The Wolverine

April 2014

The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports

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  PREP PROFILES Since arriving in Ann Arbor in 2011, head coach Brady Hoke has built the U-M program by recruiting strongly in the Midwest — especially Ohio. That doesn't look to change any time soon, and the Wolverines are a player for the state's best 2015 prospect — Cleveland Benedictine athlete Jerome Baker. "Coach[and defensive coordinator Greg] Mattison said that I've pretty much got a Michigan offer," Baker said. "He basically told me to visit so the head coach could see me in person, and that's when they'll make it official." Although Baker has been unable to make it to Ann Arbor to date, the Wolverines firmed up his official scholarship offer in the fall. Florida, Louisville, Michigan State and Wis- consin are among his other key of- fers, but Ohio State and Penn State seem to be the primary contenders for his services. It's clear that Baker will have his choice among several attractive op- tions — one of the perks of being a top prospect nationally — but a big- ger question for him may be which position he ultimately chooses to play in college. He picked up most of his early offers as a linebacker prospect, but he managed to rush for more than 1,000 yards as a ju- nior, and is now looking at options to carry the ball in college. Michigan's coaches have talked to Baker about trying either side of the ball. "Most coaches talk about both," the four-star player explained. "Ba- sically, I'll just wait for my body to continue growing out and see what happens. We'll see where it is then. I just like to compete. It doesn't matter where I'm playing." Baker has planned multiple trips to Ann Arbor, only to see his visits fall through each time. He hoped to make Michigan's 2013 spring game and then tried to head up later in the summer. Despite all that, he's yet to see U-M for the first time. "Penn State, I want to see them again," he explained. "Then Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, those are the main ones right there. I'm still looking to see what works." While Penn State and Ohio State have the early edge, a visit to Michi- gan could change things. Getting him to town is key for Mattison and the Wolverines. — Tim Sullivan Ohio's Top Prospect Is Looking At Michigan ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ Benedictine High School Cleveland Class: 2015 Position: Athlete Ht.: 6-1 • Wt.: 202 Rivals.com Rankings: No. 1 player in Ohio, No. 2 athlete nationally and No. 28 overall player in the country Jerome Baker

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