The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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football recruiting 35‑31 win — and that night game was the first ever in Ann Arbor, as well. One thing both games had in common was an impressive visitors list. Michigan's recruiting hadn't kicked into early high-gear in the 2012 class like it has for 2014 (12 total commits attended in a class that would eventually include 27 signees), so there was even more focus on the rising senior class. Ultimately — as will probably be the case with the 2013 edition of the game — the junior class was more impacted by Under The Lights I. Two players from that class — Lakewood (Wash.) Lakes offensive lineman Zach Banner and Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks Christian wide receiver Jordan Payton — took their official visits for the game, along with two future Wolverines (Ann Arbor Pioneer running back Drake Johnson and in-state punter Kenny Allen, a walk-on) and two players hoping for offers in Flint (Mich.) Powers defensive tackle Danny O'Brien and Novi (Mich.) Detroit Catholic Central tight end Matt Doneth, who signed with Tennessee and Cornell, respectively. Both Banner and Payton were key recruits for the Maize and Blue, and both seemed to enjoy the trip. "I already liked Michigan, and they've been No. 1," Payton said. "They're the leaders right now. I didn't know what it was going to be like in person. I've followed Michigan pretty closely and knew some details about Michigan, but I didn't know it was going to be that crazy." "He was blown away," said Banner's coach at Lakes High School, Dave Miller. "He loved it. He said he really enjoyed Coach [Brady] Hoke, and he and his mom were really impressed with the down-to-earth way he talked to them. The education impressed him, and so did the game day atmosphere, which is second to none. He liked the campus … everything impressed him." Ultimately, Michigan wouldn't land either highly ranked player — Banner signed with USC and Payton with UCLA. The goal for the more recent edition of the game is to change that outcome. Among underclassmen, repeating past results would be more than enough success. Though they were juniors at the time, offensive lineman Kyle Bosch, tight end Jake Butt, linebacker Mike McCray, running back Wyatt Shallman and safety Dymonte Thomas all saw a lot to like about that game — and eventually committed to Michigan. Warren (Mich.) De La Salle quarterback Shane Morris had already announced for the Wolverines that May. Thomas, in fact, pledged before the end of the night. All are freshmen at Michigan this fall, and Butt has already made a major impact on the field with six receptions for 61 yards in four games as a true freshman. Bringing recruits onto campus is an important recruiting tool, and in 2011, the visitors for Michigan's Under The Lights game were, to a very large degree, persuaded toward the Maize and Blue.