The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/122487
prep profiles Illinois Tight End Names Michigan No. 1 Although he has grown up in downstate Illinois, Chatham Glenwood tight end Daniel Helm has actually been a lifelong UCLA fan. Both parents went to college in Westwood, and the Bruins have always held a special place in his heart. His grandfather, on the other hand, is a Detroit native who has long had an affinity for the University of Michigan. On a visit to Ann Arbor, he noted that his grandpa's maize-and-blue leanings helped add to the excitement of the trip. Daniel Helm ✪✪✪✪✪ Glenwood High School Chatham, Ill. Class: 2014 Position: Tight End Ht.: 6-5 • Wt.: 220 Ranking: Rivals.com's No. 6 tight end nationally "My mom, my grandpa Larry Richardson and my sister Sarah all went with me," Helm said. "They were in on everything that I was in on. They saw everything. My grandpa liked it a lot: he's been a Michigan fan his entire life, but my mom and sister both enjoyed it, too." Coming out of the visit, Helm explained that Michigan had set a high standard — and in fact was impressive enough to take the reins as his favorite school in the process. Although the 6‑5, 220-pound Helm has offers from more than 20 schools — including Arkansas, Missouri, Northwestern and Wisconsin — U-M is his top option. That's good for the Wolverines' coaches, who were among the first to offer the country's No. 6 tight end and No. 201 overall prospect. His 44-catch, 821-yard, 17-touchdown junior year was more than enough to convince them that he'd have a role on their team. Just as important was his blocking ability, which is usually not a strength for high school tight ends. "I would categorize myself as a hybrid," he said. "I can block when they need someone to go behind that side of the line, and I can pull and block. I was also the leading receiver on my team. I can do both, and that's what most colleges are looking at me for: a guy who can both. My high school used me basically wherever they could get the biggest mismatch." U-M tight ends coach Dan Ferrigno showed the Illinois Class 5A all-state selection some of the ways in which he'd be used, with film not only of Michigan sophomore Devin Funchess, but also former San Diego State tight end Gavin Escobar. "They're thinking about Coach Hoke's offensive philosophy with Coach Borges', and it's more of a pro-style attack," Helm explained. "They see me as fulfilling that tight end that can split out but also that can stay in and block, and I'd be able to do both." With the Wolverines' reliance on tight ends — and the skills that Helm brings to the table — he could end up as the perfect fit in Borges' offense. — Tim Sullivan