The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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58 THE WOLVERINE ❱ FEBRUARY 2024 ❱ PREP PROFILES Michigan hosted a number of top underclassmen targets for its win over Ohio State in the fall, including Michael Carroll. The On300 prospect out of Glenside (Pa.) Central Bucks East had visited Michigan twice earlier in the year. How- ever, Carroll's most recent trip marked his first game-day experience in The Big House. "The visit was amazing and by far my favorite of the year," Carroll said. "I really enjoyed seeing the brotherhood and fight Michigan plays with. It seems like they all play for each other instead of playing for individual accomplishments. "I loved seeing the team and whole stadium rally behind Zak Zinter when he, unfortunately, got hurt. Being able to talk with Coach [Sherrone] Moore during the visit was also one of my fa- vorite parts, and then, of course, that game-winning interception." Carroll paid close attention to the Michigan offensive line throughout the contest and was impressed with the unit. "Toward the second half of the game, I saw them start to take over," Carroll said. "They were getting so much push at the line of scrimmage. That's when I realized just how dominant Michigan's offensive line was. I could see myself eventually looking like those guys and playing like them if I were to go to Mich- igan and get developed by that staff." Moore, the offensive coordinator and line coach who served as acting head coach for four games in 2023, is leading the way in Carroll's recruitment. The two are building a strong relationship and had a chance to reconnect during the visit. "The message has stayed the same with Coach Moore," Carroll said. "He wants me to commit to Michigan and develop me into the best version of myself. When I was there, he really wanted me to just take in the environment and enjoy the atmosphere of a game day in Ann Arbor. "I think he has done an outstanding job as head coach. He is a great leader, very smart, and knows how to work with people. His play calling and com- posure in-game is next level, especially for his first time being a head coach." As the calendar turns to the 2025 re- cruiting cycle, Carroll is one of the most important targets on the offensive line board. And it's safe to say the Wolver- ines have made a strong impression. "Michigan is at the top of my list," Carroll said. "They are up there with Tennessee, Penn State, Wisconsin and South Carolina." Carroll is the son of former Penn State linebacker Mike Carroll. His mother, Le- titia, played basketball at Michigan State. At 6-foot-5, 300 pounds, Carroll is ranked as the No. 3 interior offensive lineman and No. 117 overall prospect in the country by On3. — EJ Holland Michigan was the first school to ex- tend an offer to CJ Jimcoily. The three-star 2025 athlete out of Nashville (Tenn.) Lipscomb Academy has since blown up on the recruiting trail, at- tracting scholarships from top programs around the country. Michigan, however, remains a constant in his recruitment. "I like Michigan a lot," Jimcoily said. "They are a physical team. They play smash-mouth ball. They are a highly ranked program. Coach Clink [co-de- fensive coordinator Steve Clinkscale] has a passion for the game and knows ball. Getting that first offer from them meant a lot to me." Michigan has shifted its focus to re- cruiting more positionless athletes on the defensive side of the ball. And Jim- coily certainly fits the description. At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, he has ex- perience playing safety and has the frame to add weight and be a linebacker as well as the length to rush the passer off the edge. "I'm leaning more toward safety," Jim- coily said. "I can come down in the box and cover as well. But it really varies from school to school. Some schools even like me as a bigger corner. I know I can put on weight and play linebacker, too." Clinkscale, who also serves as the area recruiter in the Music City, is leading the way in Jimcoily's recruitment. "I want to keep improving my relation- ship with Coach Clink because I respect him and have a lot of interest in that pro- gram," Jimcoily said. "He was the first one that put that trust and faith in me." Jimcoily is part of Nashville-based 7v7 and training program NPA, which produced U-M linebacker Junior Colson and 2024 athlete commit Mason Curtis. Now, Jimcoily wants to get back to Ann Arbor for a more personalized experience. "The last time I was there was with the [NPA] group," Jimcoily said. "I want to go on a visit by myself and talk to the coaches and see the program. I also want to see the academic side of things. I'm interested in business and finance. I know they have a great program." Jimcoily paid close attention to Michigan's national title run and was extremely impressed. "I sat completely in awe with Michi- gan's ability to maneuver through chal- lenge and difficulty, and was amazed by their resolve when it came to holding their lead against Washington," Jimcoily said. "That defense has consistently operated as an amalgamation of distinct, talented parts and that night was no different. "It truly was a treat to watch and filled my heart with passion and excite- ment watching them perform." Jimcoily has offers from Auburn, Flor- ida, Miami, Michigan State, North Caro- lina, Oklahoma, Tennessee and others. He is rated as the No. 29 safety and No. 361 overall prospect in the On3 In- dustry Ranking. — EJ Holland Pennsylvania Offensive Lineman Is High On Michigan Tennessee Safety Is Impressed By The Wolverines' Title Run ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ Central Bucks East Doylesburg, Pa. Class: 2025 Position: Interior offensive line Ht.: 6-5 • Wt.: 300 On3 Rankings: No. 3 player in Pennsylvania, and No. 3 interior offensive lineman and No. 117 prospect nationally ❱ Michael Carroll ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ Lipscomb Academy Nashville, Tenn. Class: 2025 Position: Safety Ht.: 6-3 • Wt.: 200 On3 Rankings: No. 16 player in Tennessee and No. 41 safety nationally ❱ CJ Jimcoily