The Wolverine

PREP PROFILES "A special place" — that's how Brook- lyn (N.Y.) Poly Prep offensive lineman Jay Hayes, a 6-5, 275-pound class of 2014 standout, referred to Michigan in the spring, and it appears his opinion hasn't changed. History and tradition are important features in a school, Hayes has main- tained, which is why Notre Dame has also secured a spot atop his early list. Both schools have offered in addition Class Of 2014 Offensive Lineman Has Michigan Offer Jay Hayes Poly Prep High School Brooklyn, N.Y. Position: Offensive Line Ht.: 6-5 • Wt.: 275 to Oregon, Penn State, Wisconsin and others, but the Wolverines and Irish seemed to separate themselves from the pack in August. "They are standing out," Hayes said. "Both of them are my top schools. I re- ally like Michigan, and I really like Notre Dame. Both schools can get you real far from a business standpoint and a career. That's why they're standing out right now. Now, I'm starting to lean toward Michigan, too. "I heard some reports that a kid from New York didn't really like Notre Dame -— so that's why I think I like Michigan Columbus to participate in the Ohio State Senior Advanced Camp this summer prior to his junior year in high school, he did so with the intention of proving he was not only one of the top underclassmen, but also one of the best players overall. When Montae Nicholson traveled to Montae Nicholson "My biggest strength is size. ... Some have said I have great range, and they like my speed." Though he didn't accomplish another of his goals — to leave with an OSU offer — the Monroeville, Pa., standout did achieve the first, turning in a per- formance Rivals.com called one of the most impressive at the camp. Long, tall and athletic, at 6-2, 200 pounds, Nicholson projects to either safety or cornerback at the next level. Though safety is his position of pref- erence, he's open to weighing his options and plans to give plenty of schools opportunities in the recruiting process. Offers have arrived from Penn State, Pittsburgh and West Virginia, in addition to Michigan, the latter earned 72 THE WOLVERINE OCTOBER 2012 a little more. Part of it is because you can say it's part of the Big Ten, and the Big Ten is great competition. You're go- ing against great teams like Ohio State and other ones, and obviously Michi- gan has a great program … You do get exposure. gineering program. Though he's not in any hurry to decide, he would like to make it to Ann Arbor for a game this fall and get introduced to the program and facilities. He's only visited UConn and Rutgers to date, but also wants to see Georgia, Oregon and others. His love for the game and his energy Hayes is also enamored with U-M's en- " school in the country, and he's one hell of a football player from the standpoint that he has all the tools, Dino Mangiero told MSGVarsity.com re- cently. "He's got a tremendous attitude for the game. He loves playing the game and gets excited for every snap. "He's always been a tremendous kid, " Poly Prep coach a tremendously hard working young man, but he's just so much bigger and stronger now. He came into the pro- gram as a big kid, but now he's quite the force in the weight room. He's much quicker and much stronger now be- cause he's grown into his body now and is becoming a man." Hayes, who is entering his third year as a starter on the Poly Prep varsity, is still trying to finalize visit details for his Ann Arbor trip. "I'm waiting, level help set him apart. "He's got scholarship offers from every following an outstanding performance at the U-M summer camp. His busy summer included camps at to go to Ann Arbor this summer, but I had a family obligation so I couldn't make it up there. I'm trying to make it up there soon, though." Pennsylvania Athlete Could Excel At A Number Of Positions Montae Nicholson Pittsburgh, Maryland, Michigan, Penn State, Ohio State and West Virginia. Notre Dame, Illinois and others are showing interest. "They were just telling me that they liked what they saw, and they just wanted me to be a Wolverine," Nich- olson said after receiving his Michigan offer. "They wanted me to be a part of their defense. They haven't really told me a position, but I'm just assuming safety, because that's what I'm going into camps playing. "My biggest strength is size. My coaches — and even when I go to these camps the college coaches tell me — I'm not an average DB size. I'm kind of large. Some have said I have great range, and they like my speed. Every- body basically says the same thing. Nicholson toured the Michigan cam- pus on his visit and met the coaches and their families in late summer. It was his second trip to the school, and he has learned plenty about life in Ann Arbor. " early in the process, but others — in- cluding Ohio State — have a legiti- U-M seems to be in solid position Gateway High School Monroeville, Pa. Position: Athlete Ht.: 6-2 • Wt.: 200 mate shot. Nicholson traveled to Co- lumbus for the Buckeyes' opener and was impressed, even though OSU has still yet to offer. "They said that they're going to stay " he said. "I was supposed — Chris Balas in touch with my coaches and stay in touch with me," Nicholson said. "They said it could be coming soon, but with recruiting I still have plenty of time. I don't really have any favorites. I just figure I'll sit back and explore my op- tions since I still have another year." He'll be coveted even if he decides to go the receiver route, Rivals.com opines. "At a Rutgers camp, he stood out while taking reps as a receiver, show- ing nice route-running skills and above-average hands," they wrote. "Despite being tall and thin, Nicholson has deceptive strength, allowing him to handle physical defensive backs at the line of scrimmage." — Chris Balas

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