The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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60 THE WOLVERINE NOVEMBER 2019 BY EJ HOLLAND M ichigan only has a few spots remaining its 2020 recruiting class. The Wolverines are still in con- tact with prospects across several positions, but land- ing a true offensive tackle is a top priority for head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive line coach Ed Warinner. The month of October saw two new offensive line offers go out to Chantilly (Va.) High three-star tackle James Pogorelc and Fort Myers (Fla.) High three-star tackle Cayden Baker. Both are towering tackles with plenty of potential. Pogorelc measures 6-8, 270 pounds, while Baker is listed at 6-7, 280 pounds. It's clear the Wolverines value height and athleticism at the position. As far as their recruit- ments go, Pogorelc doesn't seem very likely at this time. While he was excited about get- ting an opportunity from the Wol- verines, Stanford is considered the heavy favorite. Pogorelc recently made his way to Palo Alto and fell in love with the program and its academics. Michi- gan will have to get him on campus soon to have a shot. The Wolverines may be in a bet- ter position with Baker, who was ex- tremely surprised when Warinner called and extended the scholarship. "It's cool to get offered by a pro- gram with a history of success like Michigan," Baker said. "I was shocked because it came out of nowhere. My coach reached out to them, and then they offered me that night." Michigan needs to build a better relationship with Baker, who had no contact with the staff prior to the of- fer. However, he does have legitimate interest in the program and is look- ing to make a visit at some point in the future. Baker said the four programs squarely in the mix in his recruitment also include Indiana, Pittsburgh and North Carolina. Aside from Baker and Pogorelc, Michigan is still after three-star Salis- bury (Conn.) School tackle Tobias Braun. The 6-7, 300-pounder is an intriguing specimen and is starting to gain more and more attention on the trail. Braun is originally from Germany and is still learning more about the schools after him. He has no official visits set and is still taking his time with the process. Braun is looking forward to familiar- izing himself with Michigan, and a visit is a possibility. "I don't really know much about the program," Braun said. "But I know that it's a great program. Coach Warin- ner seems to be nice and not fake." The big fish still on the market is Rivals100 tackle Andrew Gentry of Littleton (Colo.) Columbine High. Gentry is unique in the sense that he's essentially a 2022 recruit. The four-star prospect will take a two- year mission trip upon graduation. Faith is extremely impor- tant to Rivals' No. 9 offen- sive tackle and No. 59 over- all prospect nationally, and Michigan has been fully supportive of his plans. He is high on schools like BYU and Stanford, but Michigan is right up there as well. The Wolverines hosted him for a visit for the game against Notre Dame. "Michigan is definitely one of my top schools," Gentry said. "It's still one of those schools I'm consider- ing. They are looking good this year. They had a tough one against Wisconsin, but they've bounced back. "Michigan is a school I'm watching closely. I'm excited to see how they do the rest of the year." Michigan currently holds commitment from four of- fensive linemen in the 2020 class, but only San Juan Capistrano (Calif.) JSerra's Jeffrey Persi projects as a true tackle. Cambridge (Mass.) Buckingham & Browne Nichols' Zak Zinter, Bal- timore St. Frances' Micah Mazzcua and Centennial (Colo.) Eaglecrest's Reece Atteberry may all transition to guard at the next level. NEW UNDERCLASSMAN OFFERS GO OUT Michigan has been hard at work trying to close out its 2020 class, but the Wolverines haven't forgotten about underclassmen prospects. Immediately following its win over Illinois, Michigan turned its atten- tion to recruiting and put an offer on the table for 2021 Country Club Hills (Ill.) Hillcrest three-star all-purpose back Mar'Keise Irving. An electric ball carrier, Irving can do a little bit of everything out of the backfield. The Chicagoland product is quick, fast and dynamite with the ball in his hands. He is also a plus pass catcher. Along with Michigan, Irving has MICHIGAN RECRUITING The Wolverines Are Looking To Close With An Offensive Tackle The Wolverines are in the running for Andrew Gentry of Littleton (Colo.) Columbine High, Rivals' No. 9 offensive tackle and No. 59 overall pros- pect in the senior class. Gentry plans to do a two-year mission after finishing high school. PHOTO BY EJ HOLLAND