TomVH: Recruiting Update 5/10

Submitted by TomVH on

Here's a few updates on the recruiting trail within the past couple days.

Jonathan Aiken

5'11, 185 lbs.

Cornerback

Hollywood, Florida


There's been a lot of buzz around Michigan and the Chaminade Madonna high school that Aiken attends. Jonathan has an offer, as do his teammates Jerrard Randall, and Curt "Spiffy" Evans

Evans and Aiken are higher on Michigan than Randall, at this point, but all three plan to trip to Michigan eventually. I spoke with Jonathan recently about Michigan, and here's what he had to say.

"Me and Spiffy were both excited about Michigan. I watch Michigan all the time on TV, and I think it would be great to play in that maize and blue. I'm probably going to wait until signing day, just to make sure everything's right. Curt and I want to go to the same school, too, so that's a good opportunity for us."

Jonathan actually brought up MGoBlog, and our very own Magnus.

"I read MGoBlog all the time, actually. You can relay the message, someone had thought I was related to Kumar Aiken, and I'm not. I read the post about my strengths and weaknesses, too. That was pretty cool."

The post he was referring to was on the front page, but originally here. Michigan has a really good shot at both Evans and Aiken. We might have to wait it out, but there is definitely high interest on both sides.

Anthony Zettel

6'4, 260 lbs.

Offensive Guard

Ogemaw Heights, Michigan


Anthony has narrowed down his list to a top six, which consists of Michigan, Iowa, Michigan State, UCLA, Cincinnati, and Penn State. 

As I've said before, Anthony has told me he will commit when he feels it's right. He's similar to Brennen Beyer, that he is a Michigan fan, but just wants to make sure everything is right. I would be shocked if Anthony doesn't end up picking Michigan. There isn't a set timetable on his decision, so presumably it could happen at any time. He will be in Ann Arbor on May 21st, for the Big House BBQ. I don't think it will happen then, but you never know. 

Deion Barnes

6'5, 220 lbs.

Defensive End

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania


Michigan's recently promoted coach, Adam Braithwaite was in school last week to evaluate Deion. Barnes received his offer at the spring game with the Stokes' and Top Prospects family. I outlined Deion in my defensive line post, and it seems like Michigan will be recruiting Barnes heavily. 

He already has great size for only being a junior, with a frame that will be able to put on a good amount of weight. Barnes seems to play things quiet, but he has real interest in Michigan as well. It sounds like he's still waiting for more schools to offer before really narrowing things down. He currently has offers from Michigan, Louisville, Penn State, Pitt, South Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. 

Virginia Tech Nike Camp

There were some big names at the Virginia Tech Nike Camp this past weekend. Among the most relevant for Michigan fans was Kris Frost. His teammate, QB Christian Lemay, also gets high praise in the article. Lemay recently committed to Georgia, so the answer to the question you were about to ask is no. Frost recently told me that Michigan is still his favorite, and that he would love to don the Maize and Blue. That remains true. 

Other Notables:

Demetrius Hart - No introduction, or picture needed here. I think everyone is well aware who he is. The Orlando Sentinel has an article up that quotes Demetrius saying Michigan is his leader, surprise! You'll notice in the article he says he wants to commit on the 22nd, but it might not work out. He and his family are still trying to work out a schedule to get his Dad up to Ann Arbor as well. If they can't make it work, the trip up to Michigan won't happen. Panic not, because this doesn't mean he won't still commit any time soon, or at a different venue. We'll see how it goes.

If you recall, I spoke with both Demetrius, and his mom about everything. Michigan will get his commitment, but he still plans on taking all of his visits. This sounds about right for the roller coaster of emotions that Michigan fans have been on so far.

Plant High School - ESPN will broadcast the Plant opener against Bradenton Manatee on August 27th. What this means for you? James Wilder is an animal, and you'll get to see him play, if nothing else. Also, his teammate OL Tony Posada holds a Michigan offer, and has mutual interest.

Comments

MGoShoe

May 10th, 2010 at 2:27 PM ^

...is highly encouraging, notwithstanding the possibility that Dee Hart won't make it to the BBQ at the Big House to be followed in quick succession by a "Hello, Demetrius Hart" post. 

Space Coyote

May 10th, 2010 at 2:31 PM ^

I like the Jonathan reads mgoblog, and hope he reads other schools blogs too.  I think it can give an valuable insight about the environment of a school much more so than the media, though not nearly as valuable as, you know, the actual environment on game day and what not.  Also, with mgoblog being one of the best blogs, it doesn't hurt from that stand point.

 

Other than that, I think all these recruits are taking the best approach.  Wait until some offers come in and pick what feels best for you.  It only hurts them and the other schools if they commit early only to decommit later.  Know what is best for you, and when your heart tells you it's time, go with it.  Hopefully all three will find their heart in Ann Arbor when it is all set and done. 

Magnus

May 10th, 2010 at 3:23 PM ^

Aiken commented on Touch the Banner, and I've also seen him comment elsewhere (a Tennessee fan page, maybe).  He's definitely somewhat media/tech savvy when it comes to following his own recruitment.

TomVH, Aiken commented on TTB and spelled his name with an "h" - Johnathan, not Jonathan.  Just an FYI if you care.

Magnus

May 10th, 2010 at 6:54 PM ^

Yes, that would be me.  Someone claiming to be Aiken posted a phone number saying "Call me if you want any more information."  It had a 965 area code, which a Google search revealed to be Kuwait.  I thought the number was fishy, but I didn't want someone a) calling Kuwait and getting charged/scammed or b) annoying Aiken with phone calls if it was indeed his number.

TomVH

May 10th, 2010 at 3:04 PM ^

NomadicBlue:

It's case to case why some kids still visit after they commit. The most popular two are probably that they want free trips to places they've never been, and that their commitment isn't solid.

With Demetrius, he had planned on always taking all of his visits. Being from Florida I'm sure he has pressure on him from different places to go to a certain school. His own teammate, Ha-Sean Clinton Dix, is trying as hard as he can to get him to go to Alabama. His visits might be a way for him to see new places, make sure he's 100%, and possibly do it to please other people. 

I don't think the visits will have an effect on his commitment, but there's never 100% chance of anything.

J. Lichty

May 10th, 2010 at 3:49 PM ^

Big House Blog wrote on Friday (without any source attributed)

There are some rumors that West Branch Offensive Lineman Anthony Zettel is starting to lean towards MSU over Michigan and that a decision could be coming in Late May or June. 

Any insight Tom?

teldar

May 10th, 2010 at 4:15 PM ^

Just saying I hope nobody goes ballistic about offers in the future as we need to remember some of these kids actually find the blogs and read them. Just saying. Also, Tom is incredible. That is all.

NOLA Blue

May 10th, 2010 at 4:57 PM ^

I think they probably simply google their name and read articles about themselves... meaning they do not read the blog and understand the personal quirks of each of its commenting contributors.  This could lead to "inside jokes" and sarcasm carrying much different implications taken out of context.

WolvinLA2

May 10th, 2010 at 5:06 PM ^

Deion Barnes looks like he could be a Monster.  He kind of reminds me of Kenny Wilkins, and they're both from Philly.  He'd be a welcomed addition, fer sure.

As always, keep up the good work VanHaaren.