The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/970722
58 THE WOLVERINE MAY 2018 BY BRANDON BROWN B ad weather forced Michigan to cancel its annual spring game that was scheduled for April 14, but the program didn't let that stop it welcoming a bunch of talented pros- pects to Ann Arbor. The Wolverines held a game-like scrimmage inside Glick Fieldhouse instead, and invited a plethora of tal- ented recruits to take in the practice and the festivities indoors while avoid- ing the winter-like weather outdoors. 2018 SIGNEES GET A GLIMPSE The ink has long dried on 2018 let- ters of intent, and sometimes those players are forgotten once their signatures are in place. But a hand- ful of the seniors made their way to Ann Arbor for the weekend and thoroughly enjoyed their time spent around their future home. Miesbach (Bavaria, Germany) FOS Altoetting three-star defensive end Julius Welschof, Grand Rapids (Mich.) Catholic Central four-star offensive tackle Jalen Mayfield, Bu- ford (Ga.) High three-star running back Christian Turner, Missouri City (Texas) Ridge Point four-star tight end Mustapha Muhammad and Dearborn (Mich.) Divine Child four- star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson were all in Ann Arbor April 14, and spent a lot of time with one another. As the most local signee, Hutchin- son didn't spend as much time on campus as the others but still had an outstanding time. "I was only there for the practice; I didn't stay after for the barbecue or anything, but I was hanging out with Mustapha, Jalen, [2018 signee and early enrollee] Taylor [Upshaw], and Christian. We were all just hanging out and watching practice. "I talked to Coach Matty [defen- sive line coach Greg Mattison] af- ter and talked with some players during the practice, too. Overall it was just a good time with my future teammates." Mayfield's sentiments were very similar. The group has bonded very well since signing in December and continues to grow close as their move in date fast approaches. "I had a great time getting to bond with all my future teammates," May- field said. "I thought seeing how much the team has changed and grown over the offseason is very eye- opening and exciting." All of the signees seemed to love what they saw during practice. None of them have played on a college football field yet, and it's clear that the size, speed and intensity of the game at that level has them excited to get to Ann Arbor. M u h a m m a d , w h o h a i l s f ro m Texas where high school football is a religion, noticed one position in particular. "The quarterback position really blew me away. I think [Brandon Pe- ters] BP got a lot better. Joe [Milton] is going to be a great quarterback as well," said Muhammad. "They are all really good. "It looked like such an improve- ment compared to last season." All in all, the 2018 signees seemed beyond excited to be a part of the Michigan football family and now can't wait to get to Ann Arbor to start their college careers. VISITING 2019 COMMITS The staff hosted a couple of its 2019 pledges over the weekend as well, creating a great bonding experience for the members of the class itself as well as between the soon-to-be Wol- verines in the 2018 group and current members of the squad. Akron (Ohio) Hoban four-star of- fensive guard Nolan Rumler has been a U-M fan for life, and only so- lidified that further after spending time around future teammates and veteran players over the course of more than a day. The 6-4, 300-pounder got some great advice from a young but expe- rienced Wolverine, and also enjoyed time with his fellow 2019 pledges and some of the 2018 signees. "We ate some good food, watched practice and hung out with the coaches," Rumler said. "There was bowling after practice, but I didn't go. I hung out with [Cincinnati Moeller three-star offensive guard] Zach Car- penter, who was just offered; [Paw Paw (Mich.) High three-star offensive tackle] Karsen Barnhart; [Reno (Nev.) Damonte Ranch four-star quarterback and Michigan commit] Cade McNa- mara; and a few 2018 signees. "I also spent some good time with Ben Bredeson. He just told me not to waste time with other schools and focus on Michigan. He also said that when I'm here to work as hard as I can and good things will happen. It was great talking to him." McNamara is one of the newer members of Michigan's 2019 class, but he was very active in recruiting visiting targets while in Ann Arbor. The 6-1, 202-pounder enjoyed his of- ficial visit and is very happy he is a Wolverine. "I had a great official visit," McNa- mara said. "It was great to reconnect with my future coaches and some of my future teammates. "I spent the most time with [Green- wood (S.C.) Emerald three-star tight end] Luke [Deal]. I also had a good conversation with [Atlanta Marist School three-star athlete] Kyle [Hamil- ton] during practice. Both are very in- terested and serious about Michigan. "I kept telling them why I chose Michigan, and how my recruiting ex- FOOTBALL RECRUITING Cancelled Spring Game Doesn't Deter Recruits Reno (Nev.) Damonte Ranch four-star quar- terback and U-M pledge Cade McNamara was very active in recruiting visiting tar- gets while in Ann Arbor for his official visit April 14. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM