The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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DECEMBER 2023 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 53 ❱ PREP PROFILES Michigan is anxiously awaiting the upcoming decision of five-star Belleville (Mich.) High quarterback Bryce Under- wood. However, the Wolverines have dumped the antiquated "all your eggs in one basket" approach to quarterback re- cruiting. U-M is instead working on a handful of other signal-callers in the 2025 class, including On300 Fort Myers (Fla.) Bishop Verot prospect Carter Smith, who made his first U-M visit for the Purdue game. "It was awesome," Smith said. "It was great to get up there and get around the coaching staff. I walked around the cam- pus and got a feel for everything. I got a facility tour. "Friday was mainly hanging around the coaches, players and people in the build- ing. For it being my first game, it really impressed. It was definitely a sight to see." Smith, the No. 8 quarterback and No. 112 overall recruit nationally, per On3, notched an offer from Michigan before leaving Ann Arbor, and he now has the Wolverines high on his mind. "It means a lot to hold something of that value from them," Smith said. "Michigan is such a historic school. They are definitely toward the top after the visit. I'm sure it'll keep moving its way up after the next visit." This visit gave Smith the opportunity to have his first sit-down meeting with Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, who made a strong impression. "It was good," Smith said. "I met with him when I first got there. We had a great conversation. I love him. I think he's a good dude. I'm excited to build off that conversation. "Knowing he played quarterback is a huge part. Having that in your corner is special. Being able to talk to him about being a college quarterback and how to get better is huge." Smith also spent extended time with lead recruiter and Michigan quarterbacks coach Kirk Campbell. "We've built a pretty strong relation- ship over the last couple of months," Smith said. "He came in the spring, and it really picked up once recruiting opened up for our class. We kept in contact a cou- ple of times a week, and I was finally able to get up there. As a person, he's a great guy. I love being around him. I really like the way he operates with the quarterbacks and his philosophy." Aside from meeting with the staff, Smith also enjoyed the atmosphere in The Big House and watching the U-M offense. "I think it's cool to see them open it up each week," Smith said. "They are let- ting J.J. [McCarthy] be that playmaker. It's definitely exciting to see that. I think I would fit in pretty well. J.J. and I almost have the same style of play." Smith plans to return when U-M plays host to rival Ohio State on Nov. 25. Along with Michigan, Smith holds of- fers from Florida, Florida State, Miami, Ole Miss, Texas A&M and others. — EJ Holland Michigan hosted a number of top un- derclassman targets for its win over Pur- due, including Jahmari DeLoatch. The three-star 2025 defensive back out of Chesapeake (Va.) Oscar Smith enjoyed his first game day experience in The Big House and got another in-depth look at the program after making his way to Ann Arbor in the summer. "They welcomed me very well when I got there," DeLoatch said. "I was able to be myself. I joked with the staff and had fun. I liked the academic presentation. They answered a lot of questions before I could even ask them. "The game was fun. It was packed, loud and interesting. It was fun watching where I could be at and putting myself in those positions and seeing myself making plays. "It was something I expected, but be- ing there was crazy. Everybody welcomed me in the tunnel and the stands. The fans made me feel like I was already on the team." DeLoatch paid close attention to Mich- igan's secondary during the dominant win over Purdue and was impressed with their play. "I see myself fitting in well in the sec- ondary," DeLoatch said. "They play hard and fast. They did their thing. They are well coached and know what they are do- ing. They play with confidence and swag. They have fun." Michigan is recruiting DeLoatch spe- cifically for the Mike Sainristil role at nickel. And the two had the opportunity to meet after the game. "It was quick, but I was really happy to see him," DeLoatch said. "I took a pic- ture with him. I told him 'good job.' Some things I picked up from watching him were play fast and don't overthink. Trust your technique. You can tell he's out there playing football and having fun." DeLoatch, the No. 45-ranked corner- back nationally, per On3, also spent time with Michigan cornerbacks coach Steve Clinkscale and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. "I like Coach Clink a lot," DeLoatch said. "He's very energetic. He doesn't su- garcoat anything. Coach Minter was very excited to see me. I could tell by the look on his face. I was very excited to see him. That's my dog." Michigan is in a good place with the cornerback. "I always tell you the same thing … they stand high," DeLoatch said with a laugh. "It just feels like home. Everybody is great and welcoming. You can tell they know what they are talking about. The players are well coached and disciplined. They have fun and play ball." Along with Michigan, DeLoatch holds offers from Charlotte, Duke, Liberty, Old Dominion, Wake Forest and Virginia Tech. — EJ Holland Four-Star Florida Quarterback Enjoys First Visit, Plans Second 2025 Virginia Cornerback Targeted For 'Mike Sainristil Role' ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ Bishop Verot Fort Myers, Fla. Class: 2025 Position: Quarterback Ht.: 6-3 • Wt.: 180 On3 Rankings: No. 17 player in Florida, and No. 8 quarterback and No. 112 overall prospect nationally ❱ Carter Smith ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ Oscar Smith Chesapeake, Va. Class: 2025 Position: Cornerback Ht.: 6-0 • Wt.: 170 On3 Rankings: No. 13 player in Virginia and No. 45 cornerback nationally ❱ Jahmari DeLoatch