The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1499505
JUNE/JULY 2023 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 53 ❱ COMMIT PROFILE BY ZACH LIBBY F our-star Rochester (Mich.) Adams tight end Brady Prieskorn became the second in-state recruit in the 2024 class to commit to Michigan when his decision was announced on social me- dia in late April. A 6-foot-5, 220-pound versatile of- fensive playmaker, Prieskorn turned down an opportunity to be teammates with his older brother, Caden Prieskorn, at Ole Miss, as well as offers from Ala- bama, Georgia, Ohio State, Penn State, Miami, Tennessee and others, to stay home. Prieskorn, who's the No. 66 overall prospect in the country and No. 2 ris- ing senior in the state of Michigan, ac- cording to the On3 Industry Ranking, visited Ann Arbor in mid-March where he spent time with running back Jordan Marshall, offensive tackle Blake Frazier and quarterback Jadyn Davis, all future U-M teammates and fellow 2024 com- mits. "The biggest takeaway from the visit was being with those guys," Prieskorn told The Wolverine in March. "It was fun because I haven't really done that at any other place. I know if I went there and they went there, we would have a good relationship because they're all good dudes." Considered as the top tight end tar- get for Michigan in this cycle for well over a year, Prieskorn has communi- cated constantly with tight ends coach Grant Newsome ever since the latter was brought onto the staff in February 2022. Ending up visiting campus twice for game days this past season, Prieskorn didn't travel to a single school on his of- fer sheet in the winter. Instead, he opted to focus on basketball. Prieskorn helped Adams advance to the quarterfinals of the MHSAA Division I playoffs. While Prieskorn's last two appear- ances at Michigan were nearly five months apart, Newsome made sure that the pair talked in person regularly by attending several of the No. 5 nationally ranked tight end's basketball games. "Coach Newsome is always cool," Prieskorn said. "We're always texting each other. He was here at the school and saw a few of my basketball games. We talk almost every day. Just like 'How are you doing? And, 'How was your game?' It's easy to relate to him." Prieskorn built a relationship with fellow tight end Zack Marshall, a 2023 early enrollee and Carlsbad, Calif., na- tive, this past year when the latter was undergoing the recruitment process before signing. Prieskorn also observed the continued development of tight end Colston Loveland, and it left a huge impression on him regarding how tight ends are taught at Michigan. "I got to see them go at it," Prieskorn said. "It was cool seeing Loveland and all those guys. He's just a beast. I know I would learn a lot of things from him. Marshall looks like he's getting better, too." Prieskorn is the second-highest ranked 2024 commit for Michigan on the On3 Industry Ranking behind only Davis. His addition to the class now gives the Wolverines two tight end pledges — alongside Bellevue (Wash.) High four-star Hogan Hansen — the second straight cycle in which Newsome has recruited a pair of athletes at the posi- tion. Finishing his junior campaign with 24 receptions, 648 yards and 8 touch- downs, Prieskorn earned first-team Associated Press Division I All-State honors. ❏ Blue-Chip Michigan Tight End Brady Prieskorn Chooses U-M Prieskorn became the second in-state recruit in the 2024 class to commit to Michigan. He is rated as the No. 66 overall prospect and No. 5 tight end nationally in the On3 Industry Ranking. PHOTO BY EJ HOLLAND PLAYER EVALUATION STRENGTHS: I think Brady's biggest strengths are the versatility that he brings on the offensive side of the ball, his size and pass-catching ability. Projecting him forward as a blocker, you're looking at a pure in-line, big Y type of tight end. That's what he brings to the table, maybe relative to other top tight ends in the country, who are more pass catchers at this point. When looking at Brady, he'll be able to develop into that every-down tight end, who can put his hand in the dirt and play on run and pass downs. AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT: He'll have to get more consistent with catching the ball. He has the ability to make some high-level catches, but having the consistency as a pass catcher and getting more reps in the passing game will certainly help. PLAYER COMPARISON: Cole Kmet [former Notre Dame tight end, now with the NFL's Chicago Bears] isn't a bad comparison when you look at their frames and their physical upside. Cole was a two-way player in high school and was used in a similar way on offense as Brady. — On3 director of scouting and rankings Charles Power