The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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FOOTBALL RECRUITING The Final Few: Closing The Class Of 2013 M BY TIM SULLIVAN a blistering pace. The commitment of Hudson (Ohio) linebacker Ben Gedeon gave them commitment No. 17 faster than ever before, and only a few needs remain in the class. With a group expected to reach 24 prospects, U-M's coaches have room for seven more players and the time to focus their attention on those they want the most. ichigan's coaching staff is re- cruiting for the class of 2013 at tight ends committed for 2013, and although the coaches were looking for a third earlier in the process, few options remain. Jake Butt is the nation's No. 96 La Salle four-star Shane Morris is ranked as the No. 2 pro-style quar- terback and No. 16 overall prospect in the country for the class of 2013. The 6-3, 195-pound lefty is known for his arm strength and game manage- ment ability. Tight End — Michigan has two Quarterback — Warren (Mich.) De NEEDS FILLED one of the few three-star prospects committed to Michigan, but the Wol- verines' coaching staff views him much more highly than that. At 6-3, 230 pounds, he has the versatility to play the roles of fullback, tight end and slot receiver. Offensive Line — It will be tough prospect, and the 6-6, 240-pound product of Pickerington (Ohio) North has the mass to block on the line of scrimmage and the speed to make defenses pay when they overcommit to the run. Detroit Crockett's Khalid Hill is for any school in the country to top Michigan's offensive line group. The Wolverines already have five Ri- vals250 commitments, and have told other prospects that they're done at the position. Parker (Colo.) Ponderosa tackle gan has three commitments. Wexford (Pa.) North Allegheny product Pat- rick Kugler leads the way, ranked as the No. 54 player in the country. He is the son of Pittsburgh Steelers of- fensive line coach Sean Kugler, and at 6-5, 280 pounds, can play either cen- ter or guard. Wheaton (Ill.) St. Fran- cis' Kyle Bosch is ranked the No. 60 player in the nation, and is the same size as Kugler. He also has the physi- cal ability to play guard or center, and is learning to snap to complete the package. Detroit Cass Tech four-star David tackle in college. Also at tackle is Peo- ria (Ill.) Manual prospect Logan Tu- ley-Tillman. At 6-7 and 321 pounds, he is still growing into his body, but has the type of athleticism and raw tools to excite college coaches. He is the No. 109 prospect in the country. On the interior of the line, Michi- U-M is looking to continue its successful recruiting in the Midwest by landing Joliet (Ill.) Catholic Academy running back Ty Isaac, the nation's No. 18 overall player according to Rivals.com. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM Dawson played his junior season in Texas, and the 6-5, 305-pounder picked up some high-quality coach- ing at Houston Cypress Ridge. Daw- son is agile enough to play tackle, but tough enough to play guard. With other high-quality tackles also in the class, the nation's No. 199 player is likely to play on the interior of the line at Michigan. have commitments from two run- ning backs: Detroit Catholic Central four-star athlete Wyatt Shallman and Warren (Ohio) Howland three- star tailback Deveon Smith. The 6-3, 255-pound Shallman has the athleti- cism to carry the ball, but his mass could also allow him to play other positions should he not manage to crack the depth chart. The 5-11, 210-pound Smith is a true tailback. Hot Prospects — Michigan's coach- Commits — Michigan's coaches RUNNING BACK Chris Fox leads the way with a No. 46 ranking nationally. At 6-6 and 300 pounds, he has the long arms that will allow him to be a true left 52 THE WOLVERINE FEBRUARY 2012 ing staff still covets one more run- ning back in the class, and the player they're most interested in is Joliet (Ill.) Catholic Academy four-star Ty Isaac. The country's No. 18 overall prospect and No. 2 running back stands 6-3, 215 pounds, and has plenty of size to punish defenders. However, he's best known for his speed, and he could provide the breakaway threat to make defenses pay. Isaac doesn't have a set decision timeframe, but would like to end the stress of the recruiting process. Still on the Board — Richmond (Va.) Hermitage four-star Derrick Green has 4.37-second speed in the 40- yard dash, impressive given his 6-0, 215-pound frame. The No. 64 pros- pect in the country has already vis- ited Michigan this spring. Cordova (Tenn.) St. Benedict four-star Jordan Wilkins is considering a Michigan visit, but has no set plans. ion-Franklin three-star Jaron Dukes is Michigan's only commitment at wideout, making it the Wolverines' biggest remaining position of need on offense. He has plenty of potential as a big-play threat thanks to his 6-5, 200-pound frame and excellent leap- ing ability. Hot Prospects — The most coveted Commits — Columbus (Ohio) Mar- WIDE RECEIVER player at receiver is Crete (Ill.) Monee four-star Laquon Treadwell. The 6-3, 185-pounder is ranked as the nation's No. 31 prospect and has been a fre- quent visitor to Ann Arbor, most re- cently for the spring game April 14. He will make a decision after taking his five official visits this fall. Phoe- nix Brophy Prep four-star Devon