TomVH: DT Aziz Shittu Update

Submitted by TomVH on

California DT Aziz Shittu sent me a message that said Michigan coach Dan Ferrigno was in school with him today. Shittu is a five star, ranked 12th overall nationally, and currently committed to Stanford. He also had this to say about his future.

There's a possibility that I'll be taking an official to Michigan. I'm not sure of the schools that I will be taking officials to yet. 

His plan is to stay committed for now, but to take all his official visits during the season. Something to keep an eye on.

TTUwolverine

May 24th, 2011 at 12:11 AM ^

Is it just me, or does it seem like more and more kids are committing impulsively to a school simply to save a spot, when in reality they have no intention of going there (or are just undecided)?  I know this is nothing new, but it seems a bit strange to commit so early in the process and then openly talk about taking other visits. Either way, hopefully we can work some magic here.

turd ferguson

May 24th, 2011 at 12:28 AM ^

Unfortunately, I think it's a smart move.

I don't know anything about Shittu, but in the past, Stanford has "offered" some kids only to pull back later when the kid's grades didn't meet Stanford standards.  This might be some necessary back-up planning for a school like that.

Salinger

May 24th, 2011 at 7:58 AM ^

part of this may be caused by the fact that schools not named Stanford have about as much loyalty to their players as Bernie Madoff had to his clients.  What with all this Gray shirting, and "oops, sorry, no room for you on the team, better luck next time" I think its in a student athlete's best interest to nail down a school you feel comfortable with while still entertaining offers.

 

These kids are commodities, and they have a right to actively seek the best possible opportunities.  Granted, I don't think that he needs to worry about being Gray shirted at a school like Stanford, but I'll take any look he wants to give us, even if its cursory.

TESOE

May 24th, 2011 at 12:13 AM ^

it helps when you are selling playing time like they are.  I can't say enough how impressive this off season has been wrt recruiting.

ryebreadboy

May 24th, 2011 at 12:26 AM ^

Apparently commitments don't even deter our coaching staff.  Previous rumors we were still visitng Pike, now this from Shittu.  I don't care what he says about staying committed, if you're visiting other places you're open (at least to some degree).  If we can get him out here for a visit, that'll be a big deal, especially since Michigan can argue academic quality with any university in the world.

TESOE

May 24th, 2011 at 1:46 AM ^

the rough...with no offers in Rivals.  That guy is going to play D-1 ball and more if he is half what he was there.  Very impressive.

I'm serious...somebody get on a plane and visit that guy...please...undoubtedly GMAT is already on this kid if the legend that is the Spring of 2011 MGoRecruiting offseason is to be believed.

Are there really guys like Fanene -  unheralded - out there?...I'm going to stop worrying about DL candidates.

Bo_Knows

May 24th, 2011 at 1:12 AM ^

J*zzed in my pants.
<br>
<br>How comes it feels we're playing NCAA '11 and Dantonio is recruiting in Heisman mode and we're on Freshman recruiting mode?
<br>
<br>Not that I'm complaining. =)

namaste

May 24th, 2011 at 5:33 AM ^

FWIW, according to Calipreps (run by the recruits themselves), we're in the top 5 of:

Ellis McCarthy (5*, 6'5" 300+ DT)

Erik Magnuson

Jordan Payton (top player in CA, committed to USC, taking an official here)

Malik Gilmore

 

And maybe add Aziz Shittu to that list, now. We might have taken Notre Dame's spot in his top 5.

Logan88

May 24th, 2011 at 8:17 AM ^

I find it fascinating that Stanford is recruiting so well this year given that the guy who got them to such lofty heights (Harbaugh) has now bolted for the NFL. Do these commits really believe Stanford is going to stay at an elite level in the future? You would think guys who are smart enough to get Stanford offers would be able to recognize that Stanford will likely drop back down to their historic level of mediocrity.

MKEblue

May 24th, 2011 at 9:35 AM ^

Historocity is a relative thing though. You have to remember that these kids aren't all that old. They were in junior high a few years ago. All I mean is that the recruits probably have less of a handle on the bigger historical picture than the rest of us do (unless you're in high school... then i take it all back).

MichiganExile

May 24th, 2011 at 1:43 PM ^

claiming to have insider information because I technically don't, but my best friend is one of his coaches. He said he would be very surprised if Aziz leaves the west coast.

I still want this kid bad though. I saw him in person last year and he looked monstrous even then.

nb

May 26th, 2011 at 11:26 PM ^

we saw USC continue to recruit and sign players over their sanctioned limit while they appealed.  now that they lost the appeal, are there are players we can scoop up from the last 2011 class or 2012?