The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/447116
FOOTBALL RECRUITING With head coach Jim Harbaugh in place, Michigan figures to once again be a hot commodity on the recruiting trail. Keep an eye on these 10 recruits while the new U-M boss works to fill out the Wolverines' 2015 class. CHRIS CLARK 6-5, 253 • Avon (Conn.) Old Farms Four-star recruit, No. 1 player in Connecticut, No. 1 tight end nationally and No. 67 overall prospect in the land Clark is a former Michigan commit who pulled back from his pledge when Brady Hoke was fired. However, he has every reason to believe that Jim Harbaugh's of- fense — which produced pros Coby Fleener (Colts) and Zach Ertz (Eagles) in his short time at Stanford — will rely just as heavily on athleticism at the position. ROB DOWDY 6-5, 296 • Westerville (Ohio) South Three-star prospect, No. 25 player in Ohio and No. 61 offensive tackle nationally Dowdy camped at Michigan prior to his junior year, but never picked up an offer from the Wolverines. He committed to Pittsburgh, but reopened his recruitment when head coach Paul Chryst left for Wisconsin. If Michigan is looking for massive tackles, Dowdy certainly fits the bill, and could receive a late offer. MARCUS LEWIS 6-1, 194 • Washington (D.C.) Gonzaga Four-star recruit, No. 2 player in Washington, D.C., No. 6 cornerback in the country and No. 93 overall prospect nationally At one point in the process — shortly after his July visit for the Barbecue at The Big House recruiting event — Lewis was a heavy Michigan lean. However, the Wolverines' season and the firing of Hoke saw him cool on the Maize and Blue. With Harbaugh in the mix, U-M can try to beat out Kentucky, Washington State and Miami for his services. Ten Recruits To Watch style quarterback and No. 219 over‑ all player in the land). Even under the previous coaching staff, U‑M was in the mix for a handful of five‑ star prospects, including Baltimore St. Francis defensive end RahShaun Smith (No. 10 overall) and Virginia Beach (Va.) Ocean Lakes cornerback Levonta Taylor (No. 8 overall). With a new staff in place and, most importantly, success on the field ex‑ pected, it may be only a matter of time before the Wolverines are back on top of the recruiting rankings, along with on the field success in the Big Ten Conference and beyond. ❏