Aw man, not on Detroit Day!
Michigan’s giant 2020 linebacker class, the one that was supposed to restock the cupboards, is down to just Kalel Mullings and Nikhai Hill-Green, after LB Cornell Wheeler announced this evening he’s entering the portal.
The lowest ranked but highest floored of the class that’s also lost viper William Mohan and ILB Osman Savage, Wheeler’s calling card was playing in the heart of West Bloomfield’s defense, which then-coach Ron Bellamy modeled on Don Brown’s, including in terminology. Wheeler didn’t just dabble his toes in it either—he started four games as a freshman and racked up almost 300 tackles as an upperclassman, serving as team captain both seasons.
While that early familiarity helped fellow 2020 Laker Makari Paige play ahead of two touted New Jersey safeties, it’s moot now, and didn’t help even when Brown was still around. Wheeler did not play last year, and was not threatening the depth chart this spring when true freshman Junior Colson and Wheeler’s remaining classmates all got mention behind starters Josh Ross and Michael Barrett.
Still, we had hopes that all of these friends from high school—including his former head coach—would mean Wheeler would be more patient than most guys in his situation. With a free transfer year and a lot of easier paths to the field, it’s also highly understandable, especially considering the athletes that Macdonald is targeting, and targeted while with the Ravens. We mournfully hand off this all-time coach quote/prayer to whichever path he chooses:
Ron Bellamy: “[Cornell Wheeler is] a physically intimidating kid, for a high school kid. You know, you’re on the sideline as a coach and, by preparation and game planning, you know when the team’s going to run the screen or going to run the draw, whatever it may be. And he’s on the field screaming out what’s about to happen. And you’re just like, "Oh man. Bless these kids that are about to get hit by Cornell."
Michigan has been active in the portal for DT, LB, and CB help, but hasn’t had any luck with much beyond the former. Even former West Bloomfield LB Lance Dixon couldn’t get past the part where we try to work around Michigan’s byzantine transfer protocols.
There is no content after the jump.
19