The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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michigan recruiting now. Whoever offers me I'm willing to listen to what they have to say." Another North Carolina prospect picked up a Michigan offer, and he seems even more interested in considering the Wolverines as a legitimate option. Clemmons (N.C.) West Forsyth defensive end Jalen Dalton is a 6-6, 220-pounder who already holds offers from Florida State and Virginia Tech, among others, earning him a ranking as the No. 2 weakside defensive end and No. 35 overall player in the nation. He also is considering a trip up to Ann Arbor. "I've seen Clemson, South Carolina, Florida, Florida State, Tennessee, Virginia, NC State and Virginia Tech [on unofficial visits]," he explained. "My coach and my parents and I, we're going to sit down to discuss the schools I'll be visiting this spring and summer. Michigan is definitely one." Perhaps the prospect most likely to end up at Michigan after a recent offer is one with several connections to the program. Not only does three-star linebacker Tyriq Thompson, No. 29 at his position according to Rivals.com, attend school just 40 miles from Ann Arbor at Detroit King, he's also the son of a former Michigan defender. Clarence Thompson was a Michigan defensive back during the 1993-96 seasons, and while he's not trying to influence Tyriq toward his own alma mater, it's clear where his heart lies. U-M will have to beat out Michigan State, though. "Actually, every school that I have an offer from is up there," Thompson explained. "I'm not sure what it's go- ing to take for schools to separate. I know once I can actually get out to the different schools and start my evaluation process, then I'll be able to determine where I want to spend my next four years." "You never know with kids," chimed in King assistant coach Terel Patrick, "but I can tell you he and [MSU linebackers coach Mike] Tressel are very close. They have done a great job recruiting him." Like Thompson, another recent offeree has been waiting a long time to hear good news from the Wolverines — Jersey City (N.J.) St. Peter's Prep five-star cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick. He is the No. 2 cornerback and No. 10 overall prospect in the country among juniors according to Rivals. com. "Michigan is another one of those very prestigious offers I was waiting for," Fitzpatrick said. "I wanted to get up there for a visit, but they hadn't offered so I didn't see the point yet. Now I want to get up there for a visit. I've been talking to some of the coaches up there." Helping the Wolverines' case is his relationship with a top U-M pledge from one class ahead of his own. The New Jersey native is familiar with fellow Garden State five-star Jabrill Peppers. "Jabrill will probably recruit me a little bit," Fitzpatrick said. "We're both two of the top players in New Jersey, and knowing that he is there means a lot. There is something there that attracted him, and it could most likely attract me.