TVH Weekly: Trey Keenan, Ondre Pipkins, Steven Elmer, and More

Submitted by TomVH on

It was an important weekend for offensive line recruiting with a total of six linemen on campus: Jordan Diamond, Andrus Peat, Chris Muller, Blake Bars, Trey Keenan, and Steven Elmer. New offers were also extended and camp has begun. Here's a look at some of the recent happenings and what a few recruits had to say about Michigan.

Trey Keenan

6'5", 270 lbs.

Offensive Lineman

Argyle, Texas


Michigan was always high on Keenan's list since his family is originally from Michigan. A summer visit had always been in the works for him and he finally got to take in Ann Arbor this past weekend.

All the places I've been to are southern schools and I've never really been to a place like Michigan. It's flattering to be here and see all the tradition and history in the buildings. They have national championships and all americans so it's pretty cool to be here. 

This visit gave Keenan a better look at what Michigan really has to offer, and it also gave him a chance to meet face to face with the coaches.

We got to talk to everybody, Coach Hoke, the Athletic Director, Coach Funk. We took a tour of everything and you could definitely tell that the whole thing was a well thought out process. Every place has nice stuff and nice facilities but Michigan has so much tradition. I really felt welcomed, too, and I felt wanted and needed.

Feeling like he was wanted was something that really stuck out to Trey while he was on campus.

They only have something like eight scholarship linemen. We've been to places that have said they need linemen, but with Michigan it was major here. There's a chance to play early here and that is something really cool at a place like Michigan. I also really liked the strength coach and how he put everything. He talked about everything and how they individualize certain aspects.

So what's next for Keenan?

We're going to the morning session of camp tomorrow [Monday]. I'm going to work out with Coach Funk to get a feel for him and how he interacts with his players. We do have a short list right now and Michigan is on that short list. I don't want to say how many are on it yet. We're going to take the next week then talk about everything with my coaches and family. All my planned summer visits are done with so we'll figure out what's going to happen next. This visit did nothing but up Michigan's status though.

Like he said he plans on meeting with his coaches and family within the next week to discuss what's next. If I had to guess it would seem like he's getting close to a decision, and it seems like Michigan could be in good shape.

Ondre PipkinsOndre Pipkins

6'3", 325 lbs.

Defensive Tackle

Kansas City, Missouri


Pipkins recently released his top seven of Michigan, Alabama, Oregon, Tennessee, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Florida. It's no secret that Ondre has ties to Michigan, especially with his father still living there. He has planned on taking a summer visit to Michigan all along and it looks like he has an idea of when it will take place.

I'll be up there in late July or the beginning of August. I just can't wait to see the Big House, somewhere that I can possibly live out my dreams.

I know that Pipkins has wavered on when he would like to make his final decision, but it seems like there's a chance that it could be sooner than originally planned. 

Steve ElmerSteven Elmer

6'6", 297 lbs.

Offensive Lineman

Midland, Michigan


Elmer was on campus today with his father and was extended an offer from the Michigan coaches. He's a 2013 offensive line prospect that now holds offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Mississippi State. It's safe to say he'll be one of the better prospects in the country come next year. His father told me a little about how the visit went today.

It was great, we took an unofficial visit before camp today. We got to meet with the coaches, Coach Hoke, Borges, Funk, and the fact that it was the busiest day for them and they got us in there says a lot. I told Steven that this will probably be as good as or better than anything he's ever seen so far, and we were very impressed.

Academics will be a big factor in Steven's recruitment and Michigan always seems to impress in that department with Shari Acho.

The academics was the best part of the trip. Shari gave the part that I wanted to hear the most and it was fantastic. She explained that when you go to the University of Michigan you are part of a select group of people and you don't really understand that until you hear it in person. She was trying to talk fast and squeeze it all in but I told her we can see everything else any time. If I could go back and talk more about the academics with her I would.

This is all happening very early, especially for an offensive lineman, so the family is still taking everything in.

Steven did really well at the Sound Mind Sound Body camp. We really like the message that camp sends so we went out there for that and he did really well. There's obviously been a good amount of interest from what he did there and people have been watching the videos all over the place, too. My wife is actually going with him out to Notre Dame later this week. She hasn't seen Notre Dame. She needs to see that stuff too, and the academic pitch from places like Notre Dame, Wisconsin, and Michigan. 

The family plans on sitting back and watching everything play out. They plan on trying to get out to a few games during the season as well. I spoke more with the elder Elmer and will post more on Steven later in the week.

