The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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2016 FOOTBALL RECRUITING ISSUE Press all-state teams in Florida's 8A division, the football-rich state's larg- est classification — but he gets a head start on his classmates by enrolling early in Ann Arbor. "He just loves it up there," said his father and high school coach Devin Bush Sr., a former first-round draft choice at safety out of Florida State. "Everything he thought Michigan would be, it is. He's ready to get out there and be on the field this spring." Bush will have every opportunity to step into the roles vacated by Mor- gan, Bolden and Ross. He may not have the ideal size of a true inside linebacker, but that doesn't matter when the pads are on. He's instinc- tive and athletic, two things that Wolverines fans will be happy to see when he's roaming the second level of the defense. "When you look at him, with his size especially, nothing really jumps off the page," said Rivals.com South- east recruiting analyst Rob Cassidy. "When you see him play, though, it's obvious that this kid can get it done on the field. His quickness and knowledge of the game make up for anything he lacks in size." Bush's fellow highly touted line- backer signee hasn't ever been ac- cused of lacking prototypical size. Mbem-Bosse, out of Ellenwood (Ga.) Cedar Grove, checks all the boxes physically, cutting an impressive fig- ure at 6-3, 232 pounds. With three inches more height than Bush pos- sesses, he should be able to add the mass to be a true intimidator in col- lege. Far more menacing in the eyes of opposing running backs, however, will be the fact that he doesn't just look the part — he plays it just as well. "I'm definitely a guy that's not afraid to make contact," Mbem-Bosse said with a knowing chuckle. "I work hard on every part of my game so I can be the best that I can be." In Bush and Mbem-Bosse, the Wol- verines have a four-star duo that ranked among the top linebackers — and overall players — in their re- spective states. Bush is the higher ranked of the duo — he is listed the No. 7 inside linebacker and No. 182 overall prospect nationally, and the No. 26 senior in Florida. Mbem-Bosse falls just outside the Rivals250 rank- ings, but he is the No. 15 inside line- backer nationally and No. 33 senior in Georgia. Although they're the only players listed at the linebacker position in the class, they surely won't be the only two to line up there during their Michigan careers. Bush's high school teammate, Devin Gil, is listed as a safety, but the 6-1, 225-pounder has built his frame since the end of Flanagan's state championship season in 2015 and will likely play linebacker in college. "It's obvious they're looking for those smaller, quicker linebackers," said national recruiting guru Tom Lemming. "He's a smaller guy, but usually you see those types move a little faster — and he's gong to be familiar with playing next to Bush." One of the lesser-regarded players in Michigan's class — Gil is a low