The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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48 THE WOLVERINE ❱ OCTOBER 2023 ❱ MICHIGAN RECRUITING NOTEBOOK Consistency is what Underwood has displayed on the football field with Belleville riding a 27-game undefeated streak and winning two state titles with him under center. Underwood has proven that no stage is too big or too small for him. In Belleville's season-opening 35-28 win over a formidable opponent in River Rouge last month, Underwood took a 45-yard deep shot with seconds left in the fourth quarter, finding 2025 wide receiver Julian Johnson in the end zone to secure the victory. Dooley recounted a story in which he told Underwood's father that the 6-foot-3, 210-pound signal-caller used to be called "a unicorn" by the former. But now, Underwood's nickname is "clutch." "Most importantly, with Bryce, he has a ton of courage," Dooley said. "His pocket presence, ability to throw the football on time, command the offense and offensive line, along with under- standing protections is outstanding. His ability to make adjustments and his situational awareness are really impres- sive." According to Dooley, the most suc- cessful individuals in this world are those who ask questions, which is an Underwood quality. When it's time to get out the marker- board and either Dooley or the Belleville coaching staff is leading the discussion, it's Underwood who's wanting informa- tion and sees how each intricacy of the quarterback position acts in harmony. "Bryce is ultra-confident and has continued to work on his craft ever since he was 9 years old," Dooley said. "He also continues to hone in on the small things. He's always shooting for the stars and is always asking great questions. He can get in the classroom and study with me or [Belleville High offensive coordinator] Spencer Mc- Court, who has done a hell of a job with him. "Most importantly, Bryce is focusing on the main thing, and that's winning football games each week." When Aug. 1 came around and college coaches were given the green light to contact 2025 prospects directly, Under- wood's phone didn't stay quiet. Michi- gan isn't the only school categorizing Underwood as the prized gem of the class. However, keeping the No. 1-ranked quarterback nationally, who lives less than 30 minutes away from campus, means going the extra mile, including, but not limited to, showing how Under- wood would lead the offense and how he could best elevate his brand through NIL while in Ann Arbor. 2025 Michigan Commit Earns On3 Rating Howell (Mich.) High defensive lineman Bobby Kanka received ratings by On3 and the On3 Industry Ranking. Kanka, who announced his U-M commitment two days after the late July BBQ at The Big House, is listed as the No. 296 overall prospect (a four-star) and No. 32 defensive lineman in the country, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four primary recruiting media services. He's also tabbed as the No. 4 player in Michigan. On3's own scouts have Kanka rated as a three-star prospect and rank him as the No. 34 defensive lineman nationally and No. 5 in-state prospect. Kanka committed to Michigan this summer over offers from Kansas, Louisville, Michigan State, Penn State, Tennessee and others. "I've known for a while, and it wasn't an overnight kind of thing," Kanka told The Wolverine. "It was the thought of, 'Why wait any longer when Michigan is top tier in everything?' That was my thought process when knowing that Michigan is the place to be." Michigan's other 2025 commit, Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna Prep cornerback Chris Ewald, has maintained his four-star rating in both the On3 ranking and On3 Industry Ranking. On3 currently rates him as the No. 29 player in Florida, and the No. 13 cornerback and No. 146 overall prospect nationally. — Zach Libby U-M 2025 commit Bobby Kanka, a defensive lineman from Howell (Mich.) High, is listed as the No. 296 overall prospect and No. 32 defensive lineman in the country, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. PHOTO BY ZACH LIBBY