The Wolverine

March 2013 - Signing Day Edition

The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports

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football recruiting issue better competition, week in and week out. He didn���t really face a corner too much better than him. At the next level, you���re definitely going to have that challenge.��� Dukes faced one opponent whom many label as the top prep cornerback in the country ��� Ohio Statebound Cam Burrows. Marion-Franklin made it all the way to the state semifinals in 2011, and nearly outgunned a loaded Trotwood-Madison squad led by Burrows. ���Cam Burrows guarded Jaron the whole game,��� Haffele pointed out. ���Jaron had 12 catches for 179 yards and two touchdowns. ���This year, our quarterback got hurt, and we couldn���t throw the ball as much as we wanted to. Jaron had a really good year based on blocking, because we went through a stretch of five games where our starting quarterback didn���t even play. ���He had a touchdown catch in every playoff game we were in. But the performance that stands out the most to me is the one against Burrows.��� There will be more such meetings, Dukes realizes. He wants to be as prepped as possible for them, even if it means working out with future foes. ���I���ve been working really hard in the offseason,��� he noted. ���I���ve been getting stronger and trying to get faster. Whatever happens, happens ��� if they call my name, I���m ready. ���I know several people who play for Ohio State now. We���re still going to get together and throw it around. We want the best players going against the best players. We���ll just make each other better.��� Haffele indicated Dukes will improve, growing in a college-level strength and conditioning program. He���s already primed to do more than catch the football, the head coach cautioned. Given Marion-Franklin���s issues at quarterback, it ran the football a great deal. That meant more blocking for the wide receivers, a skill Michigan puts a premium on, and one Haffele knows Dukes can put to good use. That���s only the start, Haffele noted. ���He���s going to give Michigan physicality in the perimeter blocking game,��� Haffele said. ���He also will be a guy who can handle the short, quick game. He���ll have chances to go up top with his big frame.��� Dukes doesn���t dwell on numbers, carrying confidence he has the skills to perform against the best. He chooses not to expound on the impact Marion-Franklin���s quarterback issues exerted on his senior season, in deference to those trying to get the job done at the key position. ���It���s not upsetting,��� he assured. ���Things happen. You just keep pushing and trying to work through it. Things aren���t always going to go your way.��� He���s just ready to make things happen in Ann Arbor. Whereas he always felt he belonged in a winged helmet, a visit to Michigan���s facilities this year merely confirmed that longheld position. Dukes knows Michigan���s coaching staff will demand much from him. At

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