The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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FOOTBALL RECRUITING outside linebacker position, but also has the athleticism to rush the quar- terback and drop into coverage. He has safety-like skills in a linebacker's body. OL ALEX AKINGBULU Harbor City Narbonne • 6‑6, 265 Four-star recruit, No. 37 player in California, and No. 17 offensive tackle and No. 238 overall prospect nationally Michigan was the first offer for Akingbulu, and the rising standout has expressed appreciation that the Wolverines had faith in him before anyone else. He hopes to visit this summer — and his coach, Manny Douglas, has connections as a guest speaker at Michigan's annual coach- ing clinic in the winter. UCLA is an- other strong contender. Akingbulu is a long, athletic offen- sive lineman who has the physical tools to excel in pass protection. He needs to add weight, but the frame to carry mass is there. He projects as an offensive tackle. S CJ POLLARD Gardena Juniperro Serra • 6‑1, 190 Four-star recruit, No. 39 player in California and No. 19 safety nationally Most Serra standouts end up at USC — and Pollard has an additional connection to the Trojans in that his father Marvin played for them. However, he plans to take an official visit to Michigan this fall, and other Pac-12 and national programs will have their say. He is a two-way high school standout, but his skills project best to safety at the next level. He is a big hitter from that position with the ball skills to intercept passes, and is smooth enough to play man coverage. Florida After just three signees from Flor- ida in Hoke's four recruiting classes, Harbaugh matched that number in just over a month in the 2015 class. That success projects to continue. WR ELIJAH STOVE Niceville High School • 6‑0, 177 Four-star recruit, No. 8 player in Flor- ida, and No. 4 wide receiver and No. 29 overall prospect nationally Nixon holds offer from just about every big-time program, and has Michigan in his top five along with Auburn, Florida, Georgia and Ohio State. A planned summer visit — his first to Michigan — could determine how serious a shot U-M has. Stove is an explosive playmaker that can high-point jump balls de- spite the lack of ideal size. He is ex- citing with the ball in his hands and can get open against even the tough- est man coverage. WR TRE NIXON Viera High School • 6‑1, 168 Four-star recruit, No. 26 player in Florida, and No. 37 wide receiver and No. 191 overall prospect nationally Nixon has more than 60 offers, and Michigan is one program that he's very interested in checking out this summer. The competition for him