The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/653976
FOOTBALL RECRUITING Joshua Ross • Linebacker 6‑0, 219 • St. Mary's Prep, Orchard Lake, Mich. No. 4 talent in Michigan, and No. 9 OLB and No. 189 overall player nationally Ross is a familiar name — he's the younger brother of recent U‑M grad James Ross III. He's a very similar player to big bro, with the same instincts and athleticism allowing him to make plays all over the field. He has a bit more size, though, and could be the better player in the long run. While it is widely assumed that he'll follow James to Ann Arbor, pro‑ grams like Michigan State, Ohio State and Oklahoma are among those the Wolverines will have to beat out. There's a chance that he wraps things up before his senior year, which would bode well for U‑M. Drew Singleton • Linebacker 6‑4, 218 • Paramus Catholic, Paramus, N.J. No. 1 player in New Jersey, and No. 2 OLB and No. 34 overall prospect nationally Singleton is on the slimmer side right now, but has the height and frame to be a big‑time linebacker down the road. He has the appearance of an oversized safety — but the mentality to make plays inside the box, which gives him the opportunity to be the total package at the position. Singleton has Michigan and Clemson atop his list, though he admits that the Tigers have a slight edge right now. However, Michi‑ gan's history with Paramus Catholic — including his former head coach at the school, Chris Partridge serving as the linebackers coach, and close friend Rashan Gary signing in the 2016 class — gives them a chance to close that gap. Corey Malone-Hatcher • Defensive End 6‑3, 246 • St. Joseph High School, St. Joseph, Mich. No. 7 player in Michigan and No. 13 SDE nationally Malone‑Hatcher is a natural defensive end — even though he's been pressed into duty mostly as a linebacker and tight end for his high school team. That has simply served to show off his impressive athleticism. A senior year in which he remains fully healthy should give him a big boost in the rankings. Malone‑Hatcher has taken several unofficial visits to Michigan, though he also heads just down the road to Notre Dame, even closer to his home in southwest Michigan. The Wolverines and Irish are the top candidates, but Alabama and Michigan State are trying to change that.