The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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46 THE WOLVERINE JANUARY 2022 FOOTBALL RECRUITING EJ's Ranking: High three-star EJ's Evaluations: Game, Film EJ's Scouting Report: During an in- game evaluation, Walker did not appear to be a natural pass catcher, lacked ag- gression, and had some trouble sinking his hips and getting in and out of breaks. However, the overall body of work on film shows a unique athletic skill set. A springy athlete who wins plenty of jump balls. Excellent body control and catch radius. Verified 4.4 speed. More of an athlete than a football player at this point in his development. Could move over to the defensive side of the ball and serve as a tall, long cor- ner. Really flashed at corner live, would prefer him there. A mixed bag of a re- view but hard to dispute the versatility and athletic profile. 18. EDGE MICAH POLLARD JACKSONVILLE BARTRAM TRAIL Consensus Ranking: High three- star (outside top 300) EJ's Ranking: Mid three-star (out- side top 300) EJ's Evaluations: Film EJ's Scouting Report: Pollard is the only defensive signee that I did not get a chance to see live. A bit of a tweener at 6-3, 200 pounds. Initially recruited as an edge but may move to a more traditional inside linebacker role. Very skinny at this point in his develop- ment. Will need to spend at least a year in Michigan's strength and conditioning program before contributing. Has good speed off the edge and plays well from a technical standpoint. Lim- ited ceiling but a high a floor. Has re- ceived quality coaching at Jacksonville powerhouse Bartram Trail. Also has NFL bloodlines — father, Marcus Pol- lard, is a former NFL tight end and uncle Braylon Edwards is one of the greatest Michigan wide receivers of all time. 19. OT CONNOR JONES MONUMENT (COLO.) PALMER RIDGE Consensus Ranking: Mid three- star (outside top 300) EJ's Ranking: High three-star EJ's Evaluations: Game, Camp, Film EJ's Scouting Report: Tall (6-7) left tackle type with plenty of room to add weight. Carries 285 like 270. Will easily get over 300 pounds. A gym rat who has progressed in the weight room and applied it to the field. Physical and dominant run blocker as a senior. Served up an incredible number of pancakes against inferior competi- tion. A demolisher when down block- ing. Can chip and get to the next level with ease, often knocking down line- backers and defensive backs downfield. I want to see more in pass pro. He has athletic limitations and can continue to improve foot speed. Understands hand placement and technique. Extremely coachable and a very willing learner. Will be one of the hardest workers in the program. A lifelong Michigan fan who was beating down the door to play in Ann Arbor. 20. RB CJ STOKES COLUMBIA (S.C.) HAMMOND Consensus Ranking: Mid three-star EJ's Ranking: Mid three-star EJ's Evaluations: Film EJ's Scouting Report: On the shorter side at 5-11 but has an extremely thick build, especially in his lower half. Big legs and buttocks as well as an im- pressive upper half allows him to run with physicality between the tackles. Runs a verified 4.5 40. Displays more long speed than sudden burst on the field. Can be dangerous in the open field but not overly elusive. Catches the ball well. Tough to grade vision as he plays very poor competition. Checks boxes but doesn't pop. A safe complementary back. Could make ev- eryone's ranking look bad due to his Mike Hart-esque competitiveness, drive and running style. 21. OL ALESSANDRO LORENZETTI WINDSOR (CONN.) LOOMIS CHAFFE Consensus Ranking: Mid three-star EJ's Ranking: Mid three-star EJ's Evaluations: Film EJ's Scouting Report: The biggest mystery in the class. Would have pre- ferred my ranking to be incomplete. A native of Canada who bloomed this offseason after rebuilding his body and wowed Power Five coaches at summer camps. Missed time as a senior due to shoul- der injury. From film, can see his abil- ity to bend. Could be a very good right tackle or slide inside and be an athletic guard — likely the latter. Versatility to play multiple spots along the offensive line. Needs to add strength. Looks like he needs more technical coaching. 22. QB JAYDEN DENEGAL APPLE VALLEY (CALIF.) HIGH Consensus Ranking: Low four-star EJ's Ranking: Mid three-star EJ's Evaluations: Game, Private Workout, Film EJ's Scouting Report: Was expected to be a highly touted signal-caller earlier on in his recruiting process. Hit ceiling quicker than others in his class. Has a strong arm and can push the ball down the field. Struggles with touch on deep balls. Accurate on short-to-inter- mediate throws. Has a bit of a wind in his throwing motion. Mechanics are a work in progress but does train with quarter- back guru Danny Hernandez, who helped sculpt Heisman winner Bryce Young. A big kid who can run and is tough to tackle with a full head of steam but not a true dual-threat quarterback. Projects as a serviceable backup or late-career starter. ❏ Edge rusher Micah Pollard played at Jacksonville powerhouse Bartram Trail and has NFL bloodlines. His father, Marcus Pollard, is a former NFL tight end, and uncle Braylon Edwards is one of the greatest Michigan wide receivers of all time. PHOTO COURTESY ON3.COM