The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1526802
50 THE WOLVERINE ❱ OCTOBER 2024 Michigan hosted a number of highly touted re- cruits for its marquee nonconference matchup against Texas in early September, including Javian Osborne. Ranked as the No. 1 running back in the 2026 class, per On3's analysts, Osborne enjoyed his first game day experience in The Big House despite U- M's loss to the Longhorns. "It was a very good visit," Osborne said. "It was the first time being in The Big House for me. It was a very good experience for me. "I know the outcome wasn't what they expected. But overall, Michigan treated me well. I felt appreci- ated and wanted there. I also got to speak to Coach TA [Tony Alford] and met his older son. There was definitely love shown. I really appreciate Michigan." The Wolverines have been one of the most domi- nant running teams in college football over the last few years. While Michigan wasn't able to find too much success against Texas, Osborne said he was still impressed with Michigan's commitment to pounding the rock. "I still loved the game plan," Osborne said. "Even when they were down big, they didn't shy away from running the football. They stuck with their game plan. They didn't get out of their game plan. They utilize their running backs. It was great seeing that." With Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings set to move on after this season, the Forney (Texas) High product added that he sees opportunity in U-M's backfield. "I definitely see the potential for me to come up there and be a starter for sure," Osborne said. "There is a big opportunity there for me to shine and play my part." Osborne also visited Michigan for the BBQ at The Big House in July and has been building a strong relationship with Alford. The first-year U-M running backs coach made another positive impression over the weekend. "He's a great coach," Osborne said. "He's very personable. He talks to you about everything. I feel very comfortable talking to him. We watched film after my Friday game, and he went over some dif- ferent things. "Seeing that and his coaching point of view was great because he's been in the game for quite some time. Being able to learn and see what he brings to the table helps a lot." Osborne is now set to make his third visit to Michi- gan later this fall when the Wolverines play host to Oregon. Overall, U-M remains a top contender in his recruitment. "Michigan is very high on my list," Osborne said. "I love Michigan. They run the ball. The city of Ann Arbor is a cool college town. They have a really good kine- siology program, and that's what I want to major in. "They have connections within the program, and getting a degree from Michigan is like getting a de- gree from Harvard or Stanford. They call it a public Ivy. It checks a lot of boxes." — EJ Holland Michigan made another strong impression on Jaylen Pile in early September. While the Wolverines didn't get the result they wanted against Texas, the three-star 2026 wide receiver out of Dallas Parish Episcopal still enjoyed taking in the atmosphere in The Big House. "I loved the environment," Pile said. "Seeing 110,000 people in the stadium all rocking was amazing. Their 'Go Blue / M Club Supports You' [banner] walkout was everything I imagined. It was so hype. "I was trying to talk to my dad next to me, and we couldn't even hear each other because it was so loud and electric. Despite them losing, it's good to see them play a tougher team and see how they face adversity and respond to it." This visit also gave Pile an opportunity to re- connect with Michigan wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy, who is making him a top priority for next cycle. "After the game, I got to speak with him a little bit," Pile said. "We had a dinner with some of the other recruits, and the coaches came through. I always enjoy talking to him. I have a lot of com- munication with him. Going into the visit, I got to FaceTime with the whole offensive staff, including Coach [Sherrone] Moore and Coach Bellamy. It's always good to see him in person." This trip marked Pile's third time in Ann Arbor. The Lone Star State native visited for a spring practice and also returned for the BBQ at The Big House in late July. Pile wanted to get an even more in-depth look at Michigan away from just the football program and actually stayed in town until Monday. "I had an hour and a half meeting with the aca- demic side, and they were amazing," Pile said. "Family is a big aspect of Michigan. [Recruiting staffer] Jack Dunaway took me and my family around campus. We got to see the business school and kinesiology building. I got to see the campus life. We walked around where the freshmen are staying. "We went into the library, and Jack gave us a fun fact that the library was in the running to be in a Harry Potter scene." Michigan's commits were also involved on Pile's visit — specifically Top 100 wide receiver pledge Andrew Marsh, who also hails from Texas. "I got to meet Andrew Marsh at the BBQ this summer," Pile said. "He recently committed, so it was good to talk to him about what made him commit and why he saw himself there. It was great to be able to ask him questions because he's kind of paved the way for the younger guys. It was good to see how he took in the recruiting process and what details he was looking for." At 6-foot, 178 pounds, Pile is ranked as the No. 84 wide receiver and No. 482 overall prospect na- tionally, per the On3 Industry Ranking. — EJ Holland ❱ Osborne "I love Michigan. They run the ball. The city of Ann Arbor is a cool college town. They have a really good kinesiology pro- gram, and that's what I want to major in." ❱ Pile "Seeing 110,000 people in the stadium all rocking was amazing. Their 'Go Blue / M Club Supports You' [banner] walkout was everything I imagined. It was so hype." Elite 2026 Running Back Returns To U-M Campus Three-Star Texas Receiver Loves Big House Environment ❱ PREP PROFILES ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ Forney High School Forney, Texas Class: 2026 Position: Running back Ht.: 5-10 • Wt.: 175 On3 Industry Rankings: No. 5 player in Texas, and No. 3 running back and No. 44 overall prospect nationally ❱ Javian Osborne ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ Parish Episcopal School Southlake, Texas Class: 2026 Position: Wide receiver Ht.: 6-0 • Wt.: 178 On3 Industry Rankings: No. 64 player in Texas, and No. 84 wide receiver and No. 482 overall prospect nationally ❱ Jaylen Pile