The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/90932
FOOTBALL RECRUITING U-M Recruiting Needs In 2014 T he 2013 recruiting class is nearly wrapped up. Just three spots re- main, with two of them earmarked for a running back and wide receiver, and the other going to either an of- fensive lineman or a defensive back. That means Michigan's needs — and some prospects to potentially fill them — are clear for the 2014 class. Michigan has about 17 spots to fill in the class and a solid plan on how they'll be used. Coleman Key, Broken Arrow H.S., Broken Arrow, Okla. Key camped at Michigan and returned for the Bar- becue at The Big House. He is a 6-5, 210-pounder. Tyler Wiegers, Detroit Country Day School, Beverly Hills, Mich. Though he doesn't have a national reputation yet, the 6-4, 215-pound Wiegers' location — just an hour away from Ann Arbor — makes him intriguing. He has visited Ann Arbor multiple times. H.S., Toledo, Ohio Andrew Ford, Cedar Cliff H.S., Camp Hill, Pa. DeShone Kizer, Central Catholic OTHERS TO WATCH David Cornwell — a 6-5, 215-pound, strong- armed quarterback from Jones, Okla. — vis- ited Michigan for the Illinois game Oct. 13. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM Quarterback Michigan's coaching staff has made it clear that they intend to take just one quarterback in the 2014 class, which is the plan each year going forward. They plan to offer a small group of quarterbacks after the sea- son and accept the commitment of the first one ready to pledge. NEED: 1 David Cornwell, Jones H.S., Jones, Okla. A 6-5, 215-pounder, Cornwell likely has the strongest arm on the list. He visited Michigan for the Illinois game. TOP PROSPECTS Caleb Henderson, Lake Braddock H.S., Burke, Va. Henderson's athleti- cism is the best among those Michi- gan is recruiting. At 6-3, 215 pounds, he already holds offers from Michi- gan State and others. Michigan's need at this position can change based on how the 2013 class plays out. If U-M lands five-star senior Derrick Green, it may not need a top-level player in the 2014 class, especially given their strong standing with 2015 standout Damien Harris of Berea, Ky. Running Back NEED: 1 Jalen Hurd, Beech Senior H.S., Hendersonville, Tenn. Hurd is an exceptional athlete whose 6-3, 210-pound size could see him end up at a variety of positions in college. Jonathan Hilliman, St. Peter's Prep, Jersey City, N.J. Already hold- ing a U-M offer, Hilliman is a tradi- tional pro-style back who stands 6-1, 200 pounds. TOP PROSPECTS Richard Wilson, Detroit Country Day School, Beverly Hills, Mich. L.J. Scott, Harding H.S., Marion, OTHERS TO WATCH Ohio Michigan's need at this position, like with running back, depends on how the 2013 class closes. If U-M can't lure top 2013 wideout Laquon Treadwell from Crete, Ill., into the fold, this need is amplified, and Wide Receiver NEED: 1 Michigan would likely take at least two prospects, including one highly ranked playmaker. Corey Holmes, St. Thomas Aqui- nas, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. A lifelong U-M fan, the 6-1, 180-pound Holmes is a smooth athlete who earned his offer after camping in Ann Arbor. Josh Malone, Station Camp H.S., Gallatin, Tenn. One of the country's top wideouts is a 6-3, 180-pounder with the speed to stretch the field. TOP PROSPECTS Drake Harris, Grand Rapids Chris- tian H.S. Grand Rapids, Mich. — Michigan State commitment Moe Ways, Detroit Country Day School, Beverly Hills, Mich. OTHERS TO WATCH Tight End Michigan's coaches have loaded up on tight ends in the 2012 and 2013 classes, and that won't change going forward. Expect one in-line blocker and one H-back type who can play in the backfield or motion into the slot. NEED: 2 A high school wideout with the 6-5, 215-pound frame to play tight end at the next level, Weishar already holds an offer from Michigan. Nic Weishar, Marist H.S., Chicago TOP PROSPECTS tor, Ohio Kyle Rachwal, Lapeer East H.S., Lapeer, Mich. Chicago Hales Franciscan big man Denzel Ward helps Michigan fill one glaring need in the class — a true blindside tackle. At 6-9, 285 pounds, Ward has the size and arm length to hold off opposing pass rushers, ubt he'll have to refine his technique. Offensive Line COMMITS: 1 The coaching staff has emphasized taking at least three offensive line- NEED: 3-4 NOVEMBER 2012 THE WOLVERINE 89 Brandon Fritts, Mentor H.S., Men- OTHERS TO WATCH