The Wolverine

April 2013

The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports

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  prep profiles Midwest Connections Help With Elite Cornerback Michigan didn't have any success recruiting in California during the 2013 cycle, offering 15 prospects and landing none. That hasn't deterred the Wolverines' coaching staff with the 2014 class. U-M has already offered five Golden State prospects, with more likely on the way. One factor that could help reverse their fortunes in recruiting out West is a Midwest connection for an elite prospect. Gardena (Calif.) Junipero Serra cornerback Adoree' Jackson is a five-star recruit and the No. 8 overall prospect in the nation according to Rivals.com. Although he lives in the Los Angeles area now, that's actually a recent development. In fact, he moved from St. Louis just a couple years ago. "I'm originally from Belleville, Illinois, and I've been in California for just about a year," Jackson said. "I'm from there originally, and it could be nice to go back there [for college]." His Midwest roots have also given the 5‑10, 170-pounder familiarity with the U‑M program. On a Midwestern Saturday, just about nothing is more natural than turning on the Michigan game. That's a ritual that Jackson's family became very accustomed to before moving out West. Another, newer, connection to Michigan will also boost the Wolverines' chances to land the highly coveted defensive back. He has been in touch with 2014 quarterback commit Wilton Speight. Although Speight lives in Virginia, he makes regular trips out to Los Angeles to train with quarterback guru Steve Clarkson. He and Jackson have already started to build a bond.   Adoree' Jackson ✪✪✪✪✪ Junipero Serra High School Gardena, Calif. Class: 2014 Position: Cornerback Ht.: 5-10 • Wt.: 170 Ranking: Rivals.com's No. 8 player in the country "I know Wilton; I've talked to him a bit," Jackson said. "I talked to him when he was in L.A. It was pretty much talking about Michigan, talking how good the coaches are, then he talked about the fan base, and how it is and stuff like that. It was good." It's easy to see why the Michigan coaches — and Speight — are so interested in reeling in Jackson. Though he's not the biggest defensive back prospect in the 2014 recruiting class, he's one of the most explosive. He has been timed at 21.69 seconds in the 200-meter dash, and that speed more than translates to the gridiron. He was a big-time playmaker for a great team. "Our season went well. What else can you say when we ended up winning state?" he said with a chuckle. "I had about 12 touchdowns offensively, I had about five or six returning, and I ended up with five interceptions, two forced fumbles, a sack, and I had about 70 tackles." The Michigan coaching staff would gladly take that level of production in the secondary. — Tim Sullivan

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