TomVH: Defensive Recruiting, Who's Left?
Since Justice Hayes just committed, and there were still people looking around to see if it was ok to ask if he plays defense, I thought I would help them out. Here's a look at who's left on the defensive front for Michigan recruiting.
First, who's committed so far:
| Name | Position | Height/Weight | Star Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brennen Beyer | DE | 6'4", 225 lbs. | 4 Star |
| Demetrius Hart | RB | 5'8", 190 lbs. | 4 Star |
| Justice Hayes | RB/Slot | 5'10", 175 lbs. | 4 Star |
| Dallas Crawford | DB | 5'10", 185 lbs. | 3 Star |
| Shawn Conway | WR | 6'4", 183 lbs. | 3 Star |
| Greg Brown | DB | 5'10", 180 lbs. | 3 Star |
| Jake Fisher | OL | 6'7", 260 lbs. | 3 Star |
| Delonte Hollowell | DB | 5'8", 162 lbs. | 3 Star |
| Kellen Jones | LB | 6'1", 209 lbs. | 3 Star |
| Jack Miller | OL | 6'4", 270 lbs. | 3 Star |
| Tony Posada | OL | 6'5", 315 lbs. | 3 Star |
| Chris Rock | DE/DT | 6'5", 250 lbs. | 3 Star |
| Kevin Sousa | QB | 6'2", 220 lbs. | 3 Star |
For those counting at home, that's six commitments out of thirteen that are on the defensive side of the ball. There are around 9 spots left, give or take, for Michigan to fill up this class with. These are the current defensive recruits that Michigan has a shot with.
| Photo | Name | Vitals | Hometown | Stars | Film | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Anthony Zettel |
6'4", 255 lbs. |
West Branch, MI |
4 Stars | Junior Highlights | ||||||||||||||
| Zettel is waiting until after the season is over to make his announcement. He has already taken his official to Iowa (Nov. 20th), he's visiting Penn State this weekend, and will be at Michigan on December 10th for the Big Chill. | |||||||||||||||||||
 |
Deion Barnes |
6'5", 230 lbs. |
Philadelphia, PA | 4 star | Deion Runs Fast | ||||||||||||||
| Barnes has Michigan in his top five along with Georgia, Penn State, Pitt, and South Carolina. He has mentioned several times he plans on visiting after the season. He may visit for December 10th as well. | |||||||||||||||||||
2011 Defensive Tackle Prospects
| Photo | Name | Vitals | Hometown | Stars | Film | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Timmy Jernigan |
6'2", 275 lbs. |
Lake City, FL |
4 Star | Junior Highlights | ||||||||||||||
| Jernigan has Michigan in his top group with LSU, Alabama, and Florida State. He has made some recent trips to Florida, so I wouldn't count them out. I've been hearing a lot lately about Timmy, and a recruit actually told me that Jernigan really likes Michigan. He's concerned with our defensive scheme, however, so we'll see what happens. | |||||||||||||||||||
 |
Darian Cooper |
6'3", 275 lbs. |
Hyattsville, MD | 4 Star | Junior Highlights | ||||||||||||||
| Cooper is planning a winter visit to Michigan, and outside of Jernigan, is probably Michigan's best option at defensive tackle. His season ended in the WCAC championship game this weekend, so he's now focusing on recruiting. | |||||||||||||||||||
 |
Mickey Johnson |
6'1", 310 lbs. |
Covington, LA |
4 Star | Junior Highlights | ||||||||||||||
| While Johnson continues to list Michigan in his top group, I don't think he'll end up choosing the Wolverines. His name is still on the radar, but not likely. | |||||||||||||||||||
| Photo | Name | Vitals | Hometown | Stars | Film | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Kris Frost |
6'3", 210 lbs. |
Matthews, NC |
4 Star | Junior Highlights | ||||||||||||||
| As everyone knows, Frost just got back from his official visit to Michigan. This visit came at the perfect time for Frost, and for Michigan. He will take officials to LSU and Cal, and is going to try to make it back up to Michigan again before deciding at the US Army game. Frost will be an early enrollee. I included him here for argument sake, since he is also being recruited for receiver. | |||||||||||||||||||
 |
Desmond Morgan |
6'1", 225 lbs. |
Holland, MI | 3 Star | Senior Highlights | ||||||||||||||
| Morgan is a lifelong Michigan fan, and was beyond excited to receive his offer. He took an unofficial visit with his dad to the Illinois game, and will be back for an official visit on December 10th. He's taking his time, but I expect him to be in this class. If Michigan grabs Morgan and Frost, that will be a nice linebacker haul for the 2011 class with Kellen Jones already on board. | |||||||||||||||||||
