The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/614487
MICHIGAN RECRUITING DePaul Catholic four-star running back Kareem Walker intends to en- roll early at the school of his choice, with Alabama, Arizona State, Auburn and Florida State battling Michigan for his signature. Rivals.com's No. 2 running back and No. 41 overall pros- pect nationally would fill a big need for Michigan, given the struggles with consistency in the run game in year one under head coach Jim Harbaugh. Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy five- star tight end Isaac Nauta is also con- sidering early enrollment at the school of his choice, and he's just as perfect a fit for Michigan as Walker. The 6-4, 235-pounder can both block and catch passes, the combination of which has seen him earn a ranking as the top player at his position and No. 18 over- all nationally. The need for a second tight end to join McKeon in the class is diminished by the return of Jake Butt for his senior year, but Harbaugh would never be one to turn down a talented tight end. What Michigan does need is plenty of help at the linebacker position. The unit was up and down in 2015, and all three starters — Desmond Morgan, Joe Bolden, and James Ross — are out the door after exhausting their eligibility. That could be where Pembroke Pines (Fla.) Flanagan four-star Devin Bush comes in. He's making his com- mitment in mid-December, and the No. 6 inside linebacker and No. 184 overall prospect nationally will also enroll in January. For U-M, that would mean giving him a spring ball to get his feet under him and a possible ma- jor role as a true freshman. — Tim Sullivan MISCELLANEOUS NOTES • While closing out the 2016 class is the top priority for the Michigan coaching staff, that hasn't prevented the Wolverines from offering a number of underclassman — including those just completing their sophomore and even freshman years of high school football. Wide receiver Ahmir Mitchell of Egg Harbor City (N.J.) Cedar Creek is one of six future Wolverines who are planning to enroll at U-M in January. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM