The Wolverine

May 2018

The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports

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MAY 2018 THE WOLVERINE 63   COMMITMENT PROFILE G abe Newburg isn't your typi- cal Ohio kid when it comes to his football allegiance. The 6-5, 230-pounder out of Clayton (Ohio) Northmont grew up just 70 miles west of Columbus, but was never a fan of the Scarlet and Gray. Instead, Newburg and his family spent time in maize and blue and rooted passionately against the Buck- eyes. Newburg's family even had a room in the house called the "M Den." Once he had an offer in hand from Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines, his de- cision was an easy one. "Growing up as a kid, it's always been my dream," Newburg said of playing for U-M. "I put my mind to it, and I worked for it. It's what has gotten me here. "Michigan has always been my dream school, so I had to make it happen." Former Wolverine All-American defensive lineman Chris Hutchinson, while from Texas, believes that an understanding of the rivalries and traditions at Michigan can be a criti- cal factor in recruiting a player. "I think it's important from two standpoints," Hutchinson said. "One, to understand the culture. If I'm going to go play at some school that I don't understand the rivalries, it's going to take you a while to get used to that. If you're aware of how important that is to everyone around there coming in, it speaks volumes. "I think, from a recruiting stand- point, it means keeping a kid com- mitted, and that means a lot. It sounds like Newburg was waiting for the Michigan offer, so you know that's where he wanted to play. "He's locked in unless something significant happens, and that means he'll give everything he's got to a program like that." Newburg certainly meets those criteria. "It's just Michigan," the future Wolverine said. "They have every- thing with the tradition as the most winningest college football program in history. Who wouldn't want that? "I also believe in Coach Harbaugh. I've watched him as a fan, but when a guy like that gives you an offer, it gets you going. He's energetic, en- thusiastic, and I just love that." Newburg also likes the idea of learning from defensive line coach Greg Mattison. The veteran coach is very experienced and knowledge- able, and Newburg is excited to soak up as much of that as he can. "Coach Mattison gave me just a little taste of what I'd learn," New- burg said. "He told me when I get back up there he will show me where I am at on the depth chart and watch film with me. "He will try to get me in games as long as I work hard." Once the Michigan offer came through, he was finished with re- cruiting, and he wouldn't have it any other way. "I'm done," Newburg said. "I gave Coach Harbaugh my word. I'm not going to be the guy who commits and decommits. I thought about it and am sticking with it." Before picking U-M, Newburg was also considering Michigan State and Iowa among his 15 offers. In the end, his love for Michigan trumped all other programs. Newburg is considered the No. 53 weakside defensive end in the coun- try by Rivals, but he's already being talked about as someone who could shoot up the rankings. As a junior, he recorded 58 total stops, 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. He also had two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery en route to being recog- nized as an honorable mention for the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Associa- tion Division I All-Ohio team. — Brandon Brown Gabe Newburg's Maize And Blue Upbringing Leads Him To Michigan FILM EVALUATION Strengths: Gabe Newburg is long, lean and athletic, and possesses an out- standing motor. He makes plays many yards down the field from his defensive end position, and is known as a workout warrior and a hustler. He has a wrestling background, so he understands leverage and has solid natural strength despite not being a huge kid. He's also versatile and could realistically play on the line, as a linebacker or perhaps even tight end at the next level. Areas Of Improvement: Despite having good levers and above average natu- ral strength, Newburg will need to bulk up and gain strength to hold his own on the line of scrimmage. He also needs to hone his technique and use his length better once he faces bigger, stronger and more talented offensive linemen. Michigan Player Comparison: Newburg compares favorably to former Michi- gan defensive end Craig Roh. Newburg still has a year of high school left, but is already about the size that Roh was coming out of high school. Newburg, like Roh was, is billed as high-energy with a lot of room to develop physically. New- burg is probably a better natural athlete, but may not have the frame to get up to 280 pounds like Roh did at U-M. — Analysis from TheWolverine.com Rivals rates Newburg as a three-star recruit, the No. 29 player in Ohio and the No. 53 weakside defensive end in the country. PHOTO BY BRANDON BROWN Newburg "I put my mind to it and I worked for it. It's what has gotten me here. Michigan has always been my dream school, so I had to make it happen."

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