The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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M ichigan's coaching staff has had a policy of prohibiting its recruits from visiting other schools while remaining committed to Michi- gan. If a player wants to see other programs, he can decommit from the Wolverines — losing his guaranteed spot in the recruiting class — and re- join later if he so chooses. There's no grand moral gesture of honoring one's word behind the policy. The coaches understand that high school kids are going to change their minds. On the contrary, it's a matter of self-preservation for the U-M coaches (and one that, despite its losses over the years, has proven effective in keeping classes together). The staff is looking out for itself, which is why prospects committed to other programs are still on the table for Michigan. Several such players have plans to visit U-M this fall, despite being com- mitted to other programs. Princeton (N.C.) running back Johnny Frasier is a 5-11, 200-pounder who is ranked as the No. 20 tailback and No. 175 overall player nationally by Rivals.com. Although he commit- ted to Florida State Aug. 11, he still tentatively plans to take an official visit to Ann Arbor this fall. It's un- clear whether the Maize and Blue will entertain that visit — their needs at running back are filled by local four-star recruit Mike Weber — but Frasier would like to see what U-M is all about in person. Tampa (Fla.) Wharton wide re- ceiver Auden Tate is another Florida State commitment with interest in visiting Ann Arbor. The No. 18 wide receiver and No. 164 overall pros- pect nationally pledged to the Semi- noles Aug. 5, without ever getting the chance to visit his childhood fa- vorite, Michigan. He plans to correct that situation with an Oct. 11 trip to see the Maize and Blue take on Penn State. Michigan finished second for Memphis (Tenn.) Whitehaven line- backer Joshua McMillon when he committed to Alabama Aug. 22. The MICHIGAN RECRUITING Committed But Visiting Florida State commit Auden Tate of Tampa (Fla.) Wharton, the No. 18 wide receiver nationally according to Rivals.com, will offi‑ cially visit his childhood favorite U‑M Oct. 11. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM