The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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prep profiles Son Of NFL Veteran Earns U-M Offer During his time with the NFL's Denver Broncos and New York Giants, wide receiver Ed McCaffrey was known as a surehanded possession receiver with the ability to break big plays. Although his son, Christian, is a high school tailback, Michigan is one school that has offered him the opportunity to follow in dad's footsteps. "Everyone's recruiting me for running back, and Michigan's also recruiting me for inside receiver," the younger McCaffrey explained. "I do a good job reaching the outside, and I think the main part of my game is my speed. Once I get through a hole and get to the open field, it's just speed and quickness. "I think I can bring some power, and I definitely could gain some weight, but I don't want to lose any speed. I would say I'm a speed back who can catch out of the backfield and get to the edge. I think every single area of my game can be improved always. I'm looking to strengthen it everywhere." McCaffrey's ability to both run and catch the football led to a big junior season. He led his team with 1,390 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground, and also caught 55 passes for 675 yards and an additional 14 scores. He was named the Denver Post's top 2014 recruit in the state of Colorado for that production. U-M offered McCaffrey shortly before National Signing Day 2013, and he has serious interest. Not only is he impressive from a football perspective —with offers from Florida State, Nebraska, Notre Dame and Wisconsin — but his academics stand out as well for the son of a Stanford grad. Christian McCaffrey ✪✪✪✪✪ Valor Christian High School Highlands Ranch, Colo. Class: 2014 Position: Running Back Ht.: 6-0 • Wt.: 194 Ranking: Rivals.com's No. 3 all-purpose back nationally The 6-0, 194-pound McCaffrey, who is rated by Rivals.com as the nation's No. 3 all-purpose back and the No. 195 overall player in the class of 2014, grew up pulling for dad's alma mater, but he also has a link to the program that could give the Wolverines a leg up. "I know they're an incredible football team from watching them on TV on Saturdays all the time," McCaffrey said. "I love the way they play football, and I definitely know that they're a great academic school as well. "We actually have some connections up there with Stevie Watson, who played tight end there for a little bit [2007-11]. Over the last few years, we know him pretty well, and heard all good things from him. Everything has been positive about Michigan, which makes it very exciting that they have offered." McCaffrey is hoping to visit Michigan during the summer in order to help pare down his list. He intends to make his college commitment prior to the beginning of his senior year. — Tim Sullivan