The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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PREP PROFILES Florida Wide Receiver Likes Michigan Auden Tate isn't shy about wearing different college hats, and he's not concerned what people might read into it. The Tampa, Fla., Wharton standout receiver sported a Florida State hat at one recent outing simply because his sister bought it for him as a gift, and that started chatter that he was lean- ing toward the Seminoles. Getting an of- fer from FSU was big for him, he ac- knowledged, but it wasn't the sign some made it out to be. "Florida State isn't my favorite," he said in late June. "I haven't visited enough places to have a favorite yet, but it was good getting that offer be- cause I liked the visit [to FSU] a lot. I like the school and how they play their receivers." Tate caught 49 passes for 815 yards and five touchdowns last season and is expected to break the 1,000-yard barrier this year. He "fell in love" with Michigan when Chad Henne, Mike Hart and Mario Manningham were with the program and still holds a special place for U-M. Tate will see Ann Arbor for the first time when he travels north for the Barbecue at the Big House recruit- ing event. Clemson and Georgia are also on his must-see list, but Michigan seems to have made a move. "I like Michigan's system, and Coach [Brady] Hoke said they would use me how they used [junior re- ceiver] Devin Funchess," Tate said. "They said I would be used the same way to replace him." He could be a tight end at the next level. Rivals. com listed him among the top 10 performers at a June 7-on-7 event despite his lack of game-breaking speed. "The massive target knows that size is his game, and he knows how to control his body to go up and make big grabs," Rivals wrote. "Tate may be viewed by some as a potential tight end down the line, but he has the skillset to be an excel- lent red zone threat at the next level, no matter where he lines up on the field." Florida offered in the spring, and Miami also made an impression. He plans a summer decision, but that might not be the end of his recruit- ment. "I am still trying to commit by mid- July," he said. "I am still going to take official visits in the fall. Florida State and Michigan will get an official visit I know, but I am not sure about the other three." — Chris Balas ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ Wharton High School Tampa, Fla. Class: 2015 Position: Wide Receiver Ht.: 6-4 • Wt.: 199 Ranking: Rivals.com's No. 32 player in Florida, No. 22 weakside wide receiver nationally and No. 196 player in the country Auden Tate