The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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52 THE WOLVERINE OCTOBER 2021 MICHIGAN RECRUITING star defensive tackle] Deone [Walker] again. "It was a great time with all those dudes. We formed bonds with each other. We're definitely going to build off of this weekend." Michigan can seal the deal with a lot of the aforementioned prospects if it continues to win on the field. Johnson knows that and has high expectations for the Wolverines the rest of the way. "If they keep improving every week, I don't really see them losing," Johnson said. "I'm hoping for that, and I'm pray- ing that they do." CONNOR JONES REMAINS LOCKED IN Connor Jones is off to a strong start in his senior season. One of the most undervalued mem- bers of Michigan's 2022 recruiting class, Jones is quickly proving that he is in need of a rankings bump. The unranked three-star offensive tackle is a high- ceiling prospect, plays with a mean streak and has served up plenty of pan- cakes over his first two games. In early September, Jones helped lead Monument (Colo.) Palmer Ridge to a thrilling victory over Colorado Springs (Colo.) Mesa Ridge. "Our offensive line and our running backs really stepped up," Jones said. "We took control of the game and pulled ourselves out of some sticky situations. I'm proud of all of our boys. We put up a good fight. Our goal is to go undefeated. I want to have the best senior season ever. I don't want to have any regrets when I get to Michigan." Jones committed to Michigan on Christmas Eve last year over offers from Colorado State, Indiana, Northwestern, Oregon State, Virginia, West Virginia and others. Since then, Jones has remained com- pletely solid and is one of the leaders of the class. He made his official visit to Michigan over the summer and was back on campus with his future teammates Sept. 11 when the Wolver- ines hosted Washington in a massive matchup. "It was really exciting," Jones said. "It was booming. I feel like this visit pulled everybody closer together. I was just re- ally excited to see everyone again." Aside from the Washington game, Jones is looking forward to a renewed energy from the Michigan program the rest of the fall. The Wolverines made several changes this offseason after a disappointing year in 2020. "I'm definitely expecting a change in mood throughout the games," Jones said. "With a coaching staff change, that tends to happen — just a change in attitude and how they go about things. I'm not saying that their old attitude was bad. But it's always good to have new and improved energy." Jones added that he is excited to keep close tabs on Michigan's offensive line, which is guided by new position coach Sherrone Moore. "Honestly, I want to see how they do they do their thing," Jones said. "I'm always trying to better my game. By watching their games and watching the offensive line, that helps my game. Coach Moore actually just gave me some advice on my down blocks. It's always good to pick up things to apply to my game." Jones hopes to make it to one more Michigan game this fall before graduat- ing in December and enrolling early. At 6-7, 285 pounds, Jones is techni- cally sound, but like Tristan Bounds last cycle, he is in need of physical develop- ment. Enrolling early should help him reach his ceiling much quicker. "Getting up there and getting that coaching and development early on will benefit me as a player," Jones said. "It worked for Tristan. I've seen a transfor- mation in his body and his game. I think it will be the same for me." MOTHER OF RIVALS250 WR IMPRESSED WITH U-M While Michigan hosted a number of its top targets for the game against Washington, the Wolverines also had a small group of recruits for its opener against Western Michigan. Rivals250 West Bloomfield (Mich.) High wide receiver Semaj Morgan made the short trip over to Ann Arbor with his mother, Erika. It was their first game- day visit at U-M, and she was impressed with the experience. "The atmosphere is absolutely amaz- ing," Erika Morgan said. "The love the coaching staff showed was phenom- enal. It seemed genuine. The people were great. There were so many people. They even had people parachuting out of the sky. It was amazing. I just liked everything about the game. I watched the offensive scheme. I think they are going in a good direction. "I want to see the slot receivers get- ting the ball more. But I liked [freshman wideout A.J.] Henning. [Junior Ron- nie] Bell got injured, so we're praying for him. [Rookie running back] Donovan [Edwards] did great, and we're super proud of him. [J.J.] McCarthy's first touchdown was amazing. It was great." A top priority in the 2023 class, Mor- gan wowed the Michigan staff at its first on-campus camp this summer and earned an offer from the Wolverines. The No. 238 overall recruit nationally is a talented, speedy slot that would fit in perfectly in U-M's offense. Morgan was a focal point for West Bloomfield during its state title run last season under now Michigan assistant Ron Bellamy. That connection should give the Wolverines the inside track in this recruitment. However, Erika made it clear that the entire coaching staff is doing a phe- Monument (Colo.) Palmer Ridge offensive tackle Connor Jones is a three-star prospect in need of a rankings bump. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM