The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/315684
FOOTBALL RECRUITING indicates he'll be able to stay on the edge at the next level. He narrowed his list to 10 schools on the heels of a strong Michigan visit that saw the Maize and Blue land atop his list. Clelin Ferrell • Richmond (Va.) Bene- dictine School • 6-5, 220 Four-star, No. 5 weakside defensive end and No. 70 overall player nationally Ferrell could be the latest entry in Michigan's emerging Richmond pipeline that saw tailback Derrick Green, quarterback Wilton Speight and cornerback Garrett Taylor join the 2013-15 classes, respectively. He's a pass rusher with the ability to change the game from that stand- point, and he plans to make a late- summer decision. Keisean Lucier-South • Orange (Ca- lif.) Lutheran • 6-4, 211 Four-star, No. 6 weakside defensive end and No. 75 overall player nationally Lucier-South is a self-proclaimed Michigan fan, but UCLA is ahead of the Wolverines on his early list. Alabama, USC and Notre Dame are among his other options. U-M's coaches are hoping he'll get the chance to visit Ann Arbor before making his final commitment at the conclusion of his senior year of football. Tyrone Wheatley Jr. • Buffalo (N.Y.) Canisius • 6-6, 245 Four-star, No. 15 strongside defen- sive end and No. 219 overall player nationally Wheatley can play multiple posi- tions, and his best fit at Michigan might even be as a tight end. How- ever, he's a quick end off the line on defense, as well. His father played running back at Michigan in the early 1990s, so U-M has long been con- sidered the favorite, but he'd like to check out several other schools be- fore making his pledge. Jalen Bates • Kaplan (La.) High School • 6-5, 235 Unranked strongside defensive end Michigan was one of the first big- time programs to offer Bates, joining Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and Lou- isiana Tech on his early list. He has another U-M connection in cousin Jonas Mouton, who has played for the San Diego Chargers since a five- year U-M career at linebacker. Bates plans to visit Ann Arbor along with his cousin this June. Linebacker Commits: 1 Needs: 1 Michigan brought in four lineback- ers with the 2014 class, so the coaches can be very selective when it comes to those they reel in for the 2015 group. One true middle linebacker and one outside linebacker are needed. U-M has strong options at both positions early in the process, including India- napolis Lawrence Central commit- ment four-star Darrin Kirkland, the No. 183 overall prospect and No. 6 inside linebacker nationally. Justin Hilliard • Cincinnati St. Xavier • 6-2, 225