The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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DECEMBER 2020 THE WOLVERINE 59 MICHIGAN RECRUITING We had to get back to the blackboard. They just have to come back out and get it going again. The corners have to get more physical, but that's all." COACH'S TAKE: TYLER MCLAURIN Michigan holds a commitment from three-star Bolingbrook (Ill.) High linebacker Tyler McLaurin, who picked the Wolverines back in May. Bolingbrook head coach Johnny Ivolw provided his thoughts on the senior that is ranked the No. 30 out- side linebacker nationally, and how he's progressed this fall: On how McLaurin has been devel- oping over the last few months: "The biggest thing is he's hit the weights since he's gotten to Bolingbrook. I'm not saying he didn't do it at his old school, but his biggest improvement has been in the weight room with his body. "As we all know, when you get stronger, you get faster. His speed has increased. His strength has increased. He's always had a good football IQ. He's like another coach on the field." On his work to improve in cov- erage: "He's actually always been a really good cover guy. From day one, we said, 'Son of a gun, that guy can cover.' "We wanted to see if he could hit with pads on. He did that. … He's worked on flexibility and just taking care of his body. He's really cogni- zant of his body, how he eats, how he stretches and he does a great job." On how McLaurin will fit at Mich- igan: "The biggest thing is continuing to improve in the weight room. Those guys are some mules. You're talking about an elite team and level. There are eight Tylers at that position. They could be brining in another guy in the year behind you that does the same thing. "He just has to keep grinding and working on his strength. I see him as a 6-3, 240-pounder by the time it's all over [McLaurin is currently listed at 6-3, 215]." On where McLaurin projects best at the next level: "He can run so well that I can see him playing anywhere. He can be a stand-up guy on the line at 6-3, 245-250. But I think he'll be right at that 240 range and be able to play wherever they want him. He can play any of the linebacker positions. He can do it all." ❑ The Five Best Recruits The Wolverine Saw On The Road In October At The Wolverine, we hit the recruiting trail to see prospects Michigan is recruiting and its commitments live at games and various events. Over the month of October, I traveled across the country and got a look at several commits and targets. Here are the five best we saw: 5. QB J.J. McCarthy, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy (2021 U-M commit) McCarthy, the No. 5 pro-style quarterback and No. 30 overall recruit nationally, passed for 250 yards and three touchdowns in IMG's big win over Duncanville (Texas) High in a much-anticipated game between USA Today's No. 1- (IMG) and No. 2-ranked teams in the nation. And he did it on a sprained ankle. McCarthy made some serious wow throws and flashed his elite arm talent. But it was his toughness and leadership that really stood out the most. The Michigan quarterback commit has been up and down from a statistical standpoint this sea- son, but there are a lot of factors for that. Overall, he's a top talent and the perfect leader for the future of the program. 4. DT Nick James, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy (2022 target) Only a three-star prospect on Rivals, James — the No. 20 defensive tackle nation- ally — is one of the most underrated prospects in the country for next year. He is in desperate need of a rankings bump. He is a monster in the interior of the defensive line and lived in Duncanville's backfield. James has added about 15 pounds to his frame, while maintaining his quickness and improving his motor. I love everything that James brings to the table and feel like he's a can't miss three-tech in the 2022 recruiting class. 3. OL Tyler Booker, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy (2022 target) Booker is a rare talent in the trenches. An elite-level defensive tackle, he has played offensive tackle all season and looked damn good at the position. He truly can play either spot at the next level and be an almost-immediate difference maker. Booker has quick feet, length, power and the nastiness needed to play both posi- tions. Rivals' No. 36-ranked offensive tackle nationally is another prospect that is extremely undervalued. I have him graded as a top-100 prospect nationally. 2. OL Raheem Anderson, Detroit Cass Tech (2021 U-M commit) Anderson had as dominant of a performance as a center could have had in Cass Tech's PSL championship win over rival Detroit King. Anderson is such a cerebral player at the position, but he also overpowers defensive linemen with his strength and leverage. The Michigan commit has improved his foot speed and overall technique, and has even shed some bad weight. I feel like Anderson, the No. 2-ranked center nation- ally, is at his peak at the high school level and could be a multi-year starter for the Wolverines. On top of that, he's one hell of a leader. 1. DB Will Johnson, Grosse Point (Mich.) South (2022 target) Johnson looked exactly how a five-star recruit should look. One of the truly elite prospects in the 2022 class, the No. 13 overall junior nationally com- pletely shut down his side of the field in a close loss to Macomb (Mich.) Dakota. Johnson — the son of former Michigan defensive back Deon Johnson — has length, patience and su- perior technique. He can play on an island as a true freshman at the next level. The 6-2, 182-pounder is also an effective wide receiver. He scored all of South's touchdowns and proved to be a dangerous weapon on the outside. Overall, he's a special prospect and the best in the state of Michigan regardless of class. — EJ Holland Class of 2022 five-star Will Johnson, who is listed as the No. 13 overall prospect and No. 4 cornerback nationally, is a prime recruiting target for the Wolverines. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM