The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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48 THE WOLVERINE ❱ OCTOBER 2024 ❱ MICHIGAN RECRUITING NOTEBOOK ence I want to enjoy. I want to weigh every option and see everything. If you have that opportunity, you want to take it up and see it." Kelly did take that opportunity, catch- ing a last-minute flight from Florida to Michigan to watch U-M take on Texas in its marquee nonconference matchup. Michigan did not have its best perfor- mance in a 31-12 loss to the Longhorns, but Kelly was still impressed with the environment and experience in The Big House. "It was a great game," Kelly said. "I def- initely think there were some things that were positive coming out of the game. The result wasn't what they wanted, but the environment was great. It was by far one of the best I've ever been to. It was probably the most people I've seen con- centrated in one area." The visit also gave Kelly a chance to connect with new Michigan secondary coach LaMar Morgan, who extended an offer over the summer. "He's a very good guy," Kelly said. "He's a family guy. You can tell that he's bought into the culture at Michigan and some of the values they have. It rubs off on the re- cruits. We see the passion and how much he likes to be there." Overall, Kelly will continue to consider Michigan as the recruiting process runs its course. "They came in a little later after I had a big string of offers come in," Kelly said. "But I was able to talk to Coach Morgan and a lot of the guys on staff. It's a great program and really prestigious university. They have a lot of history and tradition of success. Any time you get an offer from a program like that, it means a lot." Kelly is a teammate of 2025 Michigan commits Kaden Strayhorn and Donovan Johnson at IMG Academy. At 6-foot-1, 175 pounds, Kelly is listed as the No. 15 cornerback and No. 167 overall prospect nationally, per the On3 Industry Ranking. He is also ranked as the No. 29 overall recruit in the state of Florida for the next cycle. MICHIGAN OL COMMIT ENROLLING EARLY Michigan offensive line commit Kaden Strayhorn is expected to play center at the next level. While Strayhorn has received some reps there this season, he has spent the majority of his time as the starting right tackle for national powerhouse Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy. "I'm fine with it," Strayhorn said. "Coach [Sherrone] Moore and Coach [Grant] Newsome don't have an issue with it at all. I played it last year, and they thought I did really well. If that's what the team needs, then I'm going to do it. I also feel like I've gotten better at it since last year. I'm just maximizing what I can do at tackle. "I have been playing some center. I do it at practice every day. For now, Coach Moore and Coach Newsome said they like that I'm playing tackle because it keeps my athleticism up." Both Moore and Newsome, the offen- sive line coach, have been giving Stray- horn plenty of advice through the first few weeks of the season. "They both help me out a lot," Stray- horn said. "I'll send Coach Newsome film and some clips of the other team, and he'll help me. He tells me what I can do in certain situations. Coach Moore and I talk, too. They've been really helpful with playing center and tackle." Strayhorn, who gave the Wolverines a verbal commitment in June, is set to grad- uate in December and enroll early. "I think that's the biggest thing," Stray- horn said. "Even when I came to IMG, I came the second semester of my fresh- man year. Getting that spring in is really important, especially for an offensive lineman. You get to learn the playbook, build your body and be with the guys. I'm really excited about it." Strayhorn is unsure when he'll get back to Michigan for a visit, but he has been doing his part to help the Wolverines on the recruiting trail. Right now, he has his eyes set on two priority targets — Nathaniel Owusu- Boateng, the No. 6 linebacker and No. 84 overall payer nationally according to the On3 Industry Ranking and his teammate at IMG, and five-star Andrew Babalola, the nation's No. 14 prospect and No. 4 of- fensive tackle per On3. "As soon as Wu got back, the first thing he said was 'Go Blue,'" Strayhorn said. "We've been talking about it every day. I've been texting Babalola. He gives me dry responses, but I think he's just a quiet kid. I don't want to pressure him too Michigan offensive line commit Kaden Strayhorn plans to graduate from Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy in December and enroll at Michigan in January. PHOTO BY EJ HOLLAND