The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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56 THE WOLVERINE ❱ NOVEMBER 2024 ❱ MICHIGAN RECRUITING NOTEBOOK ally per the On3 Industry Rank- ing, a weighted average of the four leading recruiting media services. On3's scouts still have him rated as a four-star prospect but ranked lower overall — No. 169 in the country — than the rest. Overall, he is excited to see what Michigan does the rest of the season. "I'm expecting them to pick it up," Marsh said. "They just need to figure out the quarterback po- sition." JAYDEN SANDERS STILL LOCKED IN On300 Kilgore (Texas) High cornerback Jayden Sanders had offers closer to home but instead decided to commit to Michigan in August. Since then, Sanders has re- mained quiet and out of the limelight. But make no mistake about it — he is still excited about his verbal pledge to the Wolverines and is completely locked in with U-M. "I've been watching every game," Sand- ers said. "I've been watching the corners and talking to all the coaches like Coach [LaMar] Morgan and Coach [Sherrone] Moore. I enjoy my talks with them. That's the reason I committed there. I love their company. I'm solid because of the coaches and our relationships and the program. I also love the school itself. They have a great business program." New Michigan secondary coach La- Mar Morgan, a fellow Texas native, made Sanders a priority throughout the summer and played a key role in the Wolverines winning this recruitment. Morgan has a close bond with Sanders, and the two have been in regular contact throughout the season. "I have a great relationship with Coach Morgan," Sanders said. "He's really chill. We're kind of the same person. I enjoy talking to him. He talks softly. He's not going to yell at me, but he'll get on me when he needs to get on to me. I love that as a coach. He's a great person." As Sanders mentioned, he has kept a close eye on Michigan this fall. The Wol- verines suffered an early season loss to Texas but rebounded with three straight wins before falling at Washington. "A loss is nothing," Sanders said. "They are still really good. They are playoff con- tenders." Sanders is set to be back at Michigan for an unofficial visit on Nov. 2 when the Wolverines take on new Big Ten bunk- mate Oregon. That trip will be Sanders' first game-day experience in The Big House. "I just want to see the energy," he said. "I want to see how loud The Big House is. I want to see the stands packed and the game on the field. I want to see the players play great. I'm excited." Sanders, On3's No. 22 cornerback and No. 205 overall recruit nationally, is set to be a regular enrollee at Michigan. BRADY HART RETURNS TO ANN ARBOR The future of Michigan's program re- turned to Ann Arbor in late September. On300 2026 Cocoa (Fla.) High quar- terback Brady Hart committed to U-M over the summer and was back on campus for his first game-day experience in The Big House when the Wolverines took on Minnesota. "It was awesome," Hart said. "It was a reminder of why I committed. Just being around all the coaches and guys, it's such a good fit. You can't beat that atmosphere and the culture of the program. I got to see all the preparation the day before. The environment was outstanding. "It definitely met my expectations. It's an exciting place. It's one of the best atmospheres in college football. "It was huge for my mom to sit in for the game-day experience, the parent prayer and chapel before the game. It was great for her to see how the parents connect before the game. It was big for me, too, but it was great for my mom to see the whole atmo- sphere." Hart paid close attention to Michi- gan quarterback Alex Orji and the entire offense during Michigan's win over Minnesota. While the Wolverines didn't put up big numbers through the air, both head coach Sherrone Moore and offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell assured Hart that the unit will have a bit of a different look when he enrolls. "Conversations were great," Hart said. "Obviously, they weren't super excited about how they played. They had a great first half, then let Minnesota back in later in the game. But we still had an awesome time reconnecting and talking about the system and how they'll use me and the future of the program. "They talked about how the goal is to open it up and expand the offense. They want to throw the ball a little more. Michigan is known for the run game, and they're going to have a great run game. But they are going to open it up more." Hart also sees opportunity at Michi- gan. The Wolverines have some question marks in the quarterback room, and Hart has the potential to play very early in his collegiate career. "It's definitely appealing," he said. "The job isn't given. I would have to go in there and compete. There is a lot of room to grow in the quarterback room. There is a huge upside for the offense. "They are going to get it going this year. I'm excited to watch it. We'll keep getting the W's on the board and building the re- cruiting classes." Overall, Hart, the No. 10 quarterback and No. 167 overall prospect nationally, remains locked in with Michigan and is also looking forward to building the 2026 class after his junior season comes to a close. ❏ Kilgore (Texas) High prospect Jayden Sanders, the No. 22 corner- back and No. 205 overall recruit nationally, is set to be a regular enrollee at Michigan next summer. PHOTO BY EJ HOLLAND