Friday Recruitin' Hired A Football Wizard
Michigan’s junior day saw a bevy of talent come through Ann Arbor from all over the country and at a number of positions of need. They’ve been in the mix for IL WR AJ Henning since last spring (he visited for the spring game that didn’t happen), and they remains high on his list. There’s one key difference between last year’s staff and this one, though, and Henning got time to sit down and take in a presentation from new offensive coordinator Josh Gattis when he visited for junior day last weekend. It sounds like Gattis gave him the #SpeedInSpace pitch, pulling up film that illustrated how the Wolverines would use the nation’s #51 overall prospect and #8 WR. From what he told 247’s Steve Wiltfong, it sounds like Henning would be a perfect fit for Gattis.
"He's seen players like me before, the type of player that can make plays outside and make plays in space. Primarily they'll have me in the slot and move me around, different stuff with jet motion and outside as well.
Henning told Wiltfong that he has a good relationship with most of Michigan’s staff and just needs to continue to build one with Gattis. Five of six crystal balls favor Notre Dame, but they’re months (or, in two instances, over a year) old. This is a recruitment to keep an eye considering the fit, Michigan’s need for 2020 receivers, and the length of time they’ve been after him. 247’s Steve Lorenz asked around and was told that Michigan did what they needed to during the visit to become a real factor in Henning’s decision. Henning also spoke with The Wolverine’s Brandon Brown, telling him that he doesn’t know whether he will commit before or after the season and that his commitment date will impact when he takes his officials, but he does plan to take another visit to Michigan.
That said, there are certainly outside influences at play. 247’s Allen Trieu posted an excellent Midwest update in which he noted that he could see Henning and four-star IL WR Jadon Thompson going to the same school, and Thompson currently has one CB in: for Purdue, from Trieu. Thompson was on campus with Henning last weekend, though. Thompson told WolverinesWire’s Evan Petzold that Michigan is high on his list after visiting; he has a top-six of Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Missouri, Illinois, and Purdue.
[This post gets decidedly supernatural after THE JUMP]
Two longtime targets at receiver were also visited Ann Arbor last weekend. MI WR Devell Washington is thought to be a Michigan State lean (he’s related to Charles Rogers), but he told 247’s Allen Trieu his last visit to Michigan was amazing. His tape shows a receiver who can beat press, leap and high point the ball, and though that’s probably where he’ll end up he’s also been pitched on the other side of the ball. Washington told Rivals’ Josh Helmholdt that he talked to Don Brown during his visit and Brown told him defensive players last longer in the NFL. Wouldn’t mind having a 6’4”, 215 pound safety with Washington’s level of athleticism, to be honest. Purdue also seems to be of serious interest to Washington, who likes the authenticity of their staff. He’s slated to visit there in a couple of weeks, take spring officials, and decide this summer.
Less clearly delineated is the timeline for MI WR Rashawn Williams. He too visited Ann Arbor to go bowling for Michigan’s junior day, and he had nothing but positive things to say to 247, Rivals, and WolverinesWire afterward. New OC Josh Gattis seemed to make quite an impression, as Williams told Rivals’ Josh Helmholdt that Gattis is “…like a football wizard,” 247’s Allen Trieu “[Gattis] is a football wizard,” and WolverinesWire’s Evan Petzold that meeting Gattis was like “meeting a football wizard.” I feel that I am somewhat of an authority on this topic as someone who has both read the Harry Potter books and seen all of the movies (some more than once), and I deem this a positive development. Less positive: Williams told Helmholdt that he let Indiana and Purdue’s staff know that his recruitment is “100 percent open” when they visited his school, and both schools said they’d recruit him harder now that they knew that. Like Washington, he’s scheduled to visit Purdue later this month. Williams also updated Helmholdt on his decision timeline:
“If I feel the time is right tomorrow, I guess that will be the right time.”
In light of that, it makes some sense that current 2020 pledge MI CB Andre Seldon told The Michigan Insider about a month ago that he thinks Williams could commit to Michigan soon.
A number of other top in-state prospects were also on hand for junior day, including Southfield A&T DT Bryce Austin. He’s unranked in the composite but 247 has him #318 overall and #23 at his position. He told The Michigan Insider’s Sam Webb that he wasn’t worried when Michigan came through his school and offered two quarterbacks (2020’s Anthony Rompfh and a seventh-grader) but not him. He got his offer once Michigan got its defensive line coach, as Harbaugh and Shaun Nua let Austin know he had an offer at the junior day event. From what he told Webb, Purdue and Boston College seem to be in serious contention thanks to their frequent contact, but Austin’s two CBs are on Michigan State and the offer from Michigan instantly rocketed them into his top five; Austin told Webb he will likely commit before the season, but there’s clearly quite a bit for him to still sort through right now. He has only played defensive line for a year and his tape shows impressive speed off the snap and motor, and I’d be surprised if he doesn’t make a significant move up the rankings by the time all is said and done.
