Wisconsin Commit Jake Pickard offered by Michigan

Submitted by Allin4Blue on

He's a 3 star TE/DE out of NJ.  Interesting to see Harbaugh and Co going after committed players.  Not sure his interest level but he seems like a solid Jake Butt less than Jake Butt type player.

247 Has changed Michigan to the "Warm" interest level for what it's worth.

Hoke offerred him after his Junior year and has a pretty nice offer sheet from the likes of Oregon, BC, and Syracuse.

http://247sports.com/Player/Jake-Pickard-34154

jblaze

January 21st, 2015 at 10:07 AM ^

I don't think it's interesting that Harbaugh is going after committed players, I think it's normal/ expected, especially when the kid is committed to a school with a new coaching staff.

 

123blue

January 21st, 2015 at 10:18 AM ^

Is it only because we're late to the party (with regarding to picking up commits, given the necessary changes in staff, etc) that it seems like so many commited kids are flipping or taking official visits to other schools?  Maybe it happens every year and we just don't notice, but no one seems safe anymore.

alum96

January 21st, 2015 at 10:23 AM ^

I think Jones is headed here.  Reading the Neb boards they seem like he is gone and his last public quote I saw 2 days ago is something like "I am still committed to Nebraska but we'll see how long that lasts."

 

Magnus

January 21st, 2015 at 10:40 AM ^

I think Jones is headed somewhere other than Nebraska.

Not necessarily here.

He has also taken visits to Michigan State and Louisville. He hasn't been to Michigan yet, and I think it might be jumping the gun to say he's coming to Michigan. It could happen, but I think you're just guessing at this point.

BlueinOK

January 21st, 2015 at 10:40 AM ^

Anyone else just waiting for that first commit? I feel like once we get one it will cause a few more. A part of me really wants the top guys to wait until signing day and then decide for Michigan on NSD. How awesome would that look?!

Magnus

January 21st, 2015 at 10:43 AM ^

Pickard's dad carpet-bombed the blogosphere earlier in the recruiting process with Jake's highlights. I remember getting a Tweet from him, looking at his account, and then realizing that he was sending links to anyone and everyone from every major program around the country. It was actually pretty impressive that he would be working that hard.

Anyway, I remember thinking that Pickard looked like a potential tackle at the time. I'm not sure I like him as a tight end, and I think his upside is limited as a defensive end. Maybe his best bet would be to pack on the pounds and become a lineman full-time.

004

January 21st, 2015 at 11:04 AM ^

This is the young man who's father knew Hoke from way back.  I live in his home town and can relate that the word on the street here has him as a high character young man and good student in a very competitive school system.

I'd love to see him in Maize & Blue.

With offers like this, I think 'The Pattern' meme is carrying over from the last staff to this one.

 

UofM626

January 21st, 2015 at 11:07 AM ^

Is basically offering the usual suspects, but is really going after good 3* players right now that have a offer sheet that might not have the top flight schools hoping to flip them. He knows he's up against the clock and has to get some kids to commit quick to get our numbers up. Just my take on things

Crisler 71

January 21st, 2015 at 11:57 AM ^

I haven't been paying that much attention but it seems to me that the coach is particularly going after commits where the school has had a coaching change.  It makes sense since now the kid has just lost the relationship he has built up with the previous coaching staff and JH is on equal footing.

Crisler 71

January 21st, 2015 at 12:40 PM ^

I have no problem with it either.  It just seems like a good strategy, especially for higher rated recruits, or those in a position of need.  It appears to be a good way to make up for lost time by simply attacking those that are no longer ahead of you.

dvlfnfv5

January 21st, 2015 at 4:51 PM ^

Whoa, this kid goes to the HS I graduated from many years ago! Never thought I'd see a kid from Millburn get offered by Michigan. To be honest, Millburn is a perennial bottom feeder in its division and doesn't play the greatest competition. I think we've had only one D1 level recruit in the past 10 years...another TE who went to Syracuse.

 

Football has never been a big deal in Millburn, but who cares. I'm excited to hear about the offer and hope Jake goes Blue!