The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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PREP PROFILES Michigan's coaching staff currently has commitments from two tight end pros- pects. Farmington Hills (Mich.) Harrison three-star Devin Funchess is the No. 16 tight end in the country and Cincin- nati Sycamore three-star A.J. Williams is No. 21 at the position, according to Rivals.com. Though those two combine to form the No. 9 tight end class in the country, Michigan's coaches are looking to add one more. Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward three-star Ohio Tight End Picks Up U-M Interest Sam Grant ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ St. Edward High School North Royalton, Ohio Position: Tight End Ht.: 6-6 • Wt.: 240 40-Yard Dash: 4.71 seconds prospect Sam Grant is a strong candi- date to become the third tight end in the Wolverines' 2012 class. While Funchess is known mostly as a pass catcher and Williams primarily as a blocker, Grant has the versatility to perform in both roles. At 6-6, 240 pounds, he has the size to contribute immediately as a blocking tight end, but he is still athletic enough — timed at 4.71 seconds in the 40-yard dash — to make plays as a receiver. "He has the size, speed and athletic ability to make an impact," Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Mike Farrell said. That combination of skills has led Ri- vals.com to rank Grant the No. 34 tight end in the nation and the No. 48 overall Lee's Summit (Mo.) West senior Evan Boehm is one of the nation's best inte- rior line prospects. Rivals.com considers him a four-star prospect, the No. 4 se- Evan Boehm ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ Lee's Summit West High Lee's Summit, Mo. Position: Offensive Guard Ht.: 6-3 • Wt.: 290 40-Yard Dash: 5.1 seconds nior in Missouri, the No. 4 guard nation- ally and the No. 144 overall player in the class of 2012. He has also been selected to participate in the Under Armour All- America Game Jan. 3 in St. Petersburg, Fla. The accolades don't stop there. For his play on the field during his senior sea- son, Boehm earned the Buck Buchanan Award, given to the best lineman in Greater Kansas City, and the Thomas A. Simone Award, given to the most outstanding football player in the area. Boehm committed to the Missouri Ti- prospect in Ohio. He committed to Bos- ton College in June, but recently decided to explore other options for his college choice. Michigan reaffirmed a scholar- ship offer to Grant in early December, and is among the schools he will con- sider. "He was looking at schools other than Boston College before Michigan came into the picture," said Grant's mother Pam, who is speaking on her son's be- half for now. "He likes Michigan, though." Grant expressed his interest in the Wol- verines by visiting Ann Arbor the week- end of Dec. 9. He was accompanied on that trip by his high school teammate, Kyle Kalis, a five-star offensive lineman who has already committed to Michi- gan's class of 2012. Kalis' influence could be a factor that guides Grant to Michi- gan. gers in June, but decided to re-open his commitment in late November. Though Mizzou is still involved in his recruit- ment, several other schools will have an opportunity to land him. "I want to take all five of my official visits and see what happens," Boehm said. "Right now, I'm open to whatever. I'll see which schools come in, and I will take a look at them, too." One of the schools that has shown interest is Michigan. The Wolverines' coaching staff contacted Boehm shortly after he decommitted from Missouri. They would like Boehm to schedule an official visit in January if he can fit it into his schedule. "They haven't come in with specific dates," said Royce Boehm, his father and high school coach. "We have to see what they have available, and maybe we'll be able to make a trip to Ann Arbor." If Boehm makes the trip, Michigan stands a good chance to land him. He would be the sixth member of the Wol- verines' offensive line class in 2012 — already ranked No. 1 in the nation by "They're definitely good friends," said his mother. "I think Sam had a really good time up there." The recruiting process, however, didn't end with Grant's trip to Michigan. He also wants to see a handful of other schools before making a final college commit- ment. Arkansas is a prime contender for Grant's services as well. He visited Fay- etteville, Ark., the weekend of Dec. 16, and the Razorbacks' recent dedication to the passing game — they averaged more than 300 passing yards per game during the 2011 regular season, good Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Mike Farrell "He has the size, speed and athletic ability to make an impact." for No. 13 in the country — makes them an attractive option for receiving targets. Whichever school Grant ultimately chooses, the decision isn't far off. "I think he wants to get it done sooner, rather than later," said Pam Grant. — Tim Sullivan Top Missouri Lineman Is Considering A Visit To Michigan Rivals.com — and perhaps one of the most talented. "Boehm is so great at moving his feet once he engages with a defender, and he also does a tremendous job of stay- ing low, which gives him good lever- age," reads his Rivals.com evaluation. "He also is as tough, aggressive and nasty as they come." Boehm's leverage skills and attention to detail have been aided by his back- ground in wrestling. He is the defend- ing Class 4 state champion in Missouri for the 285-pound weight class, and finished his junior season with a 30-1 record on the mats. Intermat ranks him as the No 14 heavyweight in the coun- try this season. Former wrestlers have gone on to plenty of success at Michigan. Senior defensive tackle Mike Martin was a two-time Michigan state heavyweight champion. The Wolverine coaches are hoping that another talented wrestler wants to bring his skills to the football field in Ann Arbor. — Tim Sullivan JANUARY 2012 THE WOLVERINE 45