Shaquille WigginsShaquille Wiggins

5'7", 151 lbs.

Cornerback

Tyrone, Georgia


Wiggins was another 2013 prospect who had an outstanding performance at the Sound Mind Sound Body camp. Following the event he was notified that he had received an offer from Michigan. He also reports holding offers from Cincinnati and Ohio State. He told me that he was very surprised to see Michigan jump in the mix.

My coach in Atlanta always talks about Ohio and Michigan players are real ballers. So I wanted to come up north and show my southern skills. I wasn't trying to impress anybody, just go out there and play. I really wasn't expecting the offers at all. I never really heard anything from them so I guess when they watched me in the one on one drills they liked me.

An early offer is definitely a good indicator of how interested they are. Wiggins also talked about his process and who he grew up watching.

My dream school was Florida State, but after Cincinnati offered me I had a long conversation with their staff. They made me really comfortable. I like how FSU uses their cornerbacks, and I know that Michigan is known for great talent at corner. Guys like Charles Woodson, I can't remember some of the other names but they're good for cornerbacks. From how I feel now I'll probably wait until after my junior year or during my junior year. I think I'll make my decision pretty early so I get my recruitment over with.

Wiggins told me that he plans on making it back up to Michigan very soon. I have a feeling that Michigan has made a very good impression on him and he wants to explore that further. There's a good chance Michigan is one of his top schools.

Extra:

Arizona OL Andrus Peat discussed his visit to Michigan. I think this trip helped Michigan tremendously with Peat. He didn't know much about the city or university so this gave him a good look at what they have to offer.

2012 Georgia WR Jason Croom recently received a Michigan offer. His mother happened to be in Michigan and stopped by campus this past weekend. Jason will make it back up to Ann Arbor in August.

Here's a list of some of the visitors expected in for camp this week.

2013 Ohio DB Cameron Burrows could be hearing from Michigan soon. He hails from Trotwood Madison which is the home of Roy Roundtree, Mike Shaw, and Brandon Moore. He is friends with Roy and talks to him on occasion. Keep an eye on his name.

I reported last week that Ohio DB Jarrod Wilson will be meeting with his coaches again on Monday [the 20th] to discuss what's next for him. He's very quiet so they aren't sure if he plans on making a decision or waiting things out.

Ohio QB Maty Mauk told me via text that his decision should come in the next few weeks. He's been keeping everything close to the vest so I'm not sure where he's leaning, or who he's deciding between.

Illinois OL Jordan Diamond stopped by Michigan before he made it over to the Sound Mind Sound Body camp. He also made it back over to Ann Arbor Sunday morning for one more trip. 

Massachusetts OL Eric Olson told me that his decision will likely come before the 4th of July. I think Michigan has a good chance, but he keeps everything quiet so we'll see what happens.

Nike and ESPN are hosting an event called The Opening that takes place in Oregon on July 5th to the 9th. It is invitation only and you'll notice some familiar names on the list. Anthony Standifer told me that he will likely be going, as will Ron Thompson and Danny O'Brien.

Comments

yoopergoblue

June 20th, 2011 at 1:05 AM ^

Wiggins.  5'7" 151 pounds!  He makes Terry Richardson look huge.  I'm sure he has more growing to do though and the staff must see some potential in him.

ryebreadboy

June 20th, 2011 at 1:18 AM ^

Ohio State has offered too, so I think it's pretty safe to say there's some talent there.  Not that they're a better barometer than we are of course, but we both generally go after high talent.  The kid must be incredible.  I wonder if he's in any of the SMSB footage that's been posted around?

ken725

June 20th, 2011 at 4:52 PM ^

I read reports from the SMSB camp that it got kind of chippy between Godin and Elmer.  On on rep Elmer just stone walled Godin and Godin got in a little shove after the rep.  Not a big deal and it seemed like they were both going at it pretty hard.  It was nice to see such a competitive spirit from both players.  From the footage it looks like Godin has shed some bad weight and is looking more and more like a DE. 

rockydude

June 20th, 2011 at 1:13 AM ^

Both of these guys said some of the things that I like to hear. I liked that Pipkins thinks that the Big House might be where his dreams can come true. That shows just how seriously he is taking this and the extent to which he can visual success at Michigan.

