The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/641955
2016 FOOTBALL RECRUITING ISSUE Houston Westside three-star Jordan Elliott — who landed at Texas on National Signing Day — and not only offered, but landed Dwumfour within a couple weeks. DePaul wasn't the only pipeline program for Michigan in the class. Just 100 miles down the New Jersey Turnpike, Camden High School also was kind to the Wolver- ines. Defensive end Ron Johnson and wide receiver Brad Hawkins committed to Michi- gan within eight days of each other in the summer of 2015. At the tail end of a visit to Ann Arbor June 25, Johnson ended his recruitment to become a Wolverine. "I just felt that it was the right time to do it," Johnson said. "It was my feel for the experience. I love it in Ann Arbor." The 6-4, 245-pounder saw an up-and-down senior year diminish his rankings slightly, but like Walker he managed to hold on as a four-star prospect. Coming in as the No. 20 weakside defensive end nationally and the No. 8 senior in the Garden State, he'll have to bulk up to find a full-time role along the defensive front. On the eve of the Fourth of July, Hawkins followed his teammate in committing to Michigan. The 6-2, 205-pounder finished as the No. 6 player in New Jersey, and the No. 53 wide receiver and No. 235 overall prospect nationally. "He earned the nickname 'Big Play Brad' for his performance after making the catch. Hawkins has an array of impressive moves," NJVarsity.com analyst Bobby Deren said. "Hawkins is a player who shines under the lights, but does not possess blazing speed." The gem of the class — until Gary committed — was Egg Harbor City Cedar Creek wideout Ahmir Mitchell. The 6-3, 205-pounder is ranked as the No. 30 wide receiver and No. 139 overall prospect nationally, and finished as the No. 4 senior in New Jersey (only Gary, Tennessee quarterback signee Jarrett Guarantano and future Michigan State wide receiver Cameron Chambers finished ahead of him in the state). Ohio State, Alabama, and Notre Dame were among those the Maize and Blue beat out for Mitchell's signature. Athletic enough to play wide receiver or safety, Mitchell is on campus going through winter conditioning and spring practice, and expects to find a home on both sides of the ball before narrowing his focus later in his career. According to Rivals.com national director of recruiting Mike Farrell, he has the ability to be an impact performer at either spot. "I think he's a high-level contributor and a guy who's on NFL radars as a potential third-rounder," Farrell speculated. "I think he's a four-year, developmental guy. I don't see him as a three-and-out player. He will get a lot better every year and his money- making year will be his senior year." With six players from New Jersey in Michigan's 2016 class — including five of the top eight in the state — the Wolverines are building plenty of pipelines. That should continue going forward, as well, with 10 offers already to class of 2017 prospects. — Tim Sullivan