The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/152358
michigan recruiting to the Maize and Blue. His athleticism belies his two-star ranking. Although he's only 6-1 and 215 pounds, he has played safety in the past and has the frame to get bigger. Perhaps the most likely player to end up in the winged helmet is another from Metro Detroit. Defensive end Malik McDowell recently transferred into the Southfield (Mich.) High program that includes U‑M commit Lawrence Marshall. McDowell is listed as a four-star recruit and the No. 23 player in the nation thanks to his skill, quickness and 6-6, 300-pound size. Michigan is also looking nationally to fill the remainder of the class. Targets include: Montae Nicholson, the country's No. 13 safety prospect and No. 127 overall player out of Monroeville (Pa.) Gateway; John "Juju" Smith from Long Beach (Calif.) Polytechnic, the No. 6 safety and No. 49 overall player in the nation; and Bolingbrook (Ill.) High product Parrker Westphal, the No. 17 cornerback and No. 229 overall player in the land. All four of those players have earned fourstar status and would be a boost to the back end of U-M's defense in the 2014 class. Since Michigan's 2014 class projects to be a small one — only 18‑20 scholarships are currently available — it's easy to take a look at some of the most likely players on the board. However, with a strong season, U‑M could close out the class by surprising with some top prospects. Continuing 2015 Momentum Michigan's 2015 class started with pledges on consecutive days from Massillon (Ohio) Washington kicker Andrew David and Philadelphia St. Joseph's Prep offensive lineman Jon Runyan Jr. Both are good prospects — kickers rarely garner anything higher than a two-star ranking, but the 6-4, 250-pound Runyan has a chance to play his way into four-star status this fall. However, they were overshadowed a month later when Michigan pulled off another double dip, this time from very highly touted players. Tarpon Springs (Fla.) East Lake wide receiver George Campbell is a 6-4, 190-pounder who has been lasertimed at 4.37 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Berea (Ky.) Madison Southern running back Damien Harris stands 5-11, 210 pounds, and rushed for 1,911 yards and nearly 12 yards per carry in 10 games as a sophomore. Both are potential five-star players. Michigan could be close to adding to the 2015 class again, and though it's unlikely that the barrage of potential five-stars continues, some future fourstars are among those high on the Maize and Blue. Pittsburgh Baldwin offensive lineman Sterling Jenkins has 6‑8, 300-pound size, and the athleticism of a much smaller man. He already holds a Michigan offer and has visited Ann Arbor multiple times, in addition to building friendships with 2014 U‑M pledges Michael Ferns and Chase Winovich. Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward cornerback Shaun Crawford doesn't have much size — he's only 5-9, 170