| Photo | Name | Vitals | Hometown | Stars | Film | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Blake Countess |
5'10", 170 lbs. |
Owings Mills, MD |
4 Star | Senior Highlights | ||||||||||||||
| Countess has a top four of Georgia Tech, Maryland, NC State and Michigan. It's been rumored that Michigan is in the lead, but Georgia Tech might be right there with them. Countess plans on visiting December 3rd, and will also be playing in the US Army game. | |||||||||||||||||||
 |
Daren Kitchen |
6'1", 170 lbs. |
Houma, LA | 3 Star | N/A | ||||||||||||||
| If Michigan missed on Countess, they may finally offer Kitchen. Kitchen has said he's a big fan of Michigan, and would most likely commit if offered. | |||||||||||||||||||
| Photo | Name | Vitals | Hometown | Stars | Film | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Avery Walls |
5'11", 185 lbs. |
McDonough, GA |
4 Star | Junior Highlights | ||||||||||||||
| Walls has already been to Michigan several times, including an official visit for the U Conn game. He has since taken visits to Oregon and Cal. I still think Michigan is in a good position, but I think Oregon has made a good impression on him. Due to an illness in his family he had put recruiting on the back burner. He still plans on taking a few more visits before he announces. | |||||||||||||||||||
 |
Wayne Lyons |
6'0", 190 lbs. |
Ft. Lauderdale, FL | 4 Star | Senior Highlights | ||||||||||||||
| Lyons recently announced that Michigan will get one of his official visits. That was huge news for the Wolverines, as they seem to be climbing up his list. Wayne plans on being up at Michigan on December 3rd, and then out to Nebraska on December 10th. He has already taken visits to Notre Dame, Stanford, and UCLA. Michigan is making a move with the talented safety. | |||||||||||||||||||
 |
Karlos Williams |
6'2", 210 lbs. |
Davenport, FL |
5 Star | 2010 Spring Game | ||||||||||||||
| I'm including Karlos on this list because he still maintains that he will visit Michigan. The visit will probably take place in January. I've heard that it's not likely he will switch from FSU, but there's at least a small chance. He has been recruiting hard for FSU, so don't get your hopes up, but who knows what could happen with a visit. | |||||||||||||||||||
 |
Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix |
6'2", 190 lbs. |
Orlando, FL |
5 Star | Junior Highlights | ||||||||||||||
|
I'm including Ha'Sean for the same reason that I'm including Karlos, he still plans on visiting Michigan. I have heard that there's a small chance that he changes his mind from Alabama. Don't get your hopes up here either, but with his teammates selling Michigan and his visit you never know. |
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Michigan obviously doesn't have enough room to take everyone, and they're still looking for a few more offensive positions like tight end and offensive line. Most of the decision time tables for these recruits are after the season, or during the Army All American game. That should give Michigan plenty of time for visits, and a little extra push with coaching visits too.
November 23rd, 2010 at 2:48 PM ^
but is that really all there is for the DT spot? I don't have much confidence in those three so wasn't sure if there was a second tier that you're aware of
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:20 PM ^
but there is a kid from Muskegon who might get an offer. Rumor was he needed to get his grades up. Haven't heard about him in a while though.
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:27 PM ^
Damon Knox.
And he's not going to make it.
November 23rd, 2010 at 2:48 PM ^
Thanks Tom. From what I've been reading lately, it seems like Greg Brown is solidily in this class; that his Cuse visit was a one time thing. Is that what you're hearing? Both sides are on board? And isn't he enrolling early still?
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:12 PM ^
I was also wondering if Greg Brown is a solid commit now. Kevin Sousa just visited Louisville and Wake Forest too. I was wondering where he stands now too. I also don't see Antonio Kinard listed. Did he get his scores back?
