interesting to see how many current seniors pursue pro football and if any potential attrition announcements are made in January to free up spots for guys enrolling early.
October 5th, 2015 at 5:34 PM ^
shortly after NY's Day? Harbaugh would have to know which guys weren't coming back possibly before a bowl game to get additional guys enrolled early.
Also, just because a guy declares he's going pro doesn't necessarily mean he's off scholarship does it?
October 5th, 2015 at 4:17 PM ^
"because nobody who’s a competitor wants to go play for a losing team" Nuata after his GA visit where they were smoked at home by Bama.
Goooood. Goooooood.
October 5th, 2015 at 4:33 PM ^
I don't know how much an official visit costs, and I'm sure it's small potatoes to a school like Michigan, but why waste money on a kid who has clearly made up his mind to attend USC (or any other school)?
October 5th, 2015 at 4:46 PM ^
Not sure when that article came out (before or after the visit), and there may be others down the road or from earlier where he seems less sure (recruits can be finicky, especially in soundbytes).
Even still, this is a kid from FL (a place we want to establish a presence), with a high school teammate who is a freshman at UM (Reuben Jones, who was committed to Nebraska when he visited). You can't get any of these kids without getting a visit, and you never know what is going to happen (does Sark's seat get hotter at SC, do they start looking at someone else, does the kid just have a change of heart, etc.).
And even if he doesn't end up here, there is a lot of good that can come from putting on good visits and making a positive impression. If his high school coach is talking up the experience the kid had at UM to other coaches, or the kid tells teammates or guys he plays against or guys he camps with that UM is a cool place, that sort of thing snowballs and more and more kids become an option, even in Florida.
Making a good impression is never a bad thing in recruiting.
October 5th, 2015 at 5:40 PM ^
to save a few bucks? Not going to happen here. There are better reasons not to bring in someone you don't have much of a shot with. There's a cap on how many OVs the NCAA allows and the coaches don't want to waste their own time. Obviously, they had reason to thnk that wasn't the case.
October 5th, 2015 at 8:35 PM ^
Because if you don't bring them on visits you don't even have a shot. Even if you have a 1% shot, it can be worth it for a school like Michigan and it's refreshing to see instead of the Hoke mentality of turning away visitors who weren't super interested in MIchigan.
October 5th, 2015 at 4:35 PM ^
October 5th, 2015 at 4:40 PM ^
Rashan Gary had three and a half sacks and four tackles for loss among his 11 tackles in a 27-21 loss to Bergen Catholic, so the Paramus Catholic Paladins now are 1-3 on the season, having also lost 42-20 to Eastern Christian Academy (high school of Freddy Canteen and Brandon Watson) and 41-17 to Gilman School (Henry Poggi's high school). LINK TO GAME STORY
I wonder how former Paramus Catholic head football coach Chris Partridge is feeling now about his move to Michigan.
Bergen Catholic's senior quarterback and Tennessee recruit Jarrett Guarantano, whom Doug Nussmeier was recruiting for Michigan, suffered a season-ending foot injury in the game.
October 5th, 2015 at 4:41 PM ^
I'm really hoping David Reese sticks with UM. We desperately need quality LB's. Reese and Bush Jr are a must imo since Caleb Kelly seems highly unlikely.
October 5th, 2015 at 7:13 PM ^
October 5th, 2015 at 4:50 PM ^
So is this still creepy now that Ace has commented on it?
October 5th, 2015 at 4:52 PM ^
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