Since this is a position of great need, and as the recruiting services aren't showing Crystal Balls for grad transfers like Calvin Anderson, I put together a few recent quotes from him. I'm not going to post the earlier info Brian did a great job of running through on MgoBlog, nor am I trying to cherry pick. So far Anderson has taken visits to Texas, Auburn and Michigan. Hopefully this gives people an idea of (at least what he is communicating as) his thought process. Caveat: recruits generally talk up every school they visit, so you may have to read between the lines some.
On his decision to transfer in general, Anderson stated that after his redshirt junior season in Houston, he talked his possible NFL future over with his father. The two agreed he had legitimate NFL dreams that could best reach their potential at a Power 5 institution.
I am trying to go to the best place for seven months to get prepared the best.
On his thoughts about Auburn:
“I think they helped themselves greatly. I already thought pretty highly of Auburn and I didn’t know much about it, and now that I know a lot more than I did, I think they went from being great to more great,” Anderson said. “For placements and all that, I got to think through it, but I think they certainly — it’s certainly pluses. So, how many pluses, I’ll figure out, but certainly pluses.”...
“A lot of it speaks for itself. Obviously SEC football is the biggest football you can play at the collegiate level.”
On his thoughts about Texas:
“Proximity to home is not really much of a factor, because I am trying to go to the best place for seven months to get prepared the best. So it’s great to be at home. All that’s great. But that’s not really weighing into this decision, because it’s a business decision,” Anderson said. “So I’m taking into account what can help me be better, and I don’t think proximity to home has anything to do with that.”
On his thoughts about Michigan:
“The thing that sets Michigan apart, other than how much I like [Michigan director of recruiting Matt] Dudek and coach [Tim] Drevno, is the opportunity to play against Ohio State and Nick Bosa,” Anderson said. “That’s a huge deal to me because it’s a high-profile game and gives any high-level tackle a chance to boost their stock. Also, the importance of the alumni bases is a big benefit. “He’s the best defensive end in the country, so I would love the opportunity to display my talents against him. I love the chance to play against big-time defensive ends.”
As much as I would willingly argue with Anderson on that last point, he also explained that going up against Rashan Gary in practice on a daily basis is another benefit to choosing Michigan. (I've also included the paywalled site interview regarding Michigan for those who have 247, but have only posted public info).
Any and all other wildcard information out there:
Anderson's father was just promoted to "full bird" Colonel in the army. That's a big mark that few career officers attain. Michigan and Texas both sent him congratulatory letters. Not so much the other schools. That appears to not have been lost on Anderson, either.
Today my dad had the honor of being promoted to the rank of full bird Colonel in the army! I’m incredibly proud of his dedication to not only our family, but to our country. Thank you @UMichFootball and @TexasFootball for the tributes to him as well! #HookEm #Michigan pic.twitter.com/DcJ3Zfyxik
— Calvin Anderson (@THE_CONDA25) February 3, 2018
He stated he plans on making a decision by March 25th.
