"We're Venture Capitalists"

Yesterday's BBQ at the Big House produced a commitment from Sir Patrick Scott and very positive reactions from those in attendance. The highlight was the scavenger hunt that doubled as a campus tour, and since Jim Harbaugh was involved, of course this happened:

#AmaizingQuest wedding crashers pic.twitter.com/7bXwr0cPPx

— Brandon Peters (@Bpeters2118) August 2, 2015

That managed to edge out Swag Mattison, Very Serious Study Session, and You Shall Not Sack This Library for best picture from the event.

While Scott ended up being the only commitment, Michigan made significant progress for recruits in several classes. Beginning with the rising seniors, four-star 2016 CO WDE/OLB Carlo Kemp sounds like a distinct possibility to fill a much-needed spot at BUCK linebacker, per Scout's Anna Hickey:

"It was just awesome," Kemp said. "I came in with very high expectations. When we finally got inside The Big House, it was different than anything I had ever experienced. All of my expectations were blown away. I saw the stadium when it was empty, and I can't even imagine what's it's like when it's full. That was my favorite part."

Kemp, who's eyeing an official visit for the BYU game, said the visit "definitely gave [Michigan] an edge" over fellow top schools Notre Dame and UCLA.

Much of the intrigue surrounding the event focused on four-star Detroit King prospects WR Donnie Corley and CB Lavert Hill, who not only made the trip but spoke highly of the program in the aftermath. Hill, who visited with both his parents, certainly didn't quell the rumors he could flip to Michigan soon with the wording of this statement to 247's Steve Wiltfong ($):

“I feel wanted,” he said. “They’re recruiting me really hard with my brother and stuff like that.

“It’s a pretty good school with the academics and football but I’m committed to Penn State right now.”

Wiltfong also caught up with Corley, who acknowledged Michigan is making a move after his second campus visit in a week ($):

Corley’s recruitment as of late was linked to Michigan State, Ohio State, Tennessee and West Virginia. The Wolverines are surging here.

“Definitely,” Corley said.

“Just everything they’re doing with the team and I can tell how the guys are talking and I talked to the guys, Harbaugh is changing a lot of things and I liked that about it.”

After initially wanting to make a decision before the season started, Corley is now discussing taking official visits before making a choice. It'll be a battle to beat out the four other programs mentioned, especially MSU and OSU, but after looking completely out of it for a long time M looks to have a legitimate shot.

[Hit THE JUMP for the rest of the roundup.]

BBQ Reactions: Pipeline 9

While 2017 five-star Cass Tech WR Donovan Peoples-Jones didn't make it, the rest of the "Pipeline 9"—the in-state rising juniors holding Michigan offers—were in town for the BBQ, and it seems like only a matter of time before some of them join Carter Dunaway in the class.

Four-star St. Joseph WDE Corey Malone-Hatcher, who Michigan is in very good position to land, focused on the important stuff, per Scout's Allen Trieu:

"Oh man, the food was on point. They had meat on top of meat. They knew they were going to have a bunch of football players up there."

Ron Swanson approves.

Four-star Oak Park OT JaRaymond Hall is already planning multiple return trips, per 247's Steve Lorenz ($):

"They want me to come up for multiple games this year," he said. "What I really like about them is that they haven't been pressuring me or pushing me into making a commitment or anything like that. It's been all about just wanting to see me back on campus again and making sure I am having a good time while I am on the visit. That's one thing about them that I really like. I'm pretty sure I'll be there for the Michigan State and Ohio State games."

Hall's 2018 teammate, top-100 guard Marquan McCall, also really enjoyed the event, per Wiltfong ($). Michigan looks to be the leader for both at this juncture.

Michigan has moved to the forefront for four-star OLSM WR KJ Hamler, who initially looked to be an MSU lean. He told TMI's Josh Newkirk he liked, well, everything ($):

“It was a good feeling,” Hamler said. “I think everybody up there likes Michigan. I think I got a better feeling about Michigan then I have ever had before. Just got to know the coaches better and got to talk to them more and get to know what they’re about. It was a good time up there.”

Adding: “I like everything about Michigan. Michigan is a good school, good education, and a good football team. Hopefully I can grow more of a bond with them.”

Hamler plans to be back for the Oregon State game.

Four-star Detroit King CB Ambry Thomas told TMI's Brice Marich "the coaches made me feel at home." Four-star Cass Tech S Jalyn Kelly-Powell shared a similar sentiment to Wiltfong, saying "Michigan is becoming normal to me, which is good." M is in good shape for both, especially Kelly-Powell.

BBQ Reactions: Other Young'ns

Even though his 2016 teammate, ILB Erroll Thompson, committed to Mississippi State last week instead of coming to the BBQ, four-star 2017 S J'Marick Woods made his way to Ann Arbor, which should indicate serious interest. He told Lorenz he's already working on a return trip ($):

"Coach Durkin said he couldn't believe how big I was in person," Woods said. "They told me to keep working hard and that they really wanted me to not only enjoy the BBQ event, but to come back up for a game in the fall. I play on Friday nights, so my family and I have already decided that we're going to come up for one of their big home games this season. I don't know which one at this point."

Woods only holds offers from Michigan and Kentucky right now, but SEC powers—including both in-state schools—are sniffing around; it's good M got in on him this early.

2018 Paramus Catholic QB Allen Walters, like his teammate Rashan Gary, couldn't make it to Ann Arbor, but he tweeted he "can't wait" to get there soon.

An even younger quarterback prospect, 2019 Southfield QB Sam Johnson, not only enjoyed his visit—Harbaugh already has made some detailed dieting suggestions so he can add weight.

Etc.

Three-star Paramus Catholic WR Donald Stewart told The Wolverine's Brandon Brown he's got official visits set for Michigan (Ohio State) and Stanford (their big January visit day), and he's still figuring out his other three officials ($).

Michigan made the unordered top seven of three-star TX S Chris Brown. They're also in the early top five for 2017 FL DT Kedonis Haslem, son of Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem.