The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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football recruiting on Michigan, and the U-M staff will gladly wait to earn those pledges. Although Grand Rapids (Mich.) Christian wide receiver Drake Harris is not ranked quite as highly — he's the No. 56 player nationally and a four-star, according to Rivals. com — he had initially planned to make a later decision, and the U-M coaches would have gladly waited for him. He accelerated the process in a surprise move, committing to U-M April 14. The 6-3, 180-pounder could end up ranked in the five-star range. He already holds the state record for receiving yardage in a season with 2,016 during his junior campaign and will now focus on just football (after previously considering himself a basketball prospect as well), potentially improving his game even more. Wide receiver is the one area in which Michigan's roster still has depth issues — and may benefit from a domino effect following Harris' commitment that could speed the timelines of some prospects. The U-M coaches are known as excellent recruiters. Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison and running backs coach Fred Jackson were tabbed as two of Rivals.com's 2013 Big Ten Recruiters of the Year. In 2014, they look to repeat their honors — but maybe not earn the unofficial title of fastest recruiters, as well. ❏ On The Web For regular reports on Michigan football recruiting plus videos of U-M commitments and targets visit TheWolverine.com. outside combo player). Cole has already filled one of three to four projected openings on the offensive line, and should a second lineman BARS such as Bars pledge, others who are sitting on the fence about Michigan could follow suit. Detroit Loyola defensive end Malik McDowell McDowell is the top player in Michigan for the 2014 class, and with good reason. He has the size at 6-6 and nearly 300 pounds to play defensive tackle, but also the quickness to move out to the edge and be a defensive end (where he would likely line up should he choose Michigan). If the No. 21 player in the nation chose Michigan, it would be a positive for the defensive front. It could also spur other players in the trenches to follow suit. While Woodbridge (Va.) High five-star Da'Shawn Hand is the country's top player and will not be hurried by anyone, an offered player such as Southfield (Mich.) High defensive end Lawrence Marshall could jump aboard to ensure he doesn't miss his opportunity with defensive line numbers tightening. — Tim Sullivan