The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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58 THE WOLVERINE NOVEMBER 2021 MICHIGAN RECRUITING With her experience and personality, DeRuyter has completely reenergized Michigan's recruiting department. "Christina DeRuyter — talk about en- ergy, talk about positive energy," Har- baugh said. "I love it. I can't walk past her door without her saying hello." RIVALS250 DL MARIO EUGENIO LEAVES CLASS Rivals250 defensive end Mario Eu- genio is no longer part of Michigan's 2022 recruiting class. The Tampa (Fla.) Gaither product backed out of his verbal pledge to the Wolverines Oct. 7 in a de- cision that was considered mutual. "After a long conversation with my family, I have decided to decommit from the University of Michigan," Eugenio posted on social media. The nation's No. 10 weakside defen- sive end and No. 209 overall prospect committed to Michigan in July over of- fers from Arizona State, Arkansas, Cin- cinnati, Iowa State, Miami, Rutgers, West Virginia and others. However, Eugenio was always con- sidered a tweener and wasn't an exact fit for Michigan's scheme. The 6-3, 240-pounder projected as an edge rusher, but didn't have ideal length and may have eventually played with his hand in the dirt. On top of that, Eu- genio had some work to do away from the field. Michigan is now at 18 commits this cycle, as of Oct. 19. The Wolverines still have two edge-rusher pledges in Lawndale (Calif.) Leuzinger three-star Kevonte Henry and Jacksonville (Fla.) Bartram Trail three-star Micah Pollard. Michigan may look to add another edge rusher before the early signing pe- riod in December. The Wolverines are still working hard on three-star Ken- nesaw (Ga.) North Cobb product Joshua Josephs, who has visited U-M twice and is one of the Wolverines' top overall re- maining targets. Michigan is also revisiting Rivals250 Raleigh (N.C.) Leesville Road prospect Beau Atkinson, who sided with North Carolina over U-M this summer. With the Tar Heels struggling on the field this fall, the country's No. 152 overall pros- pect this cycle could make a visit before the end of fall. The Wolverines could also opt to stand pat at the position for now. The Wolverines already have a pair of edge rushers committed and are in strong positions with several talented pros- pects in the 2023 recruiting class. ❑ At The Wolverine, we pride ourselves on hitting the recruit- ing trail and seeing prospects Michigan is recruiting live at games and various events. Over the past four weeks, I traveled across the country and got a look at several commits and targets. Here were the five best I saw: 5. WR Malik Elzy, Chicago Simeon (2023) It was an easy night at the office for Elzy. The Rivals250 prospect logged seven receptions for 150 yards and two touchdowns in Simeon's win over Hubbard. While the com- petition wasn't the best, the No. 181 overall recruit in 2023 did what he was supposed to do and took over the game. The 6-3, 195-pounder is a big, physical wideout with an excellent catch radius. He can go up and get it, and is coming along as a route runner. While his speed needs improvement, Elzy is one of the best pass catchers nationally next cycle. 4. QB Jayden Denegal, Apple Valley (Calif.) High Denegal was the last Michigan recruit I saw live in the month of September, so we may be stretching the rules a bit, but he didn't disappoint. The three-star U-M quarterback commit threw for more than 300 yards and five touchdowns in a blowout win. The No. 22-ranked pro-style quarterback in America this cycle has a strong arm and enough athletic ability to extend plays and use his legs to hurt the opposi- tion. After missing on a couple of deep balls early, Denegal was almost flawless the rest of the game and connected on a couple of beautiful bombs to close out the contest. The 6-4, 215-pounder still needs some mechanical work, but the tools are certainly there. 3. OL Connor Jones, Monument (Colo.) Palmer Ridge Jones had about as dominant a performance as an of- fensive lineman could have when I saw him live. Jones completely overpowered the opposition with his size and strength. The three-star Michigan commit played with a mean streak and buried defenders in the dirt, especially on down blocks. The 6-7, 285-pounder has the profile of a left tackle but can play multiple spots along the offensive line, especially early in his career. Jones was one of Michigan's first commits this cycle and remains completely solid with the Wolverines. 2. DT Deone Walker, Detroit Cass Tech Despite Cass Tech's loss to rival King, Walker, the No. 23-ranked defensive tackle nationally this cycle, was his usual dominant self. The four-star prospect commanded constant double teams in the interior of the defensive line and forced King to attack the perimeter. Even when Walker doesn't rack up a ton of tackles, he's a large enough force to alter the opposition's game plan. Walker also started along the offensive line and helped the Technicians run the ball with plenty of success. The 6-7, 356-pounder remains one of the most important targets for Michigan this cycle. 1. QB Dante Moore, Detroit King (2023) Moore should be in the conversation for the top quarterback in the country for the next cycle. The No. 35 overall prospect nationally next cycle has put up video game numbers against quality competition this season. His best per- formance of the year may have come against Cass Tech, when he passed for 367 yards and five touchdowns en route to leading King to a thrilling win over its cross-city rival. Moore is poised in the pocket, is an accurate passer, has a strong arm, can make plays with his legs and is an outstanding leader. Simply put, the 6-3, 199-pounder is the total package. A Rivals100 pros- pect, he is the crown jewel for Michigan next cycle. — EJ Holland For regular reports on Michigan football recruiting plus videos of U-M commitments and targets visit TheWolverine.com. MOORE The Five Best Recruits The Wolverine Saw On The Road In October