The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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prep profiles California Running Back Likes Wolverines The year 2013 was the first since 1989 that the Michigan football program didn't sign a prospect out of the talent-rich states of California, Texas and Florida. The coaching staff remedied that early in the 2014 class, picking up a pledge from top-100 standout lineman Mason Cole of the Sunshine State, and could well land a Golden State or Lone Star State prospect, as well, given the net they've cast. One California prospect, Oakley (Calif.) Freedom four-star talent Joe Mixon, holds offers from everyone from USC to Florida State. Michigan, though, was the first national power to offer him, stepping up in January. "I was juiced," Mixon recalled. "It brightened my whole day up." The competition for his signature has since gotten tougher, especially given how he's performed on the camp circuit. Mixon made a case for a fifth star with a strong performance at the Los Angeles Rivals Camp presented by Under Armor in mid-March, earning the camp's Offensive MVP award. That followed a junior season in which he rushed for more than 1,500 yards and 30 touchdowns, while adding 450 yards receiving and even throwing an 80-yard touchdown pass. "Mixon started inside and blew away linebackers trying to keep up with him, and then the four-star moved outside and had cornerbacks covering him," Rivals.com reported. "Either way, Mixon basically did what he wanted in the one-on-one drills, dominating on almost every rep and making impressive catches." Michigan coaches first noticed Mixon while recruiting 2013 wide receiver Darrell Daniels, a Washington signee. That's when Mixon first noticed U-M, as well, noting he was very interested in the program and Joe Mixon ✪✪✪✪✪ Freedom High School Oakley, Calif. Class: 2014 Position: Running Back Ht.: 6-2 • Wt.: 210 Ranking: Rivals.com's No. 82 player nationally likely to visit in the summer or fall. Since January, though, his recruitment has taken off. He picked up a coveted offer from USC and is looking for another from Alabama, noting that one's big because he "wants to play against the best." USC, though, could have a leg up. "I'm really excited because that was one of the offers I was really hoping for," he said after receiving a scholarship tender from the Trojans, in February. "I grew up watching USC and Reggie Bush. I just like the tradition at running back and the history at USC." Mixon picked up his offer on a trip to the campus, one that exceeded his expectations. "I liked the campus down here and the support they have. I had a great trip," Mixon said. "I got to meet Coach [Lane] Kiffin and the new running backs coach, Tommie Robinson. It was a great time and I had fun." USC will definitely be one that makes the cut when he trims his list to 10 or 15 schools by the summer, he said. Michigan, though, also has a great shot when he narrows his options down, at which point his recruitment will intensify. Getting him on campus will be the first step toward staying in the race for U-M. — Chris Balas