The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/629217
FOOTBALL RECRUITING to the Wolverines' headman are a sell‑ ing point. A geographic outlier (like Michigan is in this case, on a list that includes West Coast heavyweights USC, Oregon and Arizona State) often has a hard time winning recruiting battles, but Murphy's Jan. 22 official visit to Ann Arbor should give the Maize and Blue a chance to earn a commitment — if there's still room in the class along the defensive front. LB DONTAVIOUS JACKSON 6-2, 238 • Houston Alief Elsik No. 38 prospect in Texas and No. 9 inside linebacker nationally Jackson has the size and athleticism to be an intimidating line‑ backer in the middle of a defense. He is mobile from sideline to sideline and packs a punch when he hits opposing ball carriers. Given U‑M's need for line‑ backers, he could be a fit. Jackson hasn't narrowed his list much, with Alabama, Florida, Flor‑ ida State, Georgia, LSU, South Caro‑ lina, Texas, Texas A&M and UCLA still alive, along with Michigan. He was very high on the Wolver‑ ines early in the process, and has bookended the serious portion of his recruitment with an unofficial (for the spring game) and official (for the Ohio State game) trip to Ann Arbor. He does seem more likely to remain close to home despite that. If he chooses to head out — and Michigan has space in the class — they could be the top option. S JORDAN FULLER 6-2, 190 • Old Tappan (N.J.) High No. 7 player in New Jersey and No. 21 safety in the country Fuller is ranked as a safety, but can project to a number of positions at the next level. He can play wide receiver, running back or cornerback, or even grow into an outside linebacker hy‑ brid. He is an outstanding athlete with smooth movement ability, and that's the type of player (especially if U‑M is looking for a defensive Swiss Army Knife) who can come in and sort out a position later. Fuller took a spring unofficial visit to Michigan, but hasn't re‑ turned since. The Maize and Blue were scheduled to bring him in on a Jan. 22 official visit, and they should have an opportunity to remind him what he liked so much the last time. The Wolverines' New Jersey contin‑ gent is strong, and that could be a selling point. WR KEYSHAWN YOUNG 5-11, 165 • Miami High No. 47 recruit in Florida and No. 66 wide receiver in the nation Young is a prototypi‑ cal slot receiver, under‑ sized but exciting with the ball in his hands. His height and frame may prevent him from being an ideal fit in some systems, but his playmaking ability should allow him to be very