The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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PREP PROFILES up to recruit Seffner (Fla.) Armwood de- fensive back Leon McQuay III. Alabama, Notre Dame and Oklahoma are just a few of the 30-plus schools that offered the 6-2, 185-pound defensive back a scholarship. In an effort to wrap up the recruiting Colleges across the country have lined Michigan Is A Finalist For Florida Defensive Back Leon McQuay III ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ process — McQuay would like to make a decision in December and enroll in January at his school of choice — he has narrowed his list to three remain- ing contenders: Michigan, USC and Van- derbilt. All three have not only offered the country's No. 33 overall player (and No. 3 safety) a chance to play football, but also an opportunity to pursue an- other passion. "The coaching staffs, the city that they're in and the music programs," said Armwood High School Seffner, Fla. Position: Defensive Back Ht.: 6-2 • Wt.: 185 Ranking: Rivals.com's No. 3 safety and No. 33 overall player in the country contention for his services, a visit to Ann Arbor in May gave them a boost right back into the mix. On that visit, McQuay got to don a Michigan jersey best known for being worn by Michigan's most re- cent Heisman Trophy winner, Charles Woodson. While most schools have recruited Mc- McQuay, describing what he likes about his top three. "That's probably what I want to major in, something in music. They all have good music programs. Then the cities that they're located in, it's L.A., Detroit and Nashville. They're all big music cities. Though it seemed earlier in the spring that the Wolverines had slipped from " running backs committed in the class of 2013, the coaching staff has kept an interest in adding a third runner to the group. While Richmond (Va.) Hermitage five-star Derrick Green is considering the Wolverines, Cordova (Tenn.) St. Benedict tailback Jordan Wilkins is also in the mix for Michigan. The 6-1, 210-pound Wilkins is not a Although Michigan already has two bruiser like Green, but he does have the speed and foot quickness that allow him to be an elite runner. He has been timed at 4.41 seconds in the 40-yard dash and Jordan Wilkins "I want to get my overall speed up and hit my holes harder and keep my legs moving when the first tackle comes so I can break more tackles." brings a home run threat that college coaches love to have in the arsenal. Despite all his physical gifts, Wilkins knows there's always room for improve- ment in his game. "I want to get my overall speed up and 76 THE WOLVERINE AUGUST 2012 Quay as a safety, Michigan's coaching staff likes the four-star prospect as a cor- nerback. That opportunity is something that intrigues him. The comparison to a seven-time Pro Bowler at that position was flattering as well and gave him rea- son to look at Michigan. "That really caught his eye, and it made an impression on me, too," said his father, lege, McQuay is expected to make an impact of his own. He recorded 66 tack- les as a junior, while roaming the sec- ondary for 12 passes broken up and four interceptions. His height and long arms allow him to make plays on the ball, and he has the speed to cover sideline to sideline. Enrolling in January will allow McQuay to participate in spring practice and get Wherever he ends up attending col- " Leon McQuay Jr. on his son "That really caught his eye, and it made an impression on me, too. For them to say that they look at you as a player who can do things like [Charles] Woodson did, that made an impact." Leon McQuay Jr. "For them to say that they look at you as a player who can do acclimated to college life. With his skill set, that should help him get on the field as a freshman. — Tim Sullivan Tennessee Running Back Has U-M Near The Top Jordan Wilkins ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ St. Benedict High School Cordova, Tenn. Position: Running Back Ht.: 6-1 • Wt.: 210 Ranking: Rivals.com's No. 11 running back and No. 128 overall player nationally hit my holes harder and keep my legs moving when the first tackle comes so I can break more tackles, on the field — and that speed is the main factor in his Rivals.com ranking as the No. 11 running back and No. 128 player in the nation — he wants to move just as quickly off it. Though National Signing Day 2013 is still months away, Wilkins would like to get his decision wrapped up quickly. "I want to make my decision before the season starts," he explained. "I hope As fast as the four-star prospect moves " he said. I get it done this summer, as soon as I feel like I fit and it's the place, I'm going to commit and end it, but I don't want to commit before I'm sure. Several schools have entered the " race for Wilkins' services — Arkansas, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Vanderbilt are among his offers — but he has decided to focus on a smaller group of schools, most notably Auburn and Michigan. He has visited both campuses already, and although Auburn stands out for him Michigan is there as well. The opportunity in Ann Arbor to com- things like Woodson did, that made an impact. pete for playing time early in his career is an enticing one. So is the chance to run in Michigan's pro-style offense behind a powerful group of linemen. "They've talked to me about how they want to change their offense after [quarterback] Denard Robinson leaves, Wilkins explained. "They want to go to a pro-style offense, and they need a big back like me, a bigger back that can run inside but still has the speed to get outside. decision, time is running short. The Wol- verines are chasing Auburn for his ser- vices, but Michigan's coaches are hoping that Big Ten defenses will be chasing Wilkins through the secondary in years to come. Since Wilkins plans to make an early " — Tim Sullivan "