The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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MICHIGAN RECRUITING at this stage — or those whom the U-M staff believes will develop into that. Among them, Akron (Ohio) Ho- ban offensive lineman Nolan Rumler may be the most likely to end up in Maize and Blue. He has visited Ann Arbor multiple times and said the Wolverines are the only program re- cruiting him. Weakside defensive end Ge'Mon Eaford, a 6-1, 192-pounder from Deerfield Beach (Fla.) High School, is another 2019 prospect high on U-M early in the process. He's be chased by the nation's top programs — al- ready holding offers from Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina — but is intrigued by the only northern pro- gram to enter the mix thus far. Even if their focus is on the cur- rent team — and the next group of recruits — it's fair to say the U-M coaching staff also has a firm eye on the future. FLORIDA RECRUITING AND IMG When Michigan's football program announced it would be spending its opening week of spring practice — and the players' spring break — on site at Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Acad- emy, it caused an uproar in the South. Southeastern Conference commis- sioner Greg Sankey opined that Jim Harbaugh was viciously robbing his players of an opportunity to spend their week off of classes with a nice trip and some leisure activities. Most, however, focused on the potential re- cruiting advantage of practicing at a school where a half-dozen prospects already hold offers from the Maize and Blue. According to Rivals.com South- east recruiting analyst Rob Cassidy, however, any such advantage is overstated. "While on campus Michigan coaches are allowed to speak to IMG coaches without restraint, but can have zero contact with student- athletes due to the NCAA-imposed recruiting quiet period," Cassidy ex- plained. "Still, that doesn't necessar- ily mean the Michigan brand won't be advanced. "Michigan's recruiting efforts in Florida are multifold. And, when they're viewed as a larger strategy, another uptick in Sunshine State suc- cess seems pretty inevitable. A few practices at a high school are a drop in a much larger bucket." The Wolverines' coaches had just one opportunity to put their brand in front of Sunshine State prospects: a Friday evening practice that was open to the public (and therefore to any high schoolers who wanted to attend). Otherwise, they were left out of the proceeding and unable to even stop by to watch the practices. While the remote practices showed an emphasis on the Sunshine State for the Wolverines' coaching staff, the direct recruiting effects were limited. ❏ On The Web For regular reports on Michigan football re‑ cruiting plus videos of U‑M commitments and targets visit TheWolverine.com.