The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/299859
M ichigan has long been a program that recruits nationally. Some of Michigan's best players have come from Florida (wide receiver Anthony Carter), California (quarterback Tom Brady) and Louisiana (running back Anthony Thomas). In recent classes, Michigan has continued to look across the nation — with a focus on the Mid‑ west region — but the areas of particu‑ lar interest are shifting, as well. In the 2013‑15 classes, the Mid‑At‑ lantic — particularly Virginia — has become an area of focus. U‑M has been most successful in the Rich‑ mond area. Hermitage High five‑star running back Derrick Green was Ri‑ vals.com's top prospect in Virginia and No. 8 overall player nationally in the 2013 class, and he picked Michi‑ gan. The 2014 class saw Collegiate School quarterback Wilton Speight, a three‑star recruit that was rated No. 27 in the state and No. 2 in the Richmond area, become a Wolverine. That trend has continued in the 2015 class with an early pledge from St. Christopher 's school cornerback Garrett Taylor, the top player in Vir‑ ginia and the No. 41 overall prospect in the nation according to Rivals.com. Michigan may not be done in Rich‑ mond with the 2015 class, either. Bene‑ dictine defensive end Clelin Ferrell has a Wolverine offer and has seen campus during the spring, and is a candidate to end up in Ann Arbor as well. Going forward, Michigan has also offered Ferrell's 2016 teammate, potential five‑star wide receiver Scott Bracey. U‑M hasn't fared quite as well out‑ side of the Richmond area, despite considerable effort in Virginia. 2014 defensive end Da'Shawn Hand, the nation's top prospect, committed to Alabama over the Wolverines to continue his career after Woodbridge High School (in the Washington, D.C., area). U‑M has offered 2015 defensive tackle Tim Settle, defensive end Josh Sweat and athlete Jasson Lewis, but all three four‑stars — from the D.C. and MICHIGAN RECRUITING Richmond Connection Class Of 2015 Football Commitments Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown (High School) Shaun Crawford DB 5-9 165 Lakewood, Ohio (St. Edward) Andrew David K 5-8 170 Massillon, Ohio (Washington) Tyree Kinnel DB 6-0 190 Huber Heights, Ohio (Wayne) Jon Runyan Jr. OL 6-4 250 Philadelphia (St. Joseph's) Garrett Taylor DB 6-1 188 Richmond, Va. (St. Christopher's) Class Of 2016 Football Commitment Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown (High School) Erik Swenson OL 6-5 289 Downers Grove, Ill. (Downers Grove South)