The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/402034
FOOTBALL RECRUITING 231‑pounder named Michigan to his final group of five schools mid‑summer, but has since cooled on the Wolverines — re‑inserting hometown school (and his older brother Uaea's team) Utah into the mix — as the 2014 season has played out. A strong close to the year could bring U‑M back to the forefront of his mind, and an outside linebacker like him would be a nice complement to Kirkland. Washington (D.C.) Gonzaga cornerback Marcus Lewis is the No. 7 cornerback and No. 90 overall player in the nation. The 6‑0, 194‑pounder — a former com‑ mitment to both Virginia Tech and Florida — developed extreme interest in Michigan on a summer unofficial visit for the Barbecue at The Big House re‑ cruiting event. He plans to take his official visit to Ann Arbor Dec. 12, the week after the conclusion of the regular season, along with the majority of Michigan's commitments. Long Beach (Calif.) Poly cornerback Iman Marshall was likely to be a long shot for Michigan even before the season got off to a rocky start. Rivals.com's No. 3 overall player and top cornerback in the nation chose to take one of his five official visits to Michigan, but a program perceived to be on the downswing will probably be eliminated. USC, Stanford and Notre Dame are among his top contenders. Buffalo (N.Y.) Canisius athlete/defensive end Tyrone Wheatley Jr. is one prospect who the Wolverines will have a shot at no matter what. That's just the way it goes when his father, Tyrone Sr., is a former Wolver‑ ine great (No. 5 on the all‑time rushing list with 4,178 yards and No. 2 in rushing scores with 47). Wheatley is a 6‑6, 260‑pounder ranked the No. 15 strongside defensive end and No. 246 overall player in the coun‑ try. He could play a number of positions should he pick the Maize and Blue, including tight end or even offensive line. FALLBACK OPTIONS Two unranked in‑state players are hoping to pick up Michigan offers, and they both might have a stronger shot if U‑M misses out on the aforementioned prospects. Bloomfield Hills (Mich.) Brother Rice 6‑0, 183‑pound wide receiver Grant Perry and Saline (Mich.) High 6‑0, 190‑pound safety Tyrone Miller are options for late Michigan offers should there be room in the class closer to National Signing Day. Michigan would likely offer a number of other prospect, both within the Mid‑ west and outside of it, if they are unable to fill the group with plan‑A prospects. — Tim Sullivan TYRONE WHEATLEY JR.