The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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50 THE WOLVERINE ❱ FEBRUARY 2024 ❱ FOOTBALL RECRUITING weight. Will be interesting to see what direction the staff takes him in. Played a more traditional linebacker role as a junior, where he impressed in coverage as well as a pass rusher off the edge on third downs. Moved back to safety as a senior. Also has experience playing nickel and corner. A Swiss Army knife that can play al- most any position on the defensive side of the ball. Still raw from a technical standpoint and will need a few years with strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert before making an impact. Unclear where exactly he'll end up at Michigan. 19. RB MICAH KA'APANA LAS VEGAS BISHOP GORMAN On3 Industry Ranking: High three- star EJ's Ranking: High three-star Scouting Report: All-purpose back that can run between the tackles but is best used in going east and west. Shows quickness and elusiveness in the open field. Will need to bulk up a bit to handle physicality of the Big Ten. Will likely serve as more of a change of pace back in a complementary role. Can be used as an effective receiver out of the backfield. Can also line up in the slot or out wide. Limited sample size due to an ongoing committee ap- proach at Bishop Gorman but did have an impressive yards-per-carry average. Wanted to be used more as a senior but just didn't get the opportunity to be a featured back. 20. OL JAKE GUARNERA PONTE VEDRA BEACH (FLA.) HIGH On3 Industry Ranking: High three- star EJ's Ranking: High three-star Scouting Report: Centers don't get a lot of rankings love but would have a strong argument to be a top-three prospect in the country at the center position. Played most of his career at tackle, which is evident by his profi- ciency in pass protection in the interior of the offensive line as well as his feet. Needs to get stronger but plays with enough physicality and did finish blocks throughout his high school career. Needs to continue to get comfortable with snapping and the intricacies of the position. However, steadily improved as a senior and earned a late invitation to the Under Armour All-America Game. Smart kid who should have no issue picking up the mental aspect of playing center at a high level. 21. DL TED HAMMOND CINCINNATI ST. XAVIER On3 Industry Ranking: High three- star EJ's Ranking: High three-star Scouting Report: Hammond is a consistent performer in the trenches with a high motor and the ability to play the three-technique at the next level. Athleticism doesn't pop out on film but is a former champion swimmer and var- sity baseball player. Added some good weight as a senior and proved to be a powerful force in the interior of the de- fensive line. Spent a lot of time at nose, where he took up blockers and allowed those be- hind him to make plays. Hard working, blue-collar kid that brings his lunch pail to work. At worst, will be a rotational player at Michigan. 22. DL MANUEL BEIGEL WALLINGFORD (CONN.) CHOATE On3 Industry Ranking: Mid three- star EJ's Ranking: High three-star Scouting Report: Is one of the big- gest mysteries of the class. Native of Germany with very limited football experience. Only played two years of high school ball in the United States and spent all of his junior year on the offensive line. Played on defense as a senior but only saw action in a handful of games. A physical freak at 6-foot-5, 282 pounds. Built more like a fit heavy- weight boxer than a football player. Al- Wide receiver I'Marion Stewart was rated as the No. 80 player at his position in the country by On3. PHOTO COURTESY I'MARION STEWART