The Wolverine

June-July 2023

The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports

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JUNE/JULY 2023 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 47 BY EJ HOLLAND T he Wolverine hit the road and saw more than 50 Michigan recruiting targets in action in April. Here are the five best players based on this reporter's in-person evaluations: 5. D L Je ro d S m i t h , C h e s h i re (Conn.) Academy One of the surprises of this month's live evaluations, Smith was a dominant force at the Under Armour New Jer- sey camp, earning one of the DL MVP honors and a trip to the Under Armour All-American Game. Smith, who is ranked by On3 as the No. 51 defensive lineman nationally, is often overshadowed by his brother, Ja- cob Smith. At this event, however, the 6-foot-3, 255-pound Jerod dominated 1v1s, received several compliments dur- ing individual drills and was constantly at the front of the line leading the de- fensive line group. The On3 Industry Ranking four-star Michigan commit could very well turn into the next Kris Jenkins. 4. WR Elijah Moore, Olney (Md.) Good Counsel I had a chance to see Moore at Good Counsel's college showcase and the OT7 North event, and I'm comfortable say- ing he's the most underrated wide re- ceiver in the country right now. Mo o re i s a l e g i t 6 - fo o t - 4, 19 0 pounds, and knows how to use his size and catch radius to his advantage. He's a big threat in the red zone and also has the ability to run routes like a small guy. Moore is flexible and has no trouble getting in and out of breaks — an issue commonly found in wide receivers with his height. He is rated as a three-star and the No. 106 wide receiver nationally by On3, but that should change soon. 3. EDGE Darien Mayo, Olney (Md.) Good Counsel When I first saw Mayo last year, he was an intriguing prospect with a lot of upside. Now On3's No. 88 overall player this cycle, Mayo has blossomed into one of the top edge rusher prospects in the country (No. 8 in On3's rankings). He has added good weight to his frame (6-6, 240) and showed an ex- cellent blend of power and speed at Good Counsel's college showcase. He's a perfect fit for Michigan's defensive scheme and is in the same mold as Da- vid Ojabo. This top-100 prospect is very deserving of his ascension up the rankings. 2. OL Jordan Seaton, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy Seaton definitely looks the part of a four-star offensive lineman. The No. 57 overall prospect and No. 5 offensive tackle nationally in the On3 Industry Ranking has shed 60 pounds over the last year (standing 6-5, 295), and he now projects best as a tackle at the next level. Seaton looks quicker and more ath- letic, which is expected with that much of a weight loss. However, it's clear he's also benefiting from the IMG strength and conditioning program. Seaton looks every bit as powerful and more cut up. He was fun to watch in IMG's prac- tice, and it's no surprise Michigan of- fensive line coach Sherrone Moore is trying to create some momentum with him. 1. S Ricardo Jones, Warner Rob- bins (Ga.) Northside Jones has long been my favorite target on Michigan's safety board, and that was further verified by my first in-per- son evaluation at the Battle 7v7 Char- lotte event. Jones came away with an interception when actually thrown at, ❱  MICHIGAN RECRUITING NOTEBOOK The Five Best From The Road Ricardo Jones is the No. 229 prospect and No. 23 safety nationally in the On3 Industry Ranking. PHOTO BY JEREMY JOHNSON/ON3

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