Four-star SDE Braiden McGregor, one of Michigan’s top priorities this cycle, got to spend plenty of time with newly hired DL coach Shaun Nua during junior day. This was especially important for McGregor, who had built a close bond with Greg Mattison. McGregor told The Wolverine’s Brandon Brown that he really likes Nua, then dropped some interesting information about his decision timeline (muddied a bit by attention from schools around the nation) and possible position fits. McGregor told Brown he plans to visit some southern schools in March before making a decision in April. If one of those schools is Alabama, he’ll be sitting with the tight ends coach; they’re looking at him exclusively at TE. Michigan, however, is recruiting McGregor as a tight end and defensive end. Clemson and Ohio State are looking at McGregor as a TE/DE as well, while all other schools involved see him as a DE.
One big prospect being recruited solely as a tight end is Windsor (Ont.) TE Theo Johnson, a composite three-star currently ranked 2020's #11 tight end. He recently completed his fourth visit to Michigan and finally picked up a scholarship offer last month. The 6’5”, 235-pounder got to spend time with TEs coach Sherrone Moore and further develop that bond, as well as receive a presentation about how tight ends will be used under Josh Gattis. Turns out the presentation was insightful for both fans and Johnson.
“What he told me was that I’m rarely if ever going to have my hand on the ground. I’m either going to be in a two-point, or in a receiver stance out in the slot. So, it seems to me like they plan on doing a lot more passing stuff to their tight ends, rather than a lot of the traditional stuff they’ve been doing over the years.
Moore told TMI’s Sam Webb that Penn State and Georgia have shown the most interest thus far, but he thinks that Michigan will soon be at the same level should the amount of contact he’s had with Moore stay consistent. According to The Wolverine’s Brandon Brown, Moore told Johnson that Michigan likes his size, and they believe he can get to 250 without losing any mobility. Moore also let him know that Michigan only has five tight ends on scholarship right now, which should be fairly beneficial in Johnson’s recruitment as he thought they had 13. He told both Brown and Webb that he’d like to pick his college destination before the season but that it might slip, so don’t be surprised when Johnson is still being written about in this space in October.
Etc.
The Wolverine has a list of all 14 prospects Michigan offered at St. Frances Academy. Junior Day visitor lists from The Michigan Insider and The Wolverine.
February 1st, 2019 at 12:13 PM ^
The nation’s #51 overall prospect and only the #8 WR? Must be a great year for WR talent.
February 1st, 2019 at 12:33 PM ^
This is anecdotal, but I always get the vibe that skill players are easier to identify early, so they get ranked high early in the cycle. As the cycle wears on, linemen start to separate themselves with size/strength and start to creep up in the rankings.
Consider this:
There are only 7 offensive linemen among the 50 players ahead of Henning in the 2020 class. There are 5 offensive linemen on the field every single play, and generally just 2-4 receivers.
For comparison, there were 9 offensive linemen in the top 50 by the end of 2019.
I'm not sure if the stats support that idea long-term, but that's been my conception.
February 1st, 2019 at 12:57 PM ^
That actually seems very reasonable. You could tell a guy like DPJ was going to be special when he was a Freshman in HS. Much harder to see a future elite OT when looking at a 14 year old.
February 1st, 2019 at 2:25 PM ^
Personally, I think it's because a skill position player usually has the requisite size and speed earlier in their career. If you have a guy that's 6'2, 155 and runs really fast, there isnt as much of a concern about his physical makeup, because you can put a bit of weight on him, and he's got the frame. But if you have a really physical Offensive lineman that's 6'4, 225, there needs to be a little sifting through and waiting to see if he adds weight, and how he plays once he adds the weight. The early camps support skill position players a lot better, because at least for the elite tier, there's less of a body to fill out. Being fast is easier to measure than blocking well. A fast kid from Rhode Island is gonna be fast compared to a kid from Georgia if they run the same 40. An offensive lineman from Rhode Island is going to have the competition concerns compared to a kid from Georgia as well.
February 1st, 2019 at 1:09 PM ^
It'll be interesting how Michigan plays its WR recruiting this cycle after signing 5 WRs in 2019 (4 if Sainristil ends up at DB).