Also, for being a young guy, it is impressive to hear Steve Elmer focus on the academic counsellor so much. He's definitely one that has his focus on the right things, and those are the guys that keep out of trouble and channel their energies into the right places. Nothing but good stuff coming from these two guys . . . 

ryebreadboy

June 20th, 2011 at 1:22 AM ^

I definitely agree.  It seemed like his dad was blown away by everything about the visit.  He said he'd like to hear more from Shari, and I'm sure UM could make that happen.  I know Elmer's mom likes MSU, and his dad ND, but I definitely think Michigan made an impression.  It'll be even better if he comes out for a couple games this year, as his dad indicated they'd like to.  Get him out here for the ND game when a whole bunch of our top targets will be in town and let him see the caliber of players he'd be playing with at UM.  I definitely think this one comes down to UM/ND (I know his mom loves MSU, but academically they're nowhere near the same tier, whatever MSU slappies might say).

ryebreadboy

June 20th, 2011 at 1:42 AM ^

Wow, there are some big names invited to that Nike: The Opening thing.  In addition to Standifer, Thompson, and O'Brien (btw, any information on recent reports of a resurgence in his recruitment on our end, Tom?), they've got Magnuson, his friend Seumalo (who I'd like to see us offer), Jarrod Wilson, Adam Bisnowaty, Sheldon Day, William Mahone, Ifeadi Odenigbo, Richardson, Ross, Shittu, and Dwayne Stanford (although no Washington, apparently).  That was just on a skimming of the list, there may be more.  Seems like a fantastic weekend for UM commits to do some recruiting.

TomVH

June 20th, 2011 at 2:02 PM ^

No, Isaac has ties to Oregon State I believe. They have said that they want to play together and Isaac told me he would be interested in Michigan. I don't think he'd commit right away but they would have a chance.

dennisblundon

June 20th, 2011 at 7:53 AM ^

Sounds like a great recruiting week end. I was hoping Diamond might pull the trigger while in town but the visits certainly help. The fact that you don't mention him much also leads me to believe that a decision maybe close.

Magnus

June 20th, 2011 at 8:05 AM ^

Josh Helmholdt thinks Elmer will contend for 5-star status next year.  I don't really expect him to be THAT well regarded, but at the very least, he should be a solid 4-star kid.  I had hoped that Michigan would offer him sooner, but maybe they wanted to do it in person when he was on campus.

Don

June 20th, 2011 at 9:58 AM ^

This is from one of the free boards over at Scout; there was no source or link so I have no idea if this is an accurate quote from Pipkins or not.

"I do want to be close to home. The process might end a little sooner than I expected. I can't wait to get up to Michigan to visit."

74polSKA

June 20th, 2011 at 10:23 AM ^

I haven't followed UM recruiting this closely before but it's really exciting to see the new staff in on so many huge recruits.  With them locking up so many guys this early, imagine what 2013 is going to look like!!

ILwolverine

June 20th, 2011 at 10:24 AM ^

What has been happening with Aziz Shittu there was a lot of excitement after his decommittment but I have not heard much recently. Would i be correct in assuming he will play out his recruitment until close to signing dat seeing as he is a top prospect? Also is there any chance we could get him and Pipkens together thin this class?

TomVH

June 20th, 2011 at 10:41 AM ^

I did an update on Aziz in last week's Weekly Update, which is here

"Cali DT Aziz Shittu was mentioned above in the defensive line recruiting, because I think Michigan has a legitimate shot with him. Shittu has a top eleven right now that includes Michigan, Cal, Notre Dame, Auburn, USC, UCLA, Stanford, Florida, Washington, Arizona, and Nebraska. "I might make it out [to Michigan] for the Notre Dame game, those jerseys were dope," Shittu told me. Dope is good. He will probably wait to see how teams perform during the season before making any decisions. Ondre Pipkins has wavered on when he will make his decision, so Ondre's decision could potentially alter where Shittu ends up if he were to pick Michigan."

RedfordUofMfan

June 20th, 2011 at 12:18 PM ^

Tom, is there any word on Thurston?  If you read the Nebraska Rivals site, one would believe that he's a Nebraska lean.  Could a Keenan and/or Olson commitment push Thurston away from U of M?  Thanks.

Harballer

June 20th, 2011 at 1:45 PM ^

Tom, I was wondering if there was any new word on Joshua Garnett.  I know he isn't mentioned as much as some of the other recruits around here, but he is a player that I really got excited about when I saw his highlight tape.  Is he planning on getting out to AA this summer or is he waiting until fall to take an official?