TMD: A Mother Knows

2016 #1 overall recruit Rashan Gary is expected to be on campus in May, accompanied by his mother, who's playing a very important role in the vetting process. Gary discussed her role in his recruitment with TomVH ($):

“My family being able to see me play is really important. My mom is my everything. Whatever she says and thinks is positive; that’s what I’m going to consider. My mom sees what I see and says all the schools I’m considering are good schools. It’s probably going to come down to me and her putting together a pros-and-cons list and figuring it out.”

Gary visited Michigan and Ohio State recently without his mother, who took a trip to Rutgers instead. (That trip reportedly didn't go very well for Rutgers.) Gary reported back to his mom, of course, and given what she told Sam Webb it sounds like Michigan is in a great position to stake themselves to a lead when she gets to campus with her son ($):

“He liked Ohio State,” said Mrs. Coney.  “He didn’t say too much of the school.  I think they didn’t spend a lot of time at Ohio State.  I think most of their weekend was at Michigan.  I know he met with Coach Johnson because he called me and I talked to Coach Johnson.  I’ll tell you the difference (between the Michigan and Oho State visits).  When he talked to me about Ohio State it was football, football, football.  But when he talked to me about Michigan he just told me about the environment, told me about the academics, told me about the dorms, told me about the campus.  I spoke with Coach Mattison it was totally a different conversation. One was about athletics, and then Michigan was all about academics and the people, (and) the environment.”

‘Okay Rashan, let me go see it for myself. (laughter).’

Michigan's M-Pact presentation should go over quite well.

Meanwhile, Michigan jumped out to the lead for another Paramus Catholic prospect, three-star WR Donald Stewart, who was offered last week, per 247's Steve Wiltfong ($):

“I talk to Coach Partridge daily,” Stewart said. “He told me that the players he coached that played there have nothing but positive things to say. I talk to Jabrill (Peppers) and Juwann (Bushell-Beatty) and they really like the school so I want to go up there and see for myself.”

The 6-foot-4, 180-pound Stewart plans to see Michigan the third week of May.

According to Wiltfong, Northwestern is currently Michigan's biggest competition for Stewart.

[Hit THE JUMP for the rest of the roundup.]

GTL: More Jersey Updates

Michigan hosted a trio of top New Jersey prospects for unofficial visits in March, and the Wolverines have pushed to the forefront in each recruit's, er, recruitment. Four-star Camden (NJ) WR Brad Hawkins has Michigan in his top two, per 247's Clint Brewster ($):

“Yes, South Carolina and Michigan have the lead for me right now,” Hawkins told Bartow. “I’m going to get to both schools again this summer before I decide.”

Hawkins' Camden teammate, four-star SDE Ron Johnson, told 247 that Michigan "is up there for sure," and they're among the teams in hottest pursuit ($):

“I’ve been talking to Michigan, Alabama, Ohio State, and Ole Miss the most,” Johnson told 247Sports national analyst Ryan Bartow on Tuesday.

Johnson plans to make a decision in December.

Top-100 Egg Harbor City (NJ) Cedar Creek WR Ahmir Mitchell had high praise for his recent visits to Michigan and Ohio State, with both schools featuring in his top group, per Brewster ($):

“Rutgers, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Tennessee, Alabama, and Ole Miss are the main schools for me right now,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell is an early enrollee so he plans to take all five official visits early this fall and then make a final decision around Thanksgiving.

Between Michigan's growing Paramus Catholic connection and the work they've done at other schools, the pipeline between Ann Arbor and New Jersey has the chance to make a significant impact on the program.

NSFMF: Jones To Visit Before Decision

Scout's Amy Campbell caught up with three-star FL OLB Jonathan Jones, who previously named Michigan as his leader and seemed like a potential commit; Jones is now slowing down his process a bit, but the Wolverines are still in great position to land him ($):

“Before the season I should be committed somewhere.”

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound linebacker is now focused on spring football. When school is out, he’s taking a college tour (he’s not sure of all the destinations) and then will visit Michigan June 17th and plans to stay for a few days.

“I feel like if I go on that first tour, then visit Michigan, I’ll be setting myself up to make a good decision.”

Jones hasn't seen several of his top schools, so there's always the chance another program blows him away on a visit; even if that happens, however, Michigan should have the opportunity to reestablish themselves atop his list.

Michigan made the top five for four-star UT WR Simi Fehoko, along with BYU, Stanford, Utah, and Washington. While distance could hamper Michigan's efforts here, Fehoko told Scout's Doug Kimmel that he's "absolutely" going to take a visit to Ann Arbor. Whether that would come before or after a decision—Fehoko could annouce within the next month, but he plans to take all five officials—is still unclear.

Four-star NC RB Robert Washington will announce his decision on Saturday. Michigan is among the finalists, but Syracuse is getting the most buzz about a potential commitment.

ESPN updated their top 300 for 2016. Quarterback commit Brandon Peters rose from #181 to #142 overall, eighth among pro-style passers. Running back commit Matt Falcon debuted on the list at #246.

MJ (NTMJ) Among New 2017 Offers

247's Steve Lorenz reports that Michigan has offered 2017 GA ATH MJ Walker, who also happens to be a five-star hoops prospect. For now, Walker holds a more impressive offer sheet for football—where he projects to safety or receiver—than basketball, but that's likely to change. Lorenz also expects John Beilein to get involved with Walker, which (watches highlight reel) sounds about right.

Lorenz also reports that Michigan offered 2017 top-100 NY OL Isaiah Wilson, who's already got an Alabama offer, among others.

WWdWD: Happy Trails, Messiah deWeaver

Former Michigan quarterback commit Messiah deWeaver committed to Michigan State yesterday. If he eventually becomes MSU's starter, this is the storyline everyone will hate by the time the in-state rivals kick off.