The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/653976
MICHIGAN RECRUITING not even seeing the varsity field yet) have opportunities from the Maize and Blue. Only two in-state recruits have U-M offers from those classes thus far, both in 2018: Oak Park offen- sive lineman Marquan McCall and Detroit Cass Tech cornerback/ath- lete Kalon Gervin. The Wolverines should have a strong shot to land each of them, especially given their connections to Michigan. McCall plays on a line with 2017 U-M pledge Ja'Raymond Hall, while Gervin's high school has sent numerous pros- pects to Ann Arbor over the years — and is coached by former Wolverine Thomas Wilcher. The focuses in the 2018 class, em- phasized by an early wide offer net, are quarterback (five offers, though two have already committed to other programs), cornerback (six offers, with five of them to South Florida prospects, plus two more "athlete" offers, including Gervin, who could end up at the position) and tight end (four offers). While the story of needs in the 2018 class will naturally be incomplete until the makeup of the 2017 group becomes a bit more clear, the Wolver- ines are ahead of the curve when it comes to getting into the mix for the top players nationally. Only a couple programs that are consistently among the most offer- happy year to year have offered more players, such as Tennessee's 47 early opportunities granted. The 2019 class is even further off into the future, and those with early Michigan offers should be consid- ered among the nation's very best Spring Game Visits The annual spring game is unconventional in timing — earlier (April 1) than recent years, and a Friday evening affair, rather than the traditional Saturday afternoon — but that won't prevent recruits from making the pilgrimage to Ann Arbor. Whereas most visitors during regular spring practices come from the state and region, those planning to visit for the game itself are spread across the nation. Jersey City (N.J.) St. Peter's Prep 2018 strongside defensive end Jayson Ademilola and outside linebacker Justin Ademilola The Ademilola twins are similar in size, 6-3 and between 240 and 260 pounds, and are both expected to be among the top prospects nationally at their re- spective positions. They received Michigan offers on their previous trip to Ann Arbor, for last Summer's Barbecue at The Big House recruiting event. Richmond (Va.) Benedictine School 2017 linebacker Ellis Brooks The 6-2, 240-pounder is ranked as the No. 8 rising senior in Virginia, and the No. 10 inside linebacker and No. 209 overall prospect nationally. He picked up a U-M offer in January and will make his first visit to Ann Arbor.