The Wolverine

January 2012

The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports

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COMMITMENT PROFILE Iowa Receiver Amara Darboh Picks Michigan Michigan's 2012 recruit- ing class got off to a fast start, with the Wolverines landing 23 commitments by December. The coaching staff addressed low roster numbers on the offensive (five commitments) and defensive (three defensive end and two defensive tackle commitments) lines. The one glaring weakness that had yet to be filled was wide receiver. The coaching staff took one step toward meeting that need Dec. 4, when West Des Moines (Iowa) Dowling Catholic wide re- ceiver Amara Darboh com- mitted to Michigan. Rivals.com considers Dar- boh a four-star prospect, the top recruit in Iowa, the No. 31 wideout in the country and the No. 208 player overall regardless of position. According to Dowling Catholic football coach Tom Wilson, Michigan picked up a consistent playmaker in Darboh. "He's a reliable guy that Rivals.com ranks Darboh as a four-star prospect, the top player in Iowa, the No. 31 wide receiver in the country and the No. 208 player in the class of 2012. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM can make the tough catches for you," Wilson said. "I think he's a big, physical presence out on the field." While his size is impressive (6-2, 190 pounds), Darboh's speed is also an as- set. He has been timed at 4.42 seconds in the 40-yard dash and can use that burst to make plays after the catch. Unfortunately, Darboh didn't get the opportunity to show his skills on the football field for the majority of his senior year. He suffered a separated shoulder during the regular season and missed five games of action. Though he FILM EVALUATION Strengths: Darboh has both the size and speed to play Big Ten football. His film also shows sharp route running that allows him to get open. He has a really nice cut off his plant leg, which creates sharp angles in his routes. Darboh showed good awareness to help his quarterback on broken plays or when he was under pocket pressure by altering his route and getting to open space in zone or man coverage. He catches the ball cleanly and is not afraid to go up into the air and attack the ball, even in the middle of the field. Areas to Improve: Darboh shows that he is willing to block and sustain his block to the whistle. However, he will need to engage his blocks more quickly and powerfully at the Big Ten level. Current Michigan wideouts are often seen flying in late on running plays while they maintain a block. Darboh needs to use his size to his advantage in the blocking game and develop a nasty temperament to block defensive backs onto the ground. Michigan Player Comparison: Jason Avant (2002-05) was a reliable pass catcher, a team leader, and solid blocking wideout for Michigan. Darboh has the potential to contribute in all phases with the same consistency that Avant did. — Analysis from TheWolverine.com managed to return in time for the playoffs, Darboh could not lead Dowling Catholic past the quarterfinals. In seven games overall, he finished with 48 catches for 765 yards and 11 touchdowns and was named to the Des Moines Reg- ister All-State Elite Team. Michigan won the sweep- stakes for Darboh's commit- ment over an impressive list of suitors — Florida, Iowa, Notre Dame and Wisconsin were also in his final five, and he held offers from Big Ten foes Michigan State, Minnesota, and Nebraska, among others. His relationship with the Michigan coaching staff ulti- mately made the difference in picking the Wolverines. He also liked the progression of U-M's offense toward a pro- style attack. "They let me know that I'm the right fit for the direction that their offense is heading," Darboh said. "That is attractive to me." Michigan's improvement on the field was also a big fac- tor. The Maize and Blue fin- ished 15-21 from 2008-10, but in Brady Hoke's first year as the head coach in Ann Arbor the Wolverines went on a 10-2 run and will play in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 3 — their first BCS bid since the 2006 season. "Michigan is just selling Michigan his- tory and the program as it is right now," Wilson said. "I think the big thing is he could be a part of that change and part of something special up at Michigan." Darboh's commitment to Michigan doesn't end the pursuit of other wide receivers. The Wolverines are looking to take at least one more wideout in the 2012 class. Since Darboh is a pos- session receiver with good speed, a player with complementary abilities is the likely target. With the commitment of Darboh, and the departure of Crete (Ill.) Monee de- fensive back Anthony Standifer, who has parted ways with Michigan, the 2012 recruiting class currently sits at 23 recruits. Rivals.com ranks Michigan's class second in the nation, behind only Texas. — Tim Sullivan JANUARY 2012 THE WOLVERINE 39

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