The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/603303
PREP PROFILES Bowman (Ga.) Elbert County se‑ nior Mecole Hardman is one of the nation's top athletic specimens. The 5‑10, 171‑pounder can do it all — ei‑ ther make huge plays with the ball in his hands or lock down receivers on defense. Fortunately for the schools recruiting him, he doesn't care where he lines up in col‑ lege as long as he has opportuni‑ ties. "Some schools want me at wide receiver, or some p r e d o m i n a n t l y at quarterback," Hardman said. "It just depends on the school's system itself. I have no preference." Michigan is one program selling him on simply being a playmaker. The Wolverines have told the five‑ star talent he'll start out on special teams — taking some of the load off their current do‑everything player, Jabrill Peppers — and let his talents decide his destination. He'll make his first trip to Ann Ar‑ bor for the Ohio State game Nov. 28 and is looking forward to a different experience. Whereas most of his fa‑ vorites, such as Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, are from SEC country, he wants to see if he connects with a northern atmosphere. "It's a school you want to go and see, especially since it's up North," he said. "I've heard that things are different up North than in the South. It's a different experience, and I look forward to seeing new things and how I like it up there." Hardman's other official visits — he took one to Miami in September, and will see Ole Miss the week be‑ fore he heads to Ann Arbor — will be key in deter‑ mining his even‑ tual destination as well. If he feels like a school in the North will fit him, though, Michigan is the only serious con‑ tender. It's the arrival of Jim Harbaugh and an NFL‑veteran assistant coach‑ ing staff that has helped the Wolver‑ ines make such a move. According to Hardman, the future is bright in Ann Arbor, whether he ends up joining the program or not. "Just talking with the coaches more and more, I've been building rela‑ tionships and getting more comfort‑ able," he said. "I know they've got great coaches with Coach Harbaugh, and the team is great. He's getting recruits up there to see the place and commit." He plans to make a silent com‑ mitment to the school of his choice after the official visit to Michigan, and publicly announce on National Signing Day. — Tim Sullivan Elite Two-Way Prospect Will Visit U-M ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ Elbert County High School Bowman, Ga. Class: 2016 Position: Athlete Ht.: 5-10 • Wt.: 171 Rivals.com Rankings: No. 2 player in Georgia, and No. 2 athlete and No. 16 overall prospect in the country Mecole Hardman