The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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MAY 2019 THE WOLVERINE 47 MICHIGAN RECRUITING 6-3, 185 pounds, he has great range and size to roam the back end of U- M's aggressive defense. He's very close with teammate and Michigan commit Cornell Wheeler, so it'll be interesting to see how often the two visit Ann Arbor over the summer and into the fall. Edwardsburg High Offensive Guard JOSH PRIEBE Priebe picked up his Michigan of- fer in late February and appears to be pretty high on U-M's board. Offensive line coach Ed Warinner is treating the 6-5, 281-pounder like a priority and an April visit to Ann Arbor solidified Michigan among Priebe's top options. "Coach Warinner has made it clear that I'm a priority for them," Priebe said. "Our relationship is really good and we talk almost every day. I like him a lot and I think the new up- tempo offense is great. The three-star guard is a pretty low- key kid and doesn't intend to make a top list public necessarily. However, Priebe didn't hide the fact that Michi- gan will be a factor until the end, and the Wolverines might be considered the leader for him despite new offers from big-time programs like Auburn, Ohio State and Tennessee. Oak Park High Offensive Guard JUSTIN ROGERS At 6-4, 314 pounds and with a wide base on top of very light, quick feet, Rogers is tailor made for the interior of an offensive line, and that's why he's the No. 1 guard and No. 10 over- all prospect nationally. The Oak Park standout is all over the map, literally, when it comes to visits, having checked out almost ev- ery one of his 34 offers at some point. Every blue-blood program wants him, and it does seem like he'll end up out of region when it's all said and done. Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, LSU, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Texas and USC, among others, would all take him in a heartbeat — but Ten- nessee may actually be pacing the group. He's been to Michigan many times over the last year, but he seems enamored with the SEC and playing for a school not in his backyard. Farmington High Outside Linebacker JORDAN TURNER Michigan offered Turner in mid- January and has been keeping a pretty close eye on him ever since. The 6-3, 225-pounder visited Ann Ar- bor in early April and felt informed after checking everything out. "The coaches invited me up and wanted me to sit in on a practice. I got a chance to see that and then we took some photos. I also got a chance to sit down and talk football with Coach Brown," Turner explained. "He's a nice guy and is a really aggressive coach. He's definitely passionate about what he does and I liked that." Turner, the No. 29 outside line- backer in the country, might take his official visits this spring and summer with the hopes of making a decision in August. If that timeline doesn't work out, he's not against fall officials with a later decision during or after his senior season. However it plays out, he just wants to get it right and that could very well end up being with U-M. MICHIGAN QUARTERBACK COMMIT JD JOHNSON REAFFIRMS PLEDGE Phoenix Pinnacle four-star pro-style quarterback JD Johnson committed to Michigan in December and seemed pretty content with that decision at the time. In early April, however, the 6-4, 187-pounder checked out Texas A&M and Oregon, and seemed quite impressed by what they had to of- fer — so much so that some close to Johnson thought that he might end up reopening his recruitment. A return trip to Ann Arbor for an official visit the weekend of April 19 seems to have quelled the nation's No. 8 pro-style quarterback and No. 138 overall prospect's desire to check out other schools. "It was unbelievable," Johnson said. "I did fall in love with [Michi- gan] again. I loved interacting with the coaches and seeing the campus again. This visit was huge for me and Coach Gattis. It was very important for my relationship with him. I really like him and we hit it off great. "The offense he is running is unbe- lievable and I think I'm perfect for it. He just explained what they are trying to do and showed me some concepts. They're moving at a much faster pace now and I like all of that." ❏ Five 2021 In-State Prospects To Watch Michigan broke the seal on the 2021 class with the commitment of Sterling Heights (Mich.) Stevenson offensive tackle Giovanni El-Hadi, which means it's time to take a look at other Michiganders from the class who will give the Wol- verines a serious look and who U-M would love to land. Detroit Cass Tech Offensive Center Raheem Anderson Anderson is a true center at 6-3, 295 pounds and has had a very impressive offseason on the camp circuit. The Cass Tech standout has been to Michigan many times in the past. Clarkston High Offensive Tackle Garrett Dellinger Viewed as one of the more coveted tackle prospects nationally, Dellinger was in Ann Arbor the day after U-M's spring game. The 6-6, 265-pounder has a lean, ath- letic build that offensive line coach Ed Warinner seems to be targeting these days. West Bloomfield High Athlete Donovan Edwards Edwards is as dynamic as they come with the ball in his hands. The 5-11, 193-pounder plays mostly running back in high school, but can also line up in the slot, returns kicks and punts, and even excels in spot duty as a defensive back. There are several Michigan connections at West Bloomfield, and U-M is hoping they pay off with Edwards. Belleville High Strongside Defensive End Damon Payne He's listed at 6-4, 255 pounds, but Payne is likely bigger than that, making him a menacing sight as a sophomore defensive lineman. The Belleville standout is a friend and teammate of U-M commit Andre Seldon. He's been coming to Michi- gan games as a potential prospect since middle school. Clarkston High Offensive Tackle Rocco Spindler Spindler is the other half of Clarkston's dynamic sophomore duo and has stated many times that he'd love to play college ball with Dellinger. The son of former high school All-American and Detroit Lion Marc Spindler has good bloodlines and size already at 6-4, 275 pounds. He's listed as an offensive tackle, but could be better suited for the interior or even defensive tackle. — Brandon Brown