The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1520409
50 THE WOLVERINE ❱ JUNE/JULY 2024 ❱ MICHIGAN RECRUITING NOTEBOOK In addition to helping land a com- mitment from Nate Marshall, Esposito has had confirmed communication with the likes of four-star prospect Jaylen Williams, the No. 20 defensive lineman in the land; Mariyon Dye, the nation's No. 5 EDGE, per On3; Damien Shank- lin, On3's No. 11 EDGE in the country; Marco Jones, the No. 13 EDGE in the 2025 class; and others. Esposito arrived in Ann Arbor with a track record as a relationship builder during his tenure at Western Michigan and someone with established ties in major hotbeds like Chicago. Elston was championed for getting to know players as individuals and not just for what they provide on the foot- ball field, and you're starting to see that same personality-driven recruiting style emerge from Esposito. 4. Like-Minded Coaches With Like-Minded Goals When Moore was handed the keys to the program, he talked about his re- cruiting objectives for Michigan and how he'll take an aggressive approach to the responsibility. The elements within Moore's control are being met with total effort, like being actively involved with recruits who visit campus or are in com- munication over the phone. To complete those objectives at the rate deemed necessary, Moore's as- sistants are equally tenacious on the trail. Along with Esposito, assistants like offensive coordinator and quarter- backs coach Kirk Campbell, running backs coach Tony Alford, defensive backs coach LaMar Morgan, offensive line coach Grant Newsome, lineback- ers coach Brian Jean-Mary, tight ends coach Steve Casula and wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy have all been men- tioned in-depth by recruits for their positive interactions with the group this spring. Defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale, who hasn't coached at the college level in over 20 years, has shown a high-energy approach as well. The same goes for the recruiting staff led by Sam Popper, Kayli Johnson, Jack Dun- away and John Collins. All in all, Moore doesn't have to pick up the slack by himself. His involve- ment is simply an added benefit. 5. Zero Environment Differences It really shouldn't be a surprise to know that the culture Jim Harbaugh instilled throughout Michigan's three- year championship run hasn't been changed by Moore in the four months he's been in charge. It's also not a sur- prise to hear that the grind-it-out style Moore implemented on the offensive line as an assistant coach en route to two Joe Moore Awards has spread to the entire team. Lastly, the family-first at- mosphere recruits and their loved ones have felt around Schembechler Hall this spring follows the same model Har- baugh put into place when he was in charge. Moore doesn't just want the recruits to feel welcome around the facilities. He wants the families to understand that they also belong and are part of the program. In the end, it's the little things that might get glossed over by some other programs. However, for Michi- gan, its emphasis on aspects that go un- noticed by others led to three straight College Football Playoff appearances and the 2023 national championship. — Zach Libby MICHIGAN COMMITS FALL IN RANKINGS On3 released its updated player rank- ings for the 2025 recruiting class on April 15. The update featured downward movement for Michigan's five current commits. Oak Park (Ill.) Fenwick defensive line- New defensive line coach Lou Esposito has hit the ground running as a recruiter for Michigan. PHOTO BY ZACH LIBBY