The Wolverine

March 2014

The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports

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lades as his compatriots. Princeton (N.C.) High three-star Johnny Frasier is a fast riser thanks to a 3,000-yard season as a junior. He holds offers from Florida State, Ohio State and Tennessee, and will likely end up with plenty more. Wide Receiver 2014 Scholarship Players: 8 2015 Needs: 2 Michigan has no graduating wide- outs on the 2014 roster, and in fact redshirt sophomores Amara Dar- boh and Jehu Chesson are the elder statesmen of the group (though ju- nior tight end Devin Funchess has also played significantly at wideout). Sophomores Jaron Dukes, Da'Mario Jones and Csont'e York will be ex- pected to step into bigger roles, and true freshmen Freddy Canteen, Drake Harris and Maurice Ways will have their chance to take the field for the first time. With no players departing — but a talent upgrade preferred — Michigan will be able to shoot for the stars at wideout. As was the case at running back, the Wolverines have already reeled in (and subsequently lost) their top target at the position. Tarpon Springs (Fla.) East Lake five-star George Campbell pledged to the Wolverines over the summer, but rescinded his pledge in January after the Maize and Blue struggled in 2013. The 6-4, 190-pounder is the No. 7 player in the country, and like Harris he hasn't closed the door on picking Michigan. U-M isn't planning to sit around and wait for Campbell, and several other targets have been identified. Chief among them is the state of Michigan's top 2015 player, Sagi- naw Heritage athlete/wide receiver Brian Cole. The 6-2, 190-pounder is a four-star prospect and the No. 90 player nationally. He is also versatile enough to line up on the defensive side of the ball if needed. Scottsdale (Ariz.) Saguaro four-star Christian Kirk is the opposite body type when it comes to wide receiv- ers — though he's also 190 pounds, he stands just 5-10 — but is just as talented. His explosiveness with the ball in his hands has earned him the No. 21 spot in the early national rank- ings, just a few spaces away from five-star status. Michigan is joined on his offer sheet by two dozen other schools, and the battle for his signa- ture will be fierce. Tight End 2014 Scholarship Players: 6 2015 Needs: 1 Michigan will carry six tight ends on the 2014 roster, and senior Jordan Paskorz will exhaust his eligibility. That leaves Funchess — who has played significantly at wide receiver in addition to his tight end duties — along with fellow junior A.J. Wil- liams, sophomore Jake Butt, redshirt freshman Khalid Hill and true fresh- man Ian Bunting on the roster. Michi- gan would like to add one high-ceil- ing tight end to the mix, even if he's a player who will have to take some time to develop. The depth on the roster should allow him that luxury. A familiar name was among the first class of 2015 prospects offered

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