2017 5 Star Athlete (DB) Jeffrey Okudah III has Michigan in Top 10

Submitted by StephenRKass on

2017 5-Star athlete Jeffrey Okudah III has Michigan listed in his Top 10 schools, released today (1/2/16). He is currently ranked 10th in the class by ESPN, 9th in the class by Rivals, 7th by 247. Okudah is an athlete / defensive back from South Grand Prairie, Texas.

The reality is that Okudah has listed many of the major schools out there:  Alabama, Florida, LSU, Georgia and Texas A & M from the SEC; Michigan and Ohio State from the Big 10, rounded out by Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and Stanford. The list is pretty broad, and right now, LSU and Oklahoma seem to be getting the most love (if I read the emoji correctly).

Here is a twitter link:  https://twitter.com/TheJeffOkudah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Jeffrey Okudah III

The major positive I take from this is that Michigan is in the list. We're seeing the Harbaugh effect. Even if Okudah goes elsewhere, the fact that Michigan is one of the schools on his list is awesome.

Oh, and Okudah is ranked just above Donovan Peoples-Jones. Imhe, it is more important to get Peoples-Jones. Peoples-Jones lists Florida, Michigan, Ohio State, and Michigan State at the top. Hopefully the game yesterday opens his eyes, both in terms of how Michigan uses wide receivers, and also in terms of where Florida is at (not as good as Michigan). Still, I want to see Michigan lock down guys like Peoples-Jones who are from Michigan, and not see them go to either MSU or OSU.

EDIT:  And I hate myself for even looking at recruits from 2017. Argh.

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Bill the Butcher

January 2nd, 2016 at 11:28 PM ^

I'm also excited about Christian McCaffrey's brother (Dylan) in the 2017 class, I didn't realize he has been on two unofficials to M already.  That family has awesome genes.  Lets get one!

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SBo

January 2nd, 2016 at 11:28 PM ^

And Mecole Hardman has us in his top six. Doesn't mean we're getting him. He's 2016, this guy is 2017. But you're right. The Harbaugh effect is real. We'll probably be in the top ten/five for nearly every five star in the future.

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alum96

January 2nd, 2016 at 11:59 PM ^

"Nearly all of the 5 stars" is a bit egregious but UM is doing well in the 2017s in terms of being a warm interest at 247 which means at least a passing fancy.  We will of course "finish a close 2nd" on many of these down the road. You also want guys who are team first - not every 5 star is so that will self eliminate a proportion of them.

There are about 35 five stars annually and 7 (20%) from 2017 are at least somewhat interested in UM so its a decent start.  Bama will get their annual 7 of them so that leaves 28 or so for everyone else to fight over, but hopefully we can start getting a few more. (OSU already has 2 of them in 2017 by the way)

Unlike the OP I have no shame looking to 2017.  DPJ is obviously a Cass Tech must get every power in the nation wants and Wilson has already named UM a leader fwiw 13 months in advance.  McFarland is best buds with Davis so I wish we had taken Davis if we were not going to get Delance just to get in on him  - I know Magnus loves his film i.e. the whole package at RB - a true speed back.

Pos Name State Starz Ntl Rnk Pos Rnk  
DT Marvin Wilson TX 5 5 1  
WR/DB Jeffrey Okudah TX 5 7 1 1/2 -Top 10
ATH Donovan Peoples-Jones MI 5 10 1 Cass Tech
OT Isaiah Wilson NY 5 15 5  
DE Jarez Parks FL 5 21 2  
OT Wyatt Davis CA 5 24 6  
RB Anthony McFarland Jr MD 5 29 2  

 

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SBo

January 2nd, 2016 at 11:34 PM ^

Anyone who was at the Citrus Bowl, did you think you saw WD? There was a guy with armbands and gloves wearing a Denard jersey that said "all in" on the back. I doubt it was him, but I did a double take.

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StephenRKass

January 2nd, 2016 at 11:38 PM ^

So, I have a different Citrus Bowl question. I was curious if the UA High School game ever brought their guys to see the bowl game. Or if that is too costly, or takes away from practice too much.

I also was curious what the rules are as to coaches going to all star games. Could Harbaugh, or Mattison, or others on the staff, stick around in Orlando for a day and attend the game? That seems like something scouts would do. And you can sometimes pick up things live that you don't see as well from tape.

I know this is a "silent period" until 1/15 or thereabouts. But I would think coaches or staff can physically attend an all-star game . . . as long as they are silent, in terms of communication with the kids playing.

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alum96

January 2nd, 2016 at 11:56 PM ^

Silent means no face to face contact - can only talk on phone or letters and maybe in this day and age that includes twitter,

So in theory you could go into the stands and watch as long as you didn't make eye contact.  How that theory works with reality I don't know.  If accurate every staff other than Oregon TCU PSU and GA I assume was at the game in the stands not making eye contact with anyone on the field. That is stuff compliance has to deal with I guess.

I do think someone reported Jonathan Jones was at a UM practice in Orlando.  If accurate I assume he was escorted around by compliance so he could not look a coach in the eye or whisper something out loud.  What I don't know is if he could stand back to back with a coach each with a smartphone in their hand and text each other - apparently that might not be a violation.  I am sure compliance asks these things.

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Roughneck

January 2nd, 2016 at 11:53 PM ^

I was in Arlington the week of the satellite camp. Remember a top 2017 safety talking highly of the camp and Harbaugh. I'm sure this is the same kid. Planted the seed early, need to keep on him, would be a great get.

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We are back

January 3rd, 2016 at 8:29 AM ^

Sorry op but this thread is based off Harbaugh effect, but in reality Michigan has been in almost every top 10 of top recruits even under Rich Rod and Hoke. I do believe Harbaugh will actually reel some of these boys in or at least more than the others did.

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