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:42 PM ^
Greg Brown is definitely still in this class, and will be in Michigan in January.
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:47 PM ^
Are you Jeff that we can see on Recruit for U? If you are thanks for the updates as well.
November 23rd, 2010 at 4:43 PM ^
Yes sir that is me.
November 23rd, 2010 at 2:48 PM ^
Thanks for the summary Tom. I was wondering exactly this after the Justice commitment last night (actually I was thinking more like WOOOOOOOOOO! but this was my next thought). Sad that we'll probably have to wait and see for most of these guys, but glad we still have some great options on the table.
November 23rd, 2010 at 2:52 PM ^
Yes please.
Can any of them kick as well?
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:16 PM ^
You mean like Suh?
November 23rd, 2010 at 2:53 PM ^
TomVH this diary is awesome. I love how you have all of the possible recruits in one section like this. Thanks for your hard work.
I really hope we can get some of these guys. Zettel, Frost, and Jernigan would be great additions to the class. And really I will take any of the four safeties that you have listed. Although Haha or Karlos would be a huge catch.
November 23rd, 2010 at 2:56 PM ^
That DT list has got to get longer.
Thanks, Tom.
November 23rd, 2010 at 2:56 PM ^
Thanks for the succinct analysis Tom.
Any insight on the kicking scene?
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:01 PM ^
STOP KICKING THE DAMN BALL!
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:27 PM ^
I know we all joke about Stop Kicking the Damn Ball, but our kicking situation is really not funny.
Seriously, those two out of bounds kick offs in the Iowa game really hurt. Making that 30 yard field goal against Wiscy could have entirely change the course of that game.
And although I'm not a stats guru and don't have the stats to back it up, though I'm sure it's been posted on this board somewhere, our average starting field position has surely cost us points in most, if not every, game.
We really need a kicker.
And as far as red shirting goes, the kicking position seems to be unique in that guys can either kick good as a freshman or they can't. The dramatic progression that you see at other positions, doesn't seem to apply to the kicker.
Please, recruit a kicker.
November 23rd, 2010 at 5:47 PM ^
Hell, I think we should just go for two every time! The probability has got to be the same with the kickers on the team. Plus, it will help get to triple digits next year!
November 23rd, 2010 at 2:57 PM ^
should he be listed here as well? is he a sure thing?
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:01 PM ^
i believe he is in the class and enrolling in january provided he got the points he needed on the SAT.
November 23rd, 2010 at 4:09 PM ^
I thought I had heard he wasn't going to make it again?
November 23rd, 2010 at 2:59 PM ^
I remember you mentioning that Avery Walls had befriended Ray Drew and he was trying to get Drew to take a visit to Michigan. I read somewhere that Drew has cut his list of schools, but I wasn't able to read the full article. I was wondering if you had any information regarding Drew or is that why you left him off this list, because he is no longer considering Michigan
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:00 PM ^
is this like the 5th iteration of "chitown blue"?
November 23rd, 2010 at 5:21 PM ^
We were one of three teams that weren't on his main list, instead the list of schools he still wants to visit. So we still have a shot with him, regardless of how tiny it is
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:00 PM ^
we recruit 2 actual wolverines to play safety?
November 23rd, 2010 at 5:36 PM ^
Avery Walls could probably play some corner too, but I'd be very surprised if Lyons played anywhere but safety in college.
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:00 PM ^
How are you feeling about his chance to recieve an offer?
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:37 PM ^
Petro is likely a backup option if other players don't commit.
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:50 PM ^
Is he a backup option to Wayne Lyons?
November 23rd, 2010 at 4:33 PM ^
More likely Frost
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:02 PM ^
No sign of Lamar Dawson. He's one of the guys I'd really like us to sign. I'm sure if there was an update on him you would post it. What are your thoughts?
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:05 PM ^
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:15 PM ^
Thanks for the response!
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:04 PM ^
I've decided to believe that all the winter visits mean these are guys who aren't afraid of the cold, and not just that their seasons will be over.
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:15 PM ^
Maybe they are trying to determine just how cold it really is and if they want to deal with it. For the Florida guys, they may have never seen snow and want to experience it. Or, they may like Michigan, but the weather could be the dealbreaker, so they will check it out for themselves.
