The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/178977
prep profiles Versatility Keeps California Tight End On U‑M's Board The 2014 Michigan class appears to be ties that may be more relevant. Should filled at several positions. At tight end, Michigan strike out on any prospects still the lone man in the group is Hinsdale on the board — such as defensive ends (Ill.) Central four-star Ian Bunting. That Da'Shawn Hand and Malik McDowell — doesn't mean that other tight ends are they may look in Luatua's direction. automatically cast aside by the coaches, However, several other schools are however. If a prospect is capable of mak- in the mix for the young prospect, and ing an impact at most of them don't multiple positions, Tyler Luatua have to look for he can remain on ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ creative ways to the board. fit him into their La Mirada High School That's true of Or- La Mirada, Calif. classes. Three of adell (N.J.) Bergen his official visits are Class: 2014 Catholic four-star already set up, and Position: Tight End Garrett DickerMichigan's pursuit son, and perhaps Ht.: 6-4 • Wt.: 230 will have to be eseven more so of Rivals.com Rankings: No. 19 player tablished soon if La Mirada (Calif.) in California, No. 4 tight end nationally they want to nab High four-star Ty- and No. 169 overall recruit in the land one of the two reler Luatua. The 6‑4, maining trips. 230-pounder plays both tight end and "Luatua has his Notre Dame trip set outside linebacker for his high school up, his Ohio State trip set up, and he's team, and excels in both roles. going to the Alabama-LSU game," Mos"He could be a defensive end also," said chetti said. "He has thought about a trip La Mirada coach Mike Moschetti. "What to Texas." makes Tyler so special offensively is that Other programs, including hometown he's very athletic. You can find tight ends powerhouses USC and UCLA, are also that are physical, that are great in the run in the mix. However, his desire to head game. You can find other tight ends that away from the West Coast — while not are not very physical but are excellent set in stone — could mean they're on pass catchers. What separates him from the outside looking in. anybody that I've seen is he's so physical "I'm looking more at schools out of and athletic — he can do both." state, but if I wanted to stay in California I Luatua impressed at the Rivals Five- would look at USC or UCLA," Luatua said. Star Challenge in Chicago this summer, Should Michigan miss on Hand or showing that his pass-catching ability McDowell before Luatua's final official from the tight end position is impressive. visits are set, look for the Wolverines to However, should he hope to remain on move in. Michigan's radar, it's his defensive abili— Tim Sullivan