The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/230001
prep profiles New Jersey Tight End Picks Up Offer From Wolverines With class of 2014 recruiting just ard said. "I went up there, met him, about wrapped up, it's almost all and when I played in their stadium about the juniors for the Michigan I was ecstatic. "It's kind of surreal because I've coaching staff. One on the radar, Millburn, N.J., tight end Jake Pick- been watching them forever. When Coach Hoke ard, is early in his Jake Pickard got the job, recruiting process my dad called but might be one Millburn High School and congratuto watch closely in Millburn, N.J. lated him. I've the months to come Class: 2015 known him as given his serious Position: Tight End Ht.: 6-6 • Wt.: 219 a person and interest in the WolRivals.com Rankings: making the verines. Not rated yet transition was Pickard was in town Nov. 30 for Michigan's 42-41 pretty cool." Missouri and Notre Dame have loss to Ohio State. "Both offenses were really hard shown serious interest, while Michito stop that game. I don't know if gan State, Northwestern, Texas and it was just a bad defensive day or Penn State have also reached out. a great offensive day, but I think Pickard will take several more visMichigan really played how they its in search of the right fit, though should have been playing all year," U-M and Rutgers currently stand he said. "They were making passes, out. "I'm looking for the team's overall making smart plays and just movattitude," said Pickard, who played ing the chains." There's a reason for the U-M inter- offensive tackle this past season out est besides just the fit in the offense. of necessity. "At Michigan, it's 'The Pickard's father, Andrew, played team, The Team, The Team.' It's all football at Ball State with Michigan about working hard at Penn State — head coach Brady Hoke, and he's nothing is worth it without working gotten friendly with offensive line hard. "Then it's how well their coaches coach Darrell Funk and tight ends make you a better player overall, coach Dan Ferrigno. "I was at their camp over the sum- how the atmosphere around the mer, and they've always been my fa- team is, how supportive they are vorite team because my dad played and then, of course, the academics." — Chris Balas with Coach Hoke in college," Pick-