The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/337607
MICHIGAN TOP 15 THE WOLVERINE 2014 FOOTBALL PREVIEW ■ 271 He committed to Michigan State over offers from Alabama, Florida and UCLA in Decem- ber. He has since visited Michigan, but is not expected to change his commitment status with the Spartans. Rivals.com ranks him as a three-star pros- pect and the No. 27 offensive guard nationally. 6. Joshua Alabi, DE/OL Detroit Cass Tech H.S. Alabi's preference for the next level is de- fensive end, but his high- est upside is probably at offensive guard. The 6-4, 300-pounder has a thick build and good feet, but his explosiveness off the edge isn't game changing on defense. If he focused on the offensive line, he could quickly refine his technique and become an outstanding guard prospect. His ability to drive block and the athleticism he can bring to pass blocking make him a nice combo player there. Alabi holds offers from Michigan State, Ohio State and Penn State, and though Mich- igan was the first program to issue him a scholarship offer, he is no longer seriously considering the Maize and Blue. Rivals.com ranks him a three-star recruit and the No. 25 strongside defensive end na- tionally. 7. Dior Johnson, S Southfield H.S. Johnson is a 6-2, 195-pounder who was primarily known as a big hitter against both the pass and run for his high school team. However, he has shown during the offseason that he has the ability to perform in man coverage despite his big- ger size. A strong senior year should see him earn plenty of attention since his size and skills rarely come in the same package. He holds early offers from several Mid- American Conference schools, in addition to Cincinnati. Rivals.com ranks him a three-star prospect and the No. 24 safety nationally. 8. John Kelly, ATH Oak Park H.S. Kelly's 5-10, 170-pound size relegates him to a "tweener" label, since he has the build of a safety but the height of a cornerback. His best high school position is running back, and if he can put on enough weight to avoid in- juries at the next level, he could play it in college. He runs hard every down, bouncing off opposing defenders on his way to long gains. He holds early offers from Cincinnati, Michigan State and Minnesota, among oth- ers. He is originally from Minnesota, so the Gophers could be a factor. Rivals.com ranks him as a three-star recruit and the No. 29 athlete nationally. On Deck: 10 To Watch For In 2016 Michigan's coaching staff has already extended a pair of offers to in- state prospect in the 2016 class, and that number is sure to increase by the time the 2015 class is put in the books. The in-state talent looks to rebound with the 2016 group after a two-year dip. 1. DAELIN HAYES 6-3, 225 • LB • Orchard Lake St. Mary's Even though Hayes missed almost his entire sophomore season with a shoulder injury, he has the best combination of physical skills of any 2016 prospect in the state. His size and athleticism let him play the run and pass equally well, and he has dominated the summer camp circuit going into his junior year. He holds offers from Michigan, Michigan State, and Ohio State, among others. 2. MARTELL PETTAWAY 5-10, 199 • RB • St. Clair Shores South Lake Despite playing behind a weak offensive line, Pettaway was able to break free for big rushing yardage for South Lake as a sophomore. He has the ability to run through defenders and the speed to race by them. Add- ing more vision in the hole will take his game to the next level. He holds an early offer from Michigan State. 3. MICHAEL ONWENU 6-2, 320 • DL/OL • Detroit Cass Tech Onwenu played almost exclusively on the offensive line for Cass Tech as a sophomore, but his best long-term position might be on the defensive side of the ball. He has the squat build of a defensive tackle and is a pow- erful force in the middle. He holds an early offer from Ohio State. 4. JALEN MARTIN 6-3, 190 • WR • Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy Martin has the size and speed to be a downfield threat for Chandler Park Academy even though their passing game is relatively limited. He is a basketball prospect as well, holding an Eastern Michigan offer. Toledo is the first to enter the mix on the gridiron. 5. THIYO LUKUSA 6-5, 300 • OL • Traverse City West Lukusa has the sheer size and the athleticism to be an exceptional tackle with more seasoning. He can pass protect and drive block, and has exceled at both in his young career. He missed part of his sophomore year with injury, but has picked up early offers from Michigan, Michigan State and Wisconsin. 6. DESMOND FITZPATRICK 6-1, 187 • WR • Farmington H.S. Fitzpatrick is a technician when it comes to running routes, and he only continues to grow. He was 5-11 entering his sophomore year, and his father is 6-3, so it's likely he'll get to be the size of a true outside receiver in no time. His ability to get open means he'll be a major prospect even if he stops growing. 7. MATT FALCON 6-1, 210 • RB • Southfield H.S. Falcon is an outstanding physical specimen, running a 22.11-second 200-meter dash despite an enormous stature for a sprinter. He missed his sophomore season with a torn ACL, but when he works his way back into the Blue Jays' lineup he should be very comfortable toting the rock over and around defenders. 8. DONNIE CORLEY 6-2, 190 • WR • Wyandotte Roosevelt Corley has good size and athleticism for the receiver position, but his best attribute is his ability to high point and catch the ball away from his body. That makes him a jump-ball threat, and with a more consistent passing game at his high school, he'd be racking up big numbers. 9. LAVERT HILL 5-11, 165 • CB • Detroit Cass Tech Hill comes from a program familiar to Michigan fans, and in fact is the younger brother of sophomore Wolverine safety Delano Hill. Lavert isn't quite as big as his brother, but has the same speed, and is built like a natural cover corner. He played mostly offense last year, but will continue to work both sides of the ball. 10. JUANYE JOHNSON 6-4, 275 • OL • Muskegon H.S. Johnson's height may eventually turn him into a guard, but at the high school level he's an exceptional offensive tackle. Muskegon's offense is mostly predicated on the run game, and that's where Johnson's nasty streak allows him to punish defenders. He's recovering from a knee injury, but should be healthy by the fall. 270-272.Michigan Top 15.indd 271 6/18/14 4:02 PM