The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1516256
PLAYER BIOS ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ MARCH 2024 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 43 BY ZACH LIBBY Andrew Sprague made two unofficial visits to Michigan prior to his return for the April 1 spring game last year. Leading up to the intrasquad exhibition, Sprague visited several other schools, but his threshold for comparison was always the Wolverines. Standing in the rainy conditions for the spring game, Sprague surrounded himself with 2024 commits who had made their respective pledges before the weekend. His newfound relationships and comfort on Michigan's campus were the basis for his own commitment just six days later. "It's just a blessing that I could find my school so early," Sprague told The Wolverine. "I wanted to be there, and I had no second guesses about my deci- sion. I kind of knew going into the spring game visit that I was going to commit, but it wasn't 100 percent certain. Then, meeting the rest of the commits, Coach [Sherrone] Moore and the guys on the team helped me make my decision." The Kansas City native wanted to be a part of a U-M program that won the Joe Moore Award as the nation's best col- legiate offensive line in both 2021 and 2022. "You can say that you're playing on the best O-line in the country," Sprague said. Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore, previously the offensive coordinator and line coach, locked in verbal commits from all five offensive line signees before the start of last summer. Sprague was Moore's biggest catch, literally. The 6-foot-8, 295-pound tackle is Michigan's highest-ranked offensive line signee, per both On3 and the On3 Industry Ranking. "Coach Moore knows our strong suits, and we'll be able to implement those into the play-calling," Sprague said. Moore's ability to develop personal connections outside of football and his success as an assistant coach resulted in Sprague committing early and not wa- vering before National Signing Day. "We have a great relationship, and we talk a lot," Sprague said. "My family talks to him. He knows all my siblings. He met my grandparents on my in-home visit. It's just a great feeling. I like him a lot." Sprague was the third of five offensive linemen to join Michigan's 2024 recruit- ing class that includes Ben Roebuck, Luke Hamilton, Blake Frazier and Jake Guarnera. "We talk once a day," Sprague said of his fellow linemen. "We've all met up a few times at Michigan. We're pretty close, and I really enjoy talking to those guys. They're some of my good friends already. We can joke around. It'll be fun when we all get up there." Projected as a tackle at the next level, Sprague is excited to bring his talents to a stout offensive line unit. "I think I'll play on the outside just be- cause of my height," Sprague said. "I feel like I'm pretty athletic for a lineman, so I think outside is where I'll find myself. I'll be on the inside if they need me to. But from talking to the coaches, they said I'll play on the outside." ❑ On300 Tackle Andrew Sprague Finds Right Fit At Michigan Sprague is the highest-rated signee (No. 106 overall in the On3 Industry Ranking) on the offensive line and tallest (6-foot-8) member of Michigan's 2024 recruiting class. PHOTO BY EJ HOLLAND 2024 Projection Shoring up his technique and overall ath- le cism will be a big focus for Sprague as a freshman. He also enters the next level with a solid frame that will be structured properly under Michigan's strength and condi oning staff. He has a number of players above him on the depth chart to learn from, like Andrew Gentry and Evan Link, on his journey to becoming a star ng tackle for the Wolverines in a few years. STATISTICS • Paved the way for the Rockhurst offense to tally 1,661 passing yards, 1,513 rushing yards, and 39 total touchdowns in 2023. • Helped lead Rockhurst to 1,086 passing yards, 1,782 rushing yards, and 29 total touchdowns in 2022. • Recorded 14 tackles, including 2 for a loss, at defensive tackle in 2023 and had 2 tackles in 2022. HONORS • Class 6 Missouri first-team All-State in 2022 and 2023. • Maxwell Football Club Offensive Player of the Year semifinalist in 2023. • Played in the 2024 All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas. RECRUITMENT • Pledged to Michigan on April 7, 2023, a er receiving offer in April 2022. • Picked U-M over notable offers from Ne- braska, Notre Dame and Missouri. • Recruited by head coach Sherrone Moore. DID YOU KNOW? • Sprague will enroll in June. • Plays basketball for Rockhurst, averaging 8.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game as a senior. • Also plays on AAU basketball circuit with KC Run GMC. • Son of Rob and Courtney Sprague. • Born on Sept. 14, 2005. THEY SAID IT On3 director of scou ng and rankings Charles Power: "He's a tall, high-cut offensive tackle with light feet and developmental upside. Looks to be one of the taller top offensive linemen in the 2024 cycle. Added a good bit of weight during his junior year. "Does not appear to be overly long for the po- si on. A nimble mover. Works to the second level with rela ve ease as a run blocker. Shows light feet and reac ve quickness with lateral agility as a pass protector." ANDREW SPRAGUE OFFENSIVE TACKLE 6-8 • 295 ROCKHURST HIGH KANSAS CITY, MO. RANKINGS STARS NAT. POS. STATE ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 106 7 5 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 129 10 4 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 68 6 3 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 155 16 5 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ — 14 9 INDUSTRY