November 23rd, 2010 at 5:52 PM ^
Or they wanted to take an official and couldn't during the season because of their own teams.
November 23rd, 2010 at 7:29 PM ^
I'd considered. I'm a realist, but "decided" to keep my head in the sand (or, in this case, snow) so I can keep happy. Here's to hoping that, whatever their reasons, the game is exciting enough that they don't even notice the Chill. I trust the official visitors will be provided with multitudinous layers of maize & blue all-weather fabric.
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:09 PM ^
Any way we can get this excellent synopsis folded into an update of the 2011 recruiting board?
Beveled Guilt, you say?
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:13 PM ^
possibly be a comprehensive list of everyone Michigan is targeting so let's be calm at only seeing 3 DTs listed. Tom doesn't know everything just almost everything.
November 23rd, 2010 at 4:10 PM ^
didn't see the field this year. They should be ready to go next year and I suspect Q is going to be a beast. I have to wonder if the reason we played some 3-3-5 this year is because of a lack of capable bodies to play a true 4 man front? Losing Graves and Jones on signing day was a significant blow to depth.
November 23rd, 2010 at 7:13 PM ^
But I think your point about lack of bodies on D-line is why theres a 3 man front so often. And we don't even have enough talent (or size) a LB to really use a 3-4 front either.
November 24th, 2010 at 10:06 AM ^
That would make a lot of sense, I'm surprised I haven't seen that bantered around here before.
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:16 PM ^
Q: If Kris Frost is an EE then wouldn't he have to have already been admitted to a school by the time of the Army AA Game?
I seem to remember seeing BWC enrolled before he announced at the Army game... we will probably know where Kris is going (at least with regards to us) before he announces, correct?
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:32 PM ^
I think it is a crappy thing to do, but when the umich directory for winter 2011 comes out he'll be on it if he enrolled here. I think that is what people did for BWC, and I personally thing they should be allowed to announce it and not have it leaked.
November 23rd, 2010 at 10:14 PM ^
It was pointed out last season that often these players go through the enrollment process at multiple schools to ensure that they get in. This means they will show up in multiple student databases, so the mystery remains intact until the formal announcement.
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:33 PM ^
That would make sense, I didn't follow recruiting as closely when Will committed. I think Avery Walls said he was going to enroll early as well. Maybe he pushes it back because of his grandmother. All the best to you and your grandmother, Avery.
November 23rd, 2010 at 5:24 PM ^
He plans on silent committing before and then announcing at the game. How it's going to work? I have no idea.
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:18 PM ^
I don't know why we aren't in on Steven Daniels (ILB Cincinatti area). I have seen some film and he looks like he will be a monster DE someday. Possible switch to DT. He is a big body. Long arms. I trust the coaches though.
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:21 PM ^
Tom -- actually this is sort of depressing. Our key defensive prospects are all in SEC territory (save one or two)??? This is setting ourselves up for disaster year after year, isn't it?
Back in the day -- like, when we HAD a defense -- we'd get a handful of the best from Illinois and Ohio, and grab the best 3-4 defenders in Michigan, and stock up with those guys. What on Earth is going on? RR is so intent on building the SEC North, we're keying on southerners? Wisconsin and Iowa have pretty good D's, and it seems they don't recruit Florida, Carolinas or Louisiana real well.
I'm becoming numb to the notion we're stuck with RR for another year, maybe two; but seriously, shouldn't we have like a handful of the best Michigan prospects in the fold or on the radar? Or did we already lose them to MSU?
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:23 PM ^
As long as we're getting players, who cares where they're from?
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:24 PM ^
This is setting ourselves up for disaster year after year, isn't it?
Unless we, like, get one right?
Back in the day -- like, when we HAD a defense -- we'd get a handful of the best from Illinois and Ohio, and grab the best 3-4 defenders in Michigan, and stock up with those guys. What on Earth is going on?
This isn't papy's Michigan. These guys have had inroads with southern kids for a while and I for one see that as a positive. Michigan sells itself to the kids up here. To get the kids in the south you have to have relationships with coaches down there. Rod is from WV, coached in SC, LA, etc... how is it a negative that we are trying for kids from the south?
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