2017 Recruiting Question

Submitted by Wee-Bey Brice on

Fellow MGoBloggers,

As i've mentioned before I've been coaching AAU basketball and one of the kids that i've had since he was in 5th grade is now gaining national attention in both basketball and football. Shaun Wade, 2017 Point Guard + Cornerback, listed at 6-2 175 lbs on Rivals + 247. He's ranked nationally for his class in basketball but the offers in football started pouring in last month. At 6-2, for a freshman PG, he's also a nice size for corner.

He's already received football offers from Clemson, UNC, Virginia Tech, UCLA, Utah and the seemingly omnipresent, Ohio State Buckeyes. MSU has even asked for his contact info. Rivals does list UM as a school showing interest but no offer. He wants to play both sports and wants to hear from Michigan, mainly because of me. His mom says he only likes them because im his BFF (lol). So i'm in a position of influence, so to speak, and I want to see if there's anyway I can make sure he's actually on their radar. He plays for traditional football powerhouse (Trinity Christian, Jacksonville, Fl) where schools are ALWAYS there but UM just isn't really one of them.

Here's basketball highlights from national invite only camps, Fab Frosh and John Lucas, so the competition is stiff in the video. This will be his first year starting varsity for football, so footage is scarce for now but they are offering for a reason.

http://youtu.be/v9C160BAz9Q

Please advise if you have any tips on how I can help him get UMs attention, aside from simply telling him to play well. 

Ghost of BCook…

June 10th, 2014 at 7:29 PM ^

If Rivals lists UM as having interest, he has their attention and they (UM) likely have plenty of information on him.  Nothing left for you to do besides what you said, tell him to play well. 

TIMMMAAY

June 10th, 2014 at 7:29 PM ^

Be careful what you disclose on here, as some of the things here could technically be considered a recruiting violation. You have a connection to UofM, and are advising him. Tread carefully. 

Lucky Socks

June 10th, 2014 at 7:33 PM ^

I didn't consider that. I guess it's possible, but it's the job of a coach or close friend to market a player. He's more than a fan trying to help with M recruiting. He's a rep of the player trying to enhance his options.

I went to HS with a guy whose adoptive brother made him a highlight tape that ultimately landed him several DI offers.

Wee-Bey Brice

June 10th, 2014 at 7:42 PM ^

I've been coaching him for years, not knowing until probably last year that he would make it to this level. Once the OSU offer came in, I knew he was good enough but he likes Michigan so I want to help him get that phone call if I can. However, I'm not too familiar with the many rules so that's why im asking you guys. Whatever it is that I can or can't do to help, let me know.

Lucky Socks

June 10th, 2014 at 7:29 PM ^

In my opinion, you should send the coaches a package. He's a 2017 with buzz so I wouldn't be surprised if they found him sooner than later - can't possibly ID everybody. But I know that coaches often send a highlight package to programs to get their player some eyes.

I would send a package, and write out explicitly - 2017 CB, offers from x, y, z - I think that would catch the eye of whoever screens the mail. Then a handwritten letter about how he'd love to hear from U of M, and his/your contact info.

That's what I'd do. I always wonder how coaches find players in CA or GA with connections to the area. Even you don't, they might find him anyways.

nowicki2005

June 10th, 2014 at 7:29 PM ^

for a freshman. he won't be playing corner in college, he will grow too much. gotta figure he ends up at 6'3 at the least. he looks like a basketball player all the way to me based on body type or WR. its amazing how much pure basketball talent we lack here in Michigan other than the Detroit area

turd ferguson

June 10th, 2014 at 7:48 PM ^

It's hitting me that we're about to hit the point in recruiting when kids were born in the 21st century.  I'm not sure I can handle that.  I still have my Y2K party hat in my bedroom. 

Fire Up Blue

June 10th, 2014 at 8:20 PM ^

Camp is in a few days for football. Last year the majority of the coaching staff was there with dozens of other schools being represented. Id start there

StephenRKass

June 11th, 2014 at 12:41 AM ^

I really enjoyed your insider posts as regards Hand. However, I don't recall ever reading your thoughts on how things finally ended, with Dashawn going to Bama. You may not know the answer, but I'd love to hear your perspective. Was there something Michigan could or should have done differently? Obviously, Alabama has more success, and some players fit better in one setting instead of another. Still, I was disappointed Hand didn't end up in Ann Arbor.

GoBluePhil

June 11th, 2014 at 9:15 PM ^

I went to a few seminars that focused on recruiting. The best thing to do is send full game films to coaches. Do not send highlight film. The coaches want to see full games. They want to see how the kid sets screens, runs the floor without the ball, plays defense and attitude with teammates. The other way is to camp. My son went to Michigan's Elite Camp and it helped. Play AAU and send cover letters with game film so coaches know how to contact you. Good luck.