The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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football recruiting small part because he grew up a big fan of the Wolverines. He has taken more than a dozen visits down the road to Ann Arbor during the course of his recruiting process, and most still peg the 6-6, 292-pounder to end up a Wolverine by the time he makes his decision Jan. 4 at the U.S. Army AllAmerican Bowl in San Antonio. He is capable of playing inside or outside on the defensive line, thanks to his combination of size and quickness. At the three-technique tackle position in Jenks (Okla.) High standout Steven Parker — a four-star prospect, the top player in Oklahoma, the No. 6 safety in the country and the No. 46 overall recruit in the class of 2014 — tentatively plans to take an official visit to U-M. photo courtesy rivals.com Mattison's defense, he could provide a much-needed interior pass rush. U-M has also ramped up its pursuit of a running back in the 2014 class. Missouri City (Texas) Austin tailback Vic Enwere picked up an offer from the Wolverines after Michigan coaches evaluated several options at the position during October and early November. Since Leonard Fournette, a five-star prospect and the Rivals.com's No. 6 overall player nationally, seems unlikely to take his talents from New Orleans to Ann Arbor, position coach Fred Jackson issued an offer to the 6-1, 213-pound Enwere, who is a California commit, the No. 47 tailback in the nation according to Rivals.com and a 2,200yard rusher as a senior. Michigan's coaches are also pursuing options in the defensive backfield, including Jenks (Okla.) High safety Steven Parker, who tentatively plans to take an official visit to Ann Arbor during the final stages of his recruiting process. With Long Beach (Calif.) Poly standout John "Juju" Smith eliminating the Wolverines in early November, the 6-2, 185-pound Parker — a four-star prospect, the No. 6 safety in the nation and the No. 46 overall player nationally according to Rivals.com — was a natural fit. Cleveland Glenville teammates Marshon Lattimore and Erick Smith — both four-star defensive backs — are still on the board as well, though most analysts expect Ohio State to be their final choice. While Michigan didn't land its plan-A recruit in Hand, there are several pieces in play on the recruiting board that should still result in a solid (if still slightly disappointing) end to the 2014 cycle. ❑ On The Web For regular reports on Michigan football recruiting plus videos of U-M commitments and targets visit TheWolverine.com.