The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/629217
PREP PROFILES Michigan hasn't always had success recruiting the national cream of the crop — though they've been close at times, narrowly missing on the top player in 2014, Da'Shawn Hand, to Al- abama, and could land the top player in 2016, Rashan Gary. However, thanks to some strong relationships in Ann Arbor, they'll have a good shot at the top prep player in the class of 2017, defensive tackle Marvin Wil- son, even against competition that includes some of the country's top programs. The Houston Episcopal defen- sive tackle is close with another line- man from his area — 2016 U-M pledge Jordan Elliott — and that has him thinking Maize and Blue. "They landed my boy Jordan Elliott, so he's been in my ear," he said. "That might open my eyes to see if I want to go up there." Players from his hometown head- ing up to Ann Arbor are one boost in Wilson's eyes. Just as important was a trip in the other direction, though. The entire Michigan staff were in Houston last summer for a stop on their satellite camp tour, and Wilson got to interact with U-M head coach Jim Harbaugh. That helped him realize that the top Wolverine is somebody he gets along with very well. "When he had their satellite camp in Houston, I loved talking to him," Wil- son said of the Wolverines' head coach. "He wants to be himself — even if he's actually a weird guy — and I like being around people like that. I can be myself around him. I just like surrounding myself with things like that." Wilson, who is listed as the No. 1 defensive tackle and No. 1 overall player nationally by Rivals.com, plans to take an unofficial visit to Michigan during the summer prior to his senior year if he can fit it in, and a strong year on the field in Ann Ar- bor could keep the Wolverines in the mix until the end. That would be quite a boost, given how talented Wilson is. Not just any player can claim the mantle of the best in the land. "He consistently wins reps in one- on-ones while also drawing praise from coaches in drills," said Rivals. com Southeast recruiting analyst Woody Wommack. "Wilson win reps while working both inside and outside and every offensive lineman wants a shot to stop him — but most come up empty." — Tim Sullivan Elite Defensive Tackle Will Consider Michigan ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ Episcopal High School Houston Class: 2017 Position: Defensive Tackle Ht.: 6-4 • Wt.: 320 Rivals.com Rankings: No. 1 player in Texas, and No. 1 defensive tackle and No. 1 overall player in the country Marvin Wilson