The Wolverine

August 2017

The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports

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AUGUST 2017 THE WOLVERINE 53   PREP PROFILES St. Louis Parkway North four-star defensive tackle Michael Thompson was already a hot commodity on the recruiting trail before the 2017 camp season, holding an impressive ranking of No. 102 overall nationally. After put- ting on outstanding performances at a number of events, though, he jumped all the way up to the No. 37 overall player in the country in the most recent Rivals.com rankings update. One of the traits that make him so coveted is his versatility. The 6-4, 273-pound lineman has the ability to play both on the offensive and defen- sive lines. "Michigan was originally look- ing at me as an offensive lineman," Thompson said. "They still think I'm a good O-lineman, but they think I'd be better on defense. "I talked to quite a few coaches be- fore when they were looking at me on offense, but things are just getting go- ing with Coach [Greg] Mattison. That all changed up when they started viewing me as a defensive tackle." Although he has the ability to play both, Thompson said he prefers to play defense in college. Thompson visited for Michigan's game against Penn State last sea- son, when the Wolverines routed the eventual Big Ten champs 49-10. "The Michigan visit was crazy," he said. "It was really loud, and it looked like a great environment to play in. You can tell that the fans sup- port you in a big way." Thompson also happened to be in attendance for Michigan's game against Ohio State last season in Columbus. "I think when Ohio State played Michigan, that was probably the best but it's because of both schools," he said. "That's the best rivalry in sports right there." Thompson holds offers from both the Buckeyes and Wolverines, but cited in early July that Illinois, Iowa State, Louisville, Missouri and Ne- braska are the schools where he has the best relationships. A final decision is still a ways off for Thompson, who plans on wait- ing to announce until right around National Signing Day. — Austin Fox Four-Star Defensive Tackle From Missouri Sees His Stock Skyrocket ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ Parkway North H.S. St. Louis Class: 2018 Position: Defensive Tackle Ht.: 6-4 • Wt.: 273 Rivals.com Rankings: No. 1 prospect in Missouri, and No. 2 defensive tackle and No. 37 overall player nationally Michael Thompson Michigan has had a lot of recent suc- cess in the state of Georgia and hopes to continue that with Fort Valley (Ga.) Peach County four-star wide receiver Kearis Jackson. The 6-0, 191-pounder released his top eight June 30, and the Wolverines made the cut along with Georgia, Florida, Ohio State, Auburn, Alabama, LSU and Florida State. With a loaded group like that, the Michigan coaches will have to work hard to lure Jackson to Ann Arbor. "I talk to those programs con- stantly," he said. "Communication is a big thing with my recruitment. You can have an offer from a school and not even talk to them, but I talk to the coaches at each of those schools a lot. "I can't wait to visit those Big Ten schools. I've already been to the southern schools." He's familiar with the schools closer to home and is looking forward to checking out Ann Arbor. Even though he's never been to U-M, he's heard a lot of positive buzz about the Maize and Blue from some fellow Georgians. "Just from my peers, I've heard great things about Michigan," he said. "I know it's a great school and it has a lot of tradition. It's all about football at a place like Michigan. I can't wait to visit and see it. "[Atlanta Westlake four-star cor- nerback and Michigan commit] Myles Sims, [Buford (Ga.) High three- star and Michigan commit] Christian Turner, the running back, and other coaches in Georgia all tell me stuff about Michigan. The coaches at Mich- igan, too — everyone I talk to just says I'll love it once I get up there." Jackson could be in Ann Arbor for Michigan's BBQ at The Big House July 29. A trip to Ohio State also will likely take place whenever he does get to Ann Arbor. "After I take those visits I'll be able to figure it out a bit more," he said. "I'll probably take official visits as well. I'd like to get my decision out of the way before signing day, but I'm not sure exactly when. I might even do it before my senior season, but it'll probably be sometime during the season." As a junior, Jackson reeled in 52 catches for 739 yards and nine scores. He also carried the ball 29 times for 149 yards and four touchdowns. Throw in a punt return touchdown for the elec- tric athlete and it's easy to see why he was a first-team 3A all-state selection by The Atlanta Journal Constitution. — Brandon Brown Michigan Is Chasing Another Peach State Talent ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ Peach County H.S. Fort Valley, Ga. Class: 2018 Position: Wide Receiver Ht.: 6-0 • Wt.: 191 Rivals.com Rankings: No. 16 player in Georgia, and No. 33 wide receiver and No. 159 overall prospect in the nation Kearis Jackson Thompson on his relationship with U-M "I talked to quite a few coaches before when they were looking at me on offense, but things are just getting going with Coach [Greg] Mattison. That all changed up when they started viewing me as a defensive tackle." Jackson "Just from my peers, I've heard great things about Michigan. I know it's a great school, and it has a lot of tra- dition. It's all about football at a place like Michigan. I can't wait to visit and see it."

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