The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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MAY 2025 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 43 ❱ FOOTBALL RECRUITING Bourque and Croucher are also bring- ing more eyes to New England. The two highly touted signal-callers hold offers from blue blood programs, and the re- gion, which has quietly produced high- level college football players, especially at Michigan, is now commanding even more attention. The New England area does an out- standing job of putting on spring show- cases during the evaluation period. Plenty of coaches will be there to see Bourque and Croucher in May and will in turn evaluate other prospects from around the region. "They are both homegrown guys," McLaughlin said. "They carry the torch for some of the other guys in the area. It's certainly good to see. They are putting New England on the map in a big way. We're happy to be a small part of that. "Keegan and Pete are both doing a great job. They don't slack at all. They do it the right way. I think this area has been slept on for a while, and it's good football. People are starting to see that. There has been a bit of an awakening the last few years." Michigan has always been active in New England. From defensive back Mike Sainristil to running back Kalel Mullings to defensive edge TJ Guy, the Wolverines have had plenty of recent success in plucking top talent from the region. U-M will look to do the same in 2027 with Bourque or Croucher. "In terms of fit, they would both be good for Michigan," McLaughlin said. "They carry themselves extremely well. They are able to operate in systems that correlate there. They play the best around here, and they would do just fine with the brand and competition. "They can make every throw. They are very good at reacting. Their drops are clean. Whether they're under center or in the gun, they are well-rounded. Michigan is such an elite program that commands someone with elite skills and traits. I think both of them have those." Bourque and Croucher actually vis- ited Michigan on the same day in March and were right back in New England working with McLaughlin the next day. Both respect each other and know only one is likely to end up in Ann Arbor. Michigan plans to recruit the two hard until it's decision time. That may still be a ways off, but it's clear the Wol- verines are right at the top for both. The spring visit with Bourque was especially impactful. "It was actually my third time there," Bourque said. "I went for a camp and a game before this visit. It's a great place. I got to meet with Coach Lindsey. I also got to spend a lot of time with [assistant quarterback] Coach [Josh] Sinagoga. I watched practice. We also went bowling with the coaches, some of the players and recruits. It was fun." Bourque also enjoyed watching Mich- igan's new-look offense under Lindsey and sees himself as a fit. "At UNC, he liked to pass the ball a lot," Bourque said. "It's pro-style — a lot of under center and play action. That's what I saw at practice. I think I would fit in great. I can sit in the pocket and make throws but also use my feet to get out of there." Croucher shared similar sentiments about his visit. "It was really good," he said. "I got to check out the campus. I loved that. It's beautiful up there. I had a really good day with the coaches and watching practice. I spoke to the coaches quite a bit. I have a pretty good relationship with Coach Lindsey and Coach Sina- goga. It was really cool seeing prac- tice and some of the new things Coach Lindsey is bringing into the program and the offense. "It was only the third practice, but it looked good. They are going to keep the run game. That's a crucial part of Mich- igan. But given Coach Lindsey's back- ground, they are going to bring in more pass and some play action. I think I'd fit in perfectly. I'm a tall thrower who can move. I can see myself in that offense. I think I play similar to Drake Maye, who he coached at North Carolina." Michigan can't go wrong with either blue chipper. ❏ Keegan Croucher, a 6-3, 185-pound QB from Cheshire (Conn.) Academy, is listed as the No. 60 player and No. 8 quarterback in the junior class per the On3 Industry Ranking. PHOTO BY SEAN FITZ/ON3 ❱ Alex McLaughlin, M2 QB Academy "They are both homegrown guys. They carry the torch for some of the other guys in the area. … They are put- ting New England on the map in a big way."