After getting 4 slot types in 2019, the goal would be to get as many outside types to complement them. They already have Kalil Branham locked up. In addition, they have Rashawn Williams, Devell Washington, Ian Stewart that are high on Michigan. And several elite WRs (Julian Fleming, Rakim Jarrett, Javian Hester, Michael Redding) that Michigan is targeting. Jadon Thompson, Mike Wyman, Jaden Dottin, Traeshon Holden have also been connected to Michigan. Sam also mentioned Earnest Sanders on today's recruiting roundup as someone to watch.
In addition to the outside types, there are several slot types who are high on Michigan (Henning, Downs).
I'm assuming a 25ish member class for 2020 so maybe 4 WRs with at least 3 being outside WRs. Maybe 5 if they take someone like Ian Stewart who could play safety.
February 1st, 2019 at 1:18 PM ^
Sounds like Peters leaving.
Most speculated it, but now even the players are talking about it. Maybe someone else on board can provide more insight. My guess is graduates and he gone.
Cheers
February 1st, 2019 at 1:21 PM ^
That would be the least surprising transfer we have left.
Is there anything to the rumor about an upperclassmen starter being academically expelled from the university?
February 1st, 2019 at 1:42 PM ^
Holy hell where did you hear that?
February 1st, 2019 at 2:29 PM ^
The webz
February 1st, 2019 at 4:46 PM ^
Chris Evans is the name I see popping up. All rumors at this point.
February 1st, 2019 at 12:14 PM ^
Thanks for the update Purdue, Adam. Great to hear Purdue that we're in on Purdue so many talented wide Purdue receiver prospects!
February 1st, 2019 at 12:54 PM ^
Thank you Purdue for Purdue reading Purdue
February 1st, 2019 at 1:10 PM ^
Being in this many recruiting battles with Purdue is dangerous. If Alabama can win national championships using their engineering school to recruit, imagine what Purdue can do with theirs.
/s...well the part about Alabama's engineering school anyway. Those trailer parks aren't that well designed, just sayin'
February 1st, 2019 at 1:29 PM ^
Purdue to this. I couldn't Purdue more.
Purdue you Purdue comedy for a living?
February 1st, 2019 at 12:25 PM ^
Feels like 2020 could be the class 2018 should have been
February 1st, 2019 at 12:33 PM ^
Sounds like Brohm has upgraded Purdue's recruiting significantly. Could make the West much more interesting.
February 1st, 2019 at 12:58 PM ^
A fun Purdue and not terrible Nebraska will really improve the West.
February 1st, 2019 at 12:50 PM ^
So is this upcoming recruiting cycle considered the 2020 class? And does it include the two 5-star linemen at Clarkston (one of them Mark Spindler's son). We've got to lock those guys up before they do something stupid like go to MSU or that shithole dumbbell factory down in central Ohio.
February 1st, 2019 at 12:57 PM ^
Yep, the upcoming cycle is the class of 2020. Clarkston's two linemen are in the class 2021, so they'll be playing their junior seasons this fall
February 1st, 2019 at 1:14 PM ^
I'm a Harbaugh truther so I'm not freaking out or complaining, but are you a little surprised or can you explain the lack of elite talent currently on our recruiting board for 2020?
I think our current staff is incredible and thought that Gattis and Nua hires might have some elite guys in the West and South looking our way but when I look at the 247 board I don't see us in a crystal ball battle for any of the Top 100 recruits.
Thanks.
February 1st, 2019 at 1:20 PM ^
Gattis yes, but Nua... I'm nua sure his hiring is going to turn the heads of elite recruits immediately. He needs some time to prove out as a good DL coach at the national level.
February 1st, 2019 at 2:02 PM ^
Lack of crystal balls doesn't mean that Michigan is out of top 100 recruits. I doubt that Michigan will stop recruiting Myles Hinton. They are definitely recruiting Jay Butterfield hard, as well as Julian Fleming, Justin Rogers, Rakim Jarrett, Darrion Henry, AJ Henning, Jacolbe Cowan, Andrew Raym, Javian Hester, Mookie Cooper, and Enzo Jennings.
In addition, it's still early. There may be new names that will pop up with more offers being sent out. No one thought Daxton Hill and Michigan would have a relationship this time last year. It sucks not having a 5 star committed like Chris Hinton to start the class, because that elevates the image of the class. But Michigan is still in the mix for many top targets.
