The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1520409
46 THE WOLVERINE ❱ JUNE/JULY 2024 BY EJ HOLLAND M ichigan has a long-standing tra- dition of producing elite pass rushers. From Aidan Hutchinson to David Ojabo and more, U-M should be a des- tination school for elite edge recruits from around the country. However, Michigan is off to a bit of a slow start with edge recruiting this cycle. This should come as no surprise considering Michigan has had three defensive line coaches this calendar year. Mike Elston bolted for the NFL, while Greg Scruggs made an off-the-field mistake that cost him his job. New Michigan defensive line coach Lou Esposito, who joined the staff af- ter a brief stint at Memphis, has been forced to hit the ground running. Es- posito has reignited interest from some of U-M's preexisting edge targets, in- cluding On300 Danville (Calif.) San Ra- mon Valley prospect Marco Jones, who has ascended to become Esposito's No. 1 target on the pass-rusher board. Michigan cemented itself as a ma- jor player in the recruitment of Jones thanks to a strong unofficial visit for the weekend of the spring game April 20. Jones, the No. 20 edge and No. 186 overall prospect nationally, per On3, and his father, AJ, who played linebacker at both Northwestern and Colorado, en- joyed their time in Ann Arbor and were impressed with everything U-M had to offer on and off the field. "Overall, the visit was outstanding," the elder Jones said. "I didn't know what to expect. Obviously, we all know Michigan is steeped in tradition and just won the national championship. ❱ FOOTBALL RECRUITING Northern California On300 Edge Rusher Marco Jones Rises To Top Of Michigan's Board Danville (Calif.) San Ramon Valley's Marco Jones has a four-star rating and is ranked as the No. 20 edge rusher and No. 147 prospect overall accord- ing to the On3 Industry Ranking. PHOTO BY CHAD SIMMONS/ON3