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Monday Recruiting Roundup Brings Bullets and Physicality

Although many Michigan prospects claim to have timelines that stretch long after the Alabama game the Wolverines could feasibly finish the 2013 class by the time the game rolls around. News on the class of 2013 will focus mostly on camp performances with the occasional possibility of another commitment. The staff is expected to take another defensive back, at least one more wide receiver, and possibly another defensive lineman or running back. The 'best available' rule still applies.

Wolverines Impress at SMSB Camp

There was plenty of information to go around at the Sound Mind Sound Body camp. The important pieces:

  • Jourdan Lewis was impressive at both WR and CB. He's hearing from both offensive and defensive coaches at Michigan but the majority of analysts seem to believe that he's destined for corner. He has a blend of quickness and ball skills that will make him a major asset.
  • David Dawson is still an animal. He has consistent footwork and the ability to deliver a blow that many defensive lineman simply can't handle. There was one particular rep where he put a defender on the ground before being rewarded with a BBQ rib.
  • Logan Tuley-Tillman has work to do in regards to his conditioning and footwork, but he still came out and showed some ability on the offensive line. He has improved since his last camp outing.
  • Although he's not exactly on Michigan's radar Berkley Edwards made an impression on some scouts. Iowa offered the scatback recently, and it might not be his last high-level offer. He's the brother of former Wolverine great Braylon Edwards, and I'm personally pulling for him. With Dennis Norfleet already in the mix the chances of Edwards receiving a Michigan offer are slim.
  • A transfer to Michigan pipeline Detroit Cass Tech, Damon Webb also turned some heads by locking down a few different receivers, including Notre Dame commitment James Onwualu. He's a 2014 recruit who has the potential to play WR or CB much like Jourdan Lewis. He's more physical in comparison to Lewis (more on this at the end of the post) but his coverage skills shouldn't be overlooked. He now holds a Michigan offer.
Overall the camp was a major success for Michigan recruits. Many of them had the opportunity to work with their future Michigan coaches, including Shane Morris throwing the rock in front of Al Borges. It's not uncommon for recruits to commit to a school and drop in rankings due to a lack of further exposure, but Michigan has put together a class that's not afraid to compete and help their stock at camps like this.

Class of 2013 Notes

Michigan wide receiver target Alvin Bailey plans on deciding next month. If he decides to join the Michigan class it could only help their chances with his teammate Leon McQuay. Bailey hasn't visited Ann Arbor yet still claims a top three that includes the Wolverines.

Ohio athlete Caleb Day will be at Michigan's football camp that runs from June 17-21. He's still trying to earn an offer but if he gets it Michigan could possibly be his future home.

Class of 2014 Notes

Michigan's summer camp will draw in some elite talent, including DB/WR Montae Nicholson, QB Chance Stewart, two-sport star Drake Harris and LB Gary Hosey.

Ohio LB Michael Ferns already held a Michigan offer but visited Ann Arbor recently, and initial reports conclude that he had a great time. I'm not overly impressed by the stiff hips he displays in his film but he holds offers from the likes of Ohio State and Notre Dame for a reason. Michigan has quickly established themselves as a player for his services.

Nick Saban Finds Your Hair Worthy of an Offer

Class of 2015(!) Cass Tech quarterback Jayru Campbell has been offered by Alabama. Yes, he's only going to be a sophomore, but he already stands at a respectable 6'3". He was impressive as a freshman, especially considering the level of competition he faced. Oh, and he has a nice head of hair.

Saban's offer is interesting. It's so early in the process for Campbell that he could still fail to mature into a real BCS-level quarterback. This seems unlikely, but in the event that it happened Saban obviously wouldn't accept Jayru's commitment, making this a win-win situation for Alabama. Assuming he does mature into an elite quarterback the Alabama offer might not even matter anyway, as Michigan has plucked elite Cass Tech talent with ease in years past.

Film of the Week

Let's watch as Damon Webb goes toe-to-toe with Laquon Treadwell at the IMG passing tournament:

Rivals lists Treadwell as 6'3", 183 and Webb as 5'11", 170. The difference in size is obvious on film, but Webb doesn't back down. There may have been repetitions in which Webb was defeated, but in the tape shown Webb doesn't lose track of Treadwell once. Treadwell attempts to shake off of the line and use his strength to create separation but Webb isn't having it, pushing back without giving up position or reaching and losing balance. I'd imagine that Webb brings a level of physicality that Jourdan Lewis doesn't, partially because he has more muscle on his frame. Lewis is a half step quicker but Webb might be better suited to play field corner because of his ability to jam and stick with physical receivers like Treadwell. Both are gifted athletes.