Also, don't forget that there is a lot of movement in rankings with camp season in the summer so there may be recruits on the outside that end up being top 100 or even 5 star recruits by the end of it.
February 1st, 2019 at 3:08 PM ^
I'm 93% sure we had this same conversation last year.
February 2nd, 2019 at 9:38 AM ^
I am 94% sure that we have the same conversation every year.
February 1st, 2019 at 3:28 PM ^
We just got a four star linebacker out of DC that no one was talking about. Last year Dax Hill, Trente Jones, Zach Charbonnet, and a few others weren't even on the radar. Last year was a legit concern, because coming off of 2018, there were serious question marks about the staffs ability to close on elite recruits out of region. That concern no longer appears to be there.
February 1st, 2019 at 3:38 PM ^
We've also added nothing but very solid recruiting coaches since then. Pep is now our only dead weight.
February 1st, 2019 at 2:42 PM ^
Ehh i wouldn't read too much into who the top linemen are in 2021. Of the high 4/5 star OL in the 2019 class, Charles Cross was ranked for the first time 10 months ago at 867, Caedan Wallace was 260 a year ago, Trente Jones was just outside the top 350, and Davontae Dobbs was easy top 10. Still plenty of time, those guys are just developed a little quicker. They can be really good, but I wouldn't assume that they'll be 5 starts in 2 years
February 1st, 2019 at 1:13 PM ^
Johnson thought 15% of Michigan's scholarship players were tight ends?! Only in Harbaugh's dreams...
February 1st, 2019 at 1:14 PM ^
I get that Brohm is considered a hot commodity right now, but he likely won't be at Purdue for long. Outside of Brohm, what is the pitch for Purdue?
"Every once in a while we have a decent season!"
"Occasionally we play really well!"
"When you are a mediocre team every win is a huge upset!"
February 1st, 2019 at 1:23 PM ^
I guess you haven't seen their field lately, which just happens to be framed by lines meant to simulate a train track? Also they have state of the art medical facilities just a short station wagon ride away from their facilities? And have you ever even been to West Lafayette? Do yourself a favor and get down there because it's beautiful this time of year.
February 1st, 2019 at 3:32 PM ^
Yeah, i remember our QB had to ride in a station wagon after a cheap shot injury because there was no medical stuff at the stadium.
February 1st, 2019 at 1:37 PM ^
Any ideas as to who we may be signing on NSD? Anyone other than the 2 unsigned commits?
February 1st, 2019 at 2:23 PM ^
Not a subscriber to the premium sites but I don't think we should expect anyone new on NSD based on the podcasts I have been following.
Specifics --- Sounds like the RB currently committed to 'Bama situation has cooled - not sure on which end. Kid is looking to take a USC visit this weekend over a visit to MSU that they thought/hoped they would get...(lol). Still a chance to get the grad transfer DT from Houston but unsure what timeline that follows.
General -- Steve Lorenz said on the last MGoPodcast that he was originally pretty sure that M would sign 1-2 new names on NSD but now thinks they may be a bit tight on numbers and will probably stand pat.
FYI -- I think we have 2 "unannounced" commits as opposed to unsigned - It is possible that Hickson from KC hasn't actually signed yet but there are no concerns internally that he won't.
February 1st, 2019 at 2:43 PM ^
Thank you. I subscribe to Michigan Insider but haven't seen much of anything about NSD, just 2020 recruiting.
February 1st, 2019 at 3:09 PM ^
I don't think anyone new will be signing. My take is that 2019 recruiting is pretty much finished, other than on the preferred walk-on front.
February 1st, 2019 at 1:47 PM ^
It is odd to see so many potential recruits mention Purdue as a possibility. It will be interesting to see if this presages a rebirth of competitive Purdue football, or is just a short term flash.
February 1st, 2019 at 1:55 PM ^
Purdue runs a fun system. That's going to attract at least some interest. Who knows if it's going to translate to actual commits.
February 1st, 2019 at 2:07 PM ^
Already has. Their 2019 class is 24th per 247 composite, way above where they've been and 5th in the conference
February 1st, 2019 at 2:16 PM ^
That's impressive. Is Frost/Nebraska keeping pace?
February 1st, 2019 at 2:10 PM ^
I am shocked by the level of interest in...Purdue?
Brohm is a good coach (and a dick), but...Purdue?
#SeemsFishy
February 1st, 2019 at 2:45 PM ^
"So coach Brohm, why should I, a very athletic and explosive wide receiver, pick Purdue"
*Brohm slides highlight tape of Rondale Moore against Ohio State*
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