The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/111015
skill to be a high-level prospect on the offensive side of the ball (which he prefers over defense, where he���s also an impact player). He has the burst coming out of breaks to get wide open, which has earned him distinction as the No. 93 player in the Rivals250. He has visited Ann Arbor on multiple occasions already. Offensive tackle Braden Smith Olathe (Kan.) South Smith is soft-spoken, preferring to do all his talking on the field and in the weight room. Though he tips the scales at 6-6, 285 pounds, he looks like a linebacker and could easily play well above 300 pounds in college. He put up 39 reps of 185 pounds on the bench press at the Under Armour Junior Combine in January, beating the next-best player by 10 reps. The No. 19 player in the country in the early stages of the rankings cycle plans a summer visit to Ann Arbor. Safety Erick Smith Cleveland (Ohio) Glenville Although he���s not as explosive as his teammate Lattimore, Smith has the size to excel at safety in college, standing 6-1, 185 pounds. He���s also a track athlete who works on his speed all offseason. Smith has a very good understanding of zone schemes in the defensive secondary. He plans a spring visit to Michigan, and the Wolverines would love to wrap up the No. 228 player in the country ��� and not just for the positive influence he might have on highly ranked teammate Marshon Lattimore. Wide receiver John ���Juju��� Smith Long Beach (Calif.) Polytechnic At 6-1, 185 pounds, Smith isn���t the biggest wide receiver in the country, but he has enough playmaking ability to rank as the No. 111 overall prospect nationally. His vision and explosiveness have made him a highly coveted prospect by Michigan and several other schools early in the process. He has already developed a bond with U-M commit Wilton Speight, who hones his quarterbacking craft in the Los Angeles area. Tight end Nic Weishar Chicago Marist A shoulder separation during the 2012 season held Weishar back from reaching his full potential during his junior year and has left him unranked early in the process. However, the high school wide receiver is a big target, and his 6-5, 215-pound frame will project very nicely to tight end at the college level. He has very good ball skills, and the Michigan coaches are among 19 staffs that have already offered. Defensive back Parrker Westphal Bolingbrook, Ill. Westphal has the size to play safety in college at 6-1, 185 pounds, but the coverage ability to continue playing his high school position, cornerback. Michigan was one of the first big-time schools to offer him, and he is a prot��g�� of former Michigan (and Bolingbrook) standout Todd Howard. That connection will boost Michigan���s chances of landing Westphal, who would be a versatile piece in the U-M secondary. ���