The Wolverine

June-July 2012

The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports

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COMMITMENT PROFILE (Mich.) Chandler Park Academy wide receiver Csont'e York held two scholarship offers: Bowling Green State and Toledo, both members of the Mid-American Conference. Three days later, he had pledged his word to become a Michigan Wolverine. If that doesn't seem like a nor- mal timeline, it's because it's not. York's interest in Michigan came about very suddenly, and his commitment was made quickly. It all occurred with a visit to Ann Arbor. "I was talking with the coaches, and we had a good conversa- tion," York said. "They said, 'We really want you to come down here and see the facility and meet the coaches.' We just picked a day, and I headed up there with my head coach." According to Chandler Park After A Whirlwind Recruitment, Wideout Csont'e York Is A Wolverine On May 6, 2012, Harper Woods days leading up to the visit, and though he is currently unrated by Rivals.com his stock was clearly on the rise. However, after a dis- cussion with his father, York knew that no school would be able to top what Michigan could provide for him — even though he grew up a fan of rival Michigan State. "My daddy and I talked it over, and just thought about the tradi- tion, the education I can get, and the football," York explained. "I told him about how I liked the coaches, and he said, 'If you feel that way, you'll know,' and that I could commit if I want to. I felt like that's the place I can be. I feel comfortable there. "I called up the coaches and I Academy coach John Jergovich, the visit greatly impressed his star receiver. "When he walked down the tunnel York notched 36 receptions for 587 yards (16.3 yards per catch) and 11 touchdowns during his junior campaign. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM to go into The Big House to the field, it was pretty surreal," Jergovich ex- plained. "He was blown back by that, and it's hard not to be." Though Jergovich and York in- tended to spend two or three hours on campus in Ann Arbor, they stayed for six. At the end of the visit, Michigan's coaching staff informed the wideout that they would like him to be part of their program. Initially, he planned to wait to make any sort of college decision. York had also picked up BCS conference offers from Cincinnati and Syracuse in the get even stronger without losing a step. He can out-muscle defenders for the ball and use his physical play to create space from opposing corners. He is tall enough to catch passes over defense backs, even if they stay tight in coverage. As a complement to that, he is also an exceptional leaper. He shows the ability Strengths: York is a big receiver with a large frame that will allow him to FILM EVALUATION said, 'You were right about chang- ing my mind about Sparty. I'm a Wolverine!' All the coaches just started cheering like 'Yeah, we got us a receiver,' and they were happy." Michigan's coaches will be The 6-3, 190-pound York has skills that will translate in any offense. "He's got a great vertical, and he's more than comfortable having a former Spartan fan on their team. very strong young man," Jergovich explained. "His ball skills are just ri- diculous. He catches the ball all hands all the time — he never uses his body. Highest point, fully extended, he's al- ways catching the ball with his hands. He also loves to block. I think he's just as excited putting a DB on his back or cracking down on a linebacker as he is to catch a touchdown." York put those physical skills to elevate over defenders and has excellent timing to high point the ball. Every time he makes a catch, it's with his hands, rather than his body. The part of York's game that might help him see the field early in his career though, is his blocking. Larger receivers typically rely on intimidation to escort cornerbacks away from the play, but he displays an attitude and a desire to bury opposing defensive backs. Areas of Improvement: Although he's plenty fast for the Division I level, York has not been blessed with exceptional speed. While that can be improved in strength and conditioning programs, he will have to compensate in other ways. His physical, in-your-face style is one thing that will allow him to succeed, but he'll have to become a technician in route running to reach his potential. Michigan Player Comparison: Braylon Edwards earned the throne as Michi- gan's all-time leading receiver, from 2001-04, so he's a lofty comparison for York. However, they are similar in size and attitude. If York can produce half as much as Edwards did during his career, Michigan fans will be very happy. — Analysis from TheWolverine.com 58 THE WOLVERINE JUNE/JULY 2012 to good use as a junior, catching 36 passes for 587 yards (16.3 yards per catch) and 11 touchdowns. He's ex- cited for the potential to catch passes down the road from one of his seven- on-seven teammates, Michigan quar- terback commitment Shane Morris, a four-star from Warren (Mich.) De La Salle. "Shane said he really wants to throw to me his four years of college," York said. "We can form a bond. That made me think I could see myself being with him for just a few years." With the talent Michigan is putting together on the roster, those years could include championships. — Tim Sullivan

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