The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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One active player in Ann Arbor makes the cut, at No. 274. Junior tight end Devin Funchess did not make ESPN's top 300 list in the 2012 class, but he's made the all-time top 300 already, with just two years as a Wol- verine under his belt. He has already caught 64 passes for 982 yards (15.3 yards per reception) and 11 scores in his two active seasons, and moved part-time to wide receiver during his sophomore year in the fall. Quarterback Ryan Mallett, who played one year at Michigan before transferring to Arkansas, also made the list at No. 156. MALIK MCDOWELL STILL UNSIGNED While Michigan missed out on the top recruit in the state on National Signing Day, the saga may not be quite over, and the Wolverines could still reel in Southfield (Mich.) High defensive end Malik McDowell. The 6-6, 292-pound five-star committed to Michigan State Feb. 5, but has yet to sign his National Letter of Intent with the Spartans due to a family disagree- ment over whether East Lansing is the best place for him. He plans to take one more round of unofficial visits before making things final. "I know he is open to taking some unofficials to Florida State and Ohio State," said his father, Greg McDowell. "We plan on doing some unofficials [including to Michigan] and see if he and his mom can resolve this. It's pos- sible she'll be open to Michigan State as well, so we'll have to see. "One thing I have to say about those schools is after hearing everything, they were calling — not on the recruit- ing aspect, but calling to see if the fam- ily was all right." The No. 26 overall player in the na- tion, McDowell is the only player ex- pected to sign with a Football Bowl Subdivision school that hasn't yet. He has until April 1, the end of the signing period, to do so. However, he may also opt not to sign with any school, and simply sign an athletic financial aid agreement at the school of his choice when he ends up enrolling this sum- mer. While that doesn't guarantee a spot in the class, each school among his finalists has room remaining to take his commitment, should he decide to pick them. While Michigan's shot at McDowell is slim — he still appears to be East Lansing-bound, and if he doesn't pick Southfield (Mich.) High five-star defensive end Malik McDowell pledged to Michigan State on National Signing Day, but had yet to sign his National Letter of Intent with the Spartans as of mid-February. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL