The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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PREP PROFILES phal has already earned his share of offers entering his junior season, one in which his Bolingbrook (Ill.) High squad is looking to defend its Class 8A state title. Florida, Iowa, Michigan State, Ne- braska, Notre Dame and Ohio State are among those that extended early, mak- ing him one of the most coveted pros- pects in the Midwest. Michigan, though, might hold an early Defensive back prospect Parrker West- edge. U-M coaches were among the first to offer in May, following only West Virginia. That's put the Wolverines in good position heading toward Septem- ber. Westphal has been on the Michigan Parrker Westphal "The commits were kind of recruiting me. They were just asking why I haven't commit- ted yet and telling me that they'd love to have me there." campus a few times, most recently for the late-July Barbeque at The Big House recruiting event. "The commits were kind of recruiting me," Westphal said with a laugh. "They were just asking why I haven't commit- plethora of early offers to rising juniors, so those that have gone out would probably be reserved for the perceived top targets on their list. Grand Rapids (Mich.) Christian offensive Michigan coaches haven't extended a lineman Tommy Doles had a chance to earn one at the U-M camp over the sum- mer, took advantage of the opportunity and received an offer in the days follow- ing his performance. Doles and Christian recorded the first Rising Illinois Junior Cornerback High On Michigan Parrker Westphal Bolingbrook High School Bolingbrook, Ill. Position: Cornerback Ht.: 6-1 • Wt.: 186 Bench Max: 270 40-Yard Dash: 4.45 seconds ted yet and telling me that they'd love to have me there. I was telling them that it's just early. "The coaches were saying just the winner," Howard said. "Just watching him build his fire and seeing it come to fruition in his offseason workouts, watching him run, watching him lift and just doing the other things that make you a better football player — he's one of those guys that you just can't get out of the gym. "When we're running or doing condi- "He's used to winning — Parrker is a same thing as last time, that they'd love to have me down there. There is no rush to have me commit, and they want me to just take my time. The coaches were agreeing with me saying it was too early, because I'm just about to be a junior. It's clear, however, that Westphal is emerging as a priority in the 2014 class. He notched 55 tackles and 11 passes broken up a year ago in becoming one of his state's dominant defensive backs. Former Michigan cornerback Todd " Howard, Westphal's position coach, has seen his share of talent over the years. Westphal's work ethic is second to none, he said earlier this year. to see the football facilities and had some nice barbecue in The Big House, and just got a better feel for the campus. the trip. "We all liked it a lot, perfect regular season in school history a year ago, going 9-0. The publicity has been great for the program in gaining exposure for some of its more talented prospects. Getting to know the coaches better was one Doles' objectives during his visit for the July Barbecue at The Big House. "Their families were there, too, so we got to know them a little better," Doles said. "We also got a tour of the campus. They were just giving us an idea of the life of a student-athlete there and the support system that they have for their student-athletes, which is great. We got ing me that the academics are rigorous and so are the football challenges, but they have support and they're going to be there to help you succeed on and off the field. They're stressing leadership — that was really big. two offers to date, though Michigan State and Notre Dame are among the others to show early interest. The service acad- emies have also piqued his interest, and he's said he's intrigued at the possibility of graduating as an officer into the U.S. military. Though he has yet to fill out, Doles is Michigan and Iowa State are Doles' only " Doles brought his family with him on " he said. "They're tell- " tioning, he wants to finish the drills first. When you've got a guy with those types of athletic attributes, and you add the hunger and that work ethic and that desire to be the best at your position, it makes for a Parrker Westphal. this summer, the elite B2G event in Cali- fornia, where he reportedly more than held his own. He's visited Nebraska, Northwestern and Michigan State in ad- dition to Michigan, but he's in no rush to make a decision. "I want to get out and see some schools in person and also get to know the coaches for now, Westphal attended only one camp " nitely also planning to get out and see some college games this fall. I'm still not sure which games I'm going to see, but they will be schools closer to home. " he said. "I'm defi- — Chris Balas " In-State Lineman Excited About Early Offer From U-M Tommy Doles Christian High School Grand Rapids, Mich. Position: Offensive Lineman Ht.: 6-5 • Wt.: 240 lege decision, but U-M has made an early impression. "I don't have a one-two-three list or any- He's nowhere near ready to make a col- thing, but at this point Michigan and Iowa State are the ones who have offered me. Especially with Michigan, that's the one I've been looking into the most, and I'm really liking that school, an outstanding athlete with great poten- tial and footwork, a prospect who seems slated to play offensive tackle at the next level with added weight. As a sophomore, he helped lead Christian High to a 9-0 mark. when I want to commit. I still want to learn more and more about all of the other schools. "I don't think Michigan's early offer will "But I don't have like a timeframe of " he said. be an enormous factor, but I am going to look at the fact that they saw something in me and were interested in me. It does mean something to me. " — Chris Balas SEPTEMBER 2012 THE WOLVERINE 79