The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1468055
54 THE WOLVERINE JUNE / JULY 2022 MICHIGAN RECRUITING I did the YIP [Youth Impact Program] camp, and we went there for two weeks straight for four years. They always ask me what I want to see. I've seen every- thing I can possibly see. I've been there for a game day, a spring game, practices and more. "I'm just trying to get my family from Ohio on these visits. There isn't much I need to see anymore. But I am going to get back out there. It's only 30 minutes away." Michigan has continued to make Moore its top overall target this cycle. Aside from fellow five-star Arch Man- ning, who is a long shot, the Wolver- ines aren't in the mix for any other 2023 quarterback recruits. A lot has been said about the relation- ship between Moore and U-M quarter- backs coach Matt Weiss — some true and some not so true. But Moore made it clear that their relationship has got- ten better. In fact, the two had a very productive call following U-M's spring practices. "Coach Weiss and I talked about practice and the new plays they've been putting in," Moore said. "They had some new concepts put in with Andrel [An- thony] and the offense. "We checked up on each other but more so talked about practice. … At first, it was a little off with him, but you have to get close to him. Now, he's jok- ing around more. He's cool. He's more serious than goofy, but he's a good guy." Michigan assistant Ron Bellamy also was on the call, and he has been actively involved in Moore's recruitment. Michigan is also getting a boost from freshman defensive back Will Johnson. A five-star early enrollee, Johnson has been good friends with Moore for years, and the two came up together in the Sound Mind Sound Body program in Detroit. They recently spoke about Johnson's recruiting process and are set to talk again soon. "I texted Will about the recruiting process," Moore said. "We are close. I'm going to talk to him about the spring game and how he got into the groove. "One of the things I asked him was 'Is your dad the biggest reason you went to Michigan?' He told me his dad never really pushed him. He told me a lot of people did push him to Michigan, but at the end of the day, he stayed true to himself. I appreciate him telling me that. He said to just stay patient and keep being true to myself." MICHIGAN LB COMMIT TO VISIT OTHER SCHOOLS Michigan will have to fight to keep its highest-rated commit in the boat. Top 100 Tallahassee (Fla.) Lincoln linebacker Raylen Wilson made unof- ficial visits to SEC programs Florida and Georgia this offseason and has locked in official visits with both schools. Wilson will see Georgia on June 3 and Florida on June 17. "The two main ones are Georgia and Florida," Wilson said. "I like the people there and the vibe they give off — that was the biggest thing. "It's the people I want to be around. If I were to de-commit from Michigan or anything happened with Michigan, they would definitely be in the race." Wilson also received an offer from Kentucky in May, and his hometown school Florida State hasn't given up in this recruitment, either. Despite the visits, Wilson continues to maintain that he is still solid. "I'm still locked in," Wilson said. "Even though [Mike Macdonald] just left, I'm still locked in with Coach [George] Helow and Coach [Jim] Harbaugh. I like the plan they have laid out for me. They have one of the top business schools in the coun- try. That's a big factor for me." Wilson originally committed to Michi- gan in December and was expected to be a vocal leader for the Wolverines. In- stead, Wilson has wavered, causing line- backers coach George Helow and new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to make contingency plans. This spring, Michigan has pursued other linebackers, including On300 Fay- etteville (Ga.) Whitewater prospect Raul Aguirre, the No. 148 overall talent na- tionally, On300 Cleveland (Ohio) Glen- ville prospect Arvell Reese, the No. 194 overall prospect and No. 15 linebacker nationally, and three-star Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy prospect Jordan Hall. Both Helow and Minter stopped by Lincoln to see Wilson in May and are doing everything possible to keep him solid with the Wolverines. Wilson does not have an official visit with Michigan scheduled, but June 10 is the target date. At 6-foot, 205 pounds, Wilson is ranked as the No. 6 linebacker and No. 76 overall prospect nationally, per the On3 Consensus. ❏ At 6-foot, 205 pounds, Tallahassee (Fla.) Lincoln four-star Raylen Wilson is ranked as the No. 6 linebacker and No. 76 overall prospect nationally, per the On3 Consensus. PHOTO BY CHAD SIMMONS/ON3.COM