The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1514918
FEBRUARY 2024 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 53 ❱ FOOTBALL RECRUITING occurred at the end of the early signing period in December. The Michigan careers of players like Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo intrigued Edokpayi to follow a similar route in Ann Arbor. He received honor- able mention All-Met Defense honors from The Washington Post as a senior, and his potential is arguably the highest among all Michigan 2024 signees, hence his No. 182 overall ranking from On3. MOST LIKELY TO EARN EARLY PLAYING TIME DB Jacob Oden Harper Woods (Mich.) High No one in the 2024 recruiting class understands the history, lineage and culture of Michigan football more than Harper Woods (Mich.) High defensive back Jacob Oden, who's been involved and affiliated with the program his entire life. His father, Harper Woods head coach Rod Oden, was a walk-on fullback for the Wolverines in the '90s. Oden's mother and other close relatives also graduated from the university. His relationship with Michigan co-de- fensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale dates back to when Oden was young because Clinkscale has recruited the Detroit area at every coach- ing tenure. Oden was one of the first 2024 prospects to earn a Michigan offer when Clinkscale was hired on staff prior to the 2021 season. Committing in February of last year, Oden was the first in-state player last cycle to join the Wolverines. Before signing his national letter of intent, the No. 25 overall safety, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, visited Ann Arbor 18 times. He's already on campus taking classes as an early enrollee, and he was on the sidelines for the Rose Bowl and na- tional championship celebrations. The No. 5 in-state prospect in 2024 also finished high school by leading Harper Woods to its first-ever Michi- gan Division IV title, receiving Detroit Free Press 2023 Dream Team, Associ- ated Press first-team all-state and U.S. Army Bowl All-American recognition. Oden knows that nothing will be handed to him at Michigan and has vowed to work as hard as possible to contribute early as a freshman. His work ethic, mo- tivation and vivid knowledge will be the basis for accomplishing that goal. MOST LIKELY TO EARN CAPTAIN ROLE OT Blake Frazier Austin (Texas) Vandegrift Michigan signed three 2024 recruits whose fathers previously played for the Wolverines. Along with Oden and Channing Goodwin, Austin (Texas) Vandegrift offensive tackle Blake Frazier is also a legacy. His father, Steve Frazier, snapped for Tom Brady. Frazier, the No. 160 overall pros- pect and No. 11 offensive tackle in the country, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, saw the vision of following in his father's footsteps and has joined a unit that's won two Joe Moore Awards in the past three seasons. Offensive line coach and offensive co- ordinator Sherrone Moore made Frazier a top priority after seeing Frazier's tenacity and ability to finish blocks. Michigan cel- ebrates offensive linemen, and the posi- tion has produced captains like Zak Zinter and Trevor Keegan, who were culture fits much like Frazier, who has enrolled early. Once Frazier fully develops physically under strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert, he has a path to become a face of the program. MOST UNDER-THE-RADAR PROSPECT RB Micah Ka'apana Las Vegas Bishop Gorman Soon after landing a commitment from Jordan Marshall, Michigan and Hart set out to find a complementary backfield piece to the Ohio native. During the spring evaluation period, Hart flew to Las Vegas and offered Micah Ka'apana, out of prep powerhouse Bishop Gorman, which has won five consecutive NIAA Class 5A titles and is the defending Max- Preps high school national champion. Ka'apana committed to the Wolverines a week after his official visit in early June. His versatility on offense and contribu- tions in the passing game will pair nicely with Marshall's bruising attributes. Still, Ka'apana also has the toughness to lower his shoulder in between the tackles and be elusive in the open field. The No. 1-ranked 2024 prospect in Nevada, he averaged 12.5 yards a carry as a senior, finishing with 10 total touchdowns. On3 is the only primary recruiting media service that's given Ka'apana a four-star ranking. MOST SURPRISING SIGNEE LB Cole Sullivan Pittsburgh Central Catholic Western Pennsylvania standout line- backer Cole Sullivan was a Notre Dame lean until he visited Michigan twice in March of last year with his family. His parents were told during the process that when their son finds his school, he'll know, and that feeling was regis- tered after sitting down for meetings with Herbert, talking to Harbaugh in his office, dissecting formations and schemes with defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, and touring the campus. Sullivan joined the 2024 class in May and never balked on his commitment, even when former linebackers coach Chris Partridge was released the day before the Maryland game last season. A violent hitter and intelligent player, Sullivan recorded 105 total tackles, 7 for a loss, 3 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 2 blocked punts his senior year. He enrolled early so as not to wait until June to get accustomed to his new surroundings and be with the team as soon as possible. Committed to his studies and perfor- mances on and off the field, On3's No. 11 overall linebacker and No. 185 player in the country displays the versatility to play multiple positions on defense, in- cluding Mike, Will and edge. ❑ Austin (Texas) Vandegrift's Blake Frazier is the No. 160 overall prospect and No. 11 offensive tackle in the country, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. PHOTO BY SAM SPIEGELMAN/ON3