The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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FOOTBALL RECRUITING fensive tackle Robert Hainsey, Rivals' No. 56 player nationally, is originally from Pittsburgh, and offensive center Cesar Ruiz, the top player at his posi- tion in the country, hails from Camden, N.J. (where he was a teammate of 2016 signees Brad Hawkins and Ron John- son prior to his junior year), but both now attend the boarding school at Bra- denton (Fla.) IMG Academy — where Michigan spent its first week of spring practice. While students at IMG were unable to watch practice in Florida other than the final session, which was open to the public, the duo got a good chance to see the Maize and Blue take the field on familiar turf. "I know so many players at Michi- gan," Ruiz said. "It was fun being up there with some of the guys. It was nice being able to talk to the coaches and in- troduce myself to the new ones." Upon returning to school from the visit, Ruiz named Michigan his top school, with Alabama and North Car- olina not far behind on a list that is trimmed to 10 finalists. Hainsey also holds Michigan high on his list, though he may be a little further out from his college commitment. The Wolverines would love to reel in both. Princeton (N.J.) The Hun School defensive tackle Fred Hansard, like Ruiz a Camden native who attends a boarding school (albeit one a little closer to home), also had a strong trip to Ann Arbor. In his eyes, the New Jer- sey pipeline also is a major positive for the Wolverines. "It was good seeing everyone in ac- tion for the spring game," he said. "I liked how physi- cal they were on both sides of the ball. I liked seeing the young guys get after it — they're surprising some people. "I like hanging around with all my New Jersey guys," he continued. "I got to sit down with Rashan during the spring game and talk with him a little bit. That would be crazy to play with him. He's a really cool guy." T h e 6 - 4 , 314-pound Han- sard, who is ranked as the No. 5 defen- sive tackle and No. 91 overall player in the 2017 class by Rivals, originally planned to announce his college com- mitment May 13, but will delay a choice until he's able to see more of his contenders in person. After his visit to Ann Arbor, though, U-M is in a lofty position on his list. Top uncommitted in-state target Four-star Cesar Ruiz from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., is ranked as Rivals. com's No. 1 center in the 2017 class, as well as the No. 106 overall recruit in the country. PHOTO BY BRANDON BROWN