The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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FOOTBALL RECRUITING game didn't live up to expectations — U-M walked away with a 31-0 cruise over the Cougars — that may not have been a bad situation for a pair of elite defensive prospects. The shutout opened eyes for five-star defensive tackle Rashan Gary and four-star de- fensive end Carlo Kemp. Gary — the top player in New Jer- sey, and the No. 1 defensive tackle and No. 2 overall prospect in the country according to Rivals.com — took a somewhat surprising official visit with his mother, Jen Coney, after previously being unsure if he'd be able to work in a trip to Ann Arbor. Both the 6-5, 290-pound Gary and his mother saw a lot to like. "I didn't go to Michigan to hear about football," Coney admitted. "Even though I want my son to excel in football because that's the sport he loves, that part wasn't important to me. Football's going to take care of itself, as long as Rashan is as good as they say he is, he'll be fine. "My thing is academics. My thing is environment to see if this is going to be home. I know what Rashan likes, and from my end, I know what's best Future Visitors Many of Michigan's biggest visits are in the rearview mirror, but the Wolver- ines are saving the best for last. The contest against Rutgers will see only one confirmed official visitor thus far, whereas the season-ending rivalry game against Ohio State should see the most impressive group of officials yet. Rutgers — Nov. 7 Dudley (Mass.) Shepherd Hill Regional tight end Sean McKeon The 6-4, 230-pound McKeon is rated as a two-star recruit and the No. 3 se- nior in Massachusetts by Rivals.com. He committed to Michigan June 15 over offers from Boston College, Pitt, Virginia Tech and several others (in- cluding high-academic options like Ivy League institutions). This will be his first trip to Ann Arbor since commit- ting. Ohio State — Nov. 28 Bowman (Ga.) Elbert County athlete Mecole Hardman Rivals.com lists the 5-10, 171-pound Hardman as a five-star talent, the No. 2 Dudley (Mass.) Shepherd Hill Regional tight end Sean McKeon, a U-M commit who is rated as the No. 3 prospect in his home state by Rivals.com, is scheduled to travel to Ann Arbor for an official visit when the Wolverines take on Rutgers Nov. 7. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM