Running Back Dominoes Falling
Michigan picked up its fourth commitment in the class of 2015 this week, this time from four-star running back Damien Harris. His coach chimes in on his star back's decision:
"He took the time to see what else was out there, and he honestly fell in love with Michigan when he first saw it," Clark said. "He gave himself the chance to see other schools, but he got close with the Michigan staff and everything going on around the program. With the players and recruits they're getting, he feels like it's a place he could play for a national championship."
Harris is a speed back all the way, reminding me of a slightly upgraded Carlos Brown, in that Harris has just a touch more power. Make sure to check out DGDestroys' New Blue piece for a much more thorough breakdown.
The biggest question after Harris' commitment was if it would have an effect on four-star Cass Tech running back Mikey Weber. The answer? Probably. Weber has since named Tennessee his leader, despite claiming that he isn't afraid of competition. I've got an early gut feeling against Weber ending up with Michigan, but there's a long way to go. Michigan is still very much in the hunt for four-star running back Jacques Patrick, so keep him in mind with Weber.
Michigan's 2015 Start Extremely Impressive
Both five-star George Campbell and high four-star Damien Harris committed to Michigan long before their recruiting cycle began, giving Michigan one of the most impressive early duos in the eyes of a well-known recruiting guru:
#Michigan 2015 double dip of George Campbell and Damien Harris is arguably best pair of early, early commits I can remember. Others?
— Mike Farrell (@rivalsmike) July 30, 2013
This is definitely the best early start that Michigan has ever had. George Campbell wants to make sure that success continues:
This is just the beginning of recruiting for us.. I'm trying to build a legendary team
— George Campbell (@GeorgeCampbell0) July 29, 2013
And legendary it will look, Mr. Campbell. Michigan will field a roster that includes Derrick Green, Jabrill Peppers and George Campbell, and that isn't including Michigan lean Da'Shawn Hand.
Yeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaa.
Fournette Still Set to See Michigan
Speaking of five-star players, Michigan will still get the chance to impress number one overall prospect Leonard Fournette. He plans on taking all of his official visits, one of which will be north to Ann Arbor:
"He plans to take officials to Alabama, USC, Michigan and Florida," Fournette II said, adding that Miami (Fla.) is likely to receive the fifth one.
I'll tell you all the same thing I told my very naive friend: LSU holds about 98% of the space in Leonard Fournette's heart, and Michigan holds about .05% of the remaining 2%. Just for the sake of being blunt.
More Commitments Imminent?
Rumors flew around earlier this week, most of them centered around one of Malik McDowell, Marshon Lattimore or Erick Smith. Malik McDowell won't be making his decision any time soon if my gut is correct, although Michigan did makes moves during the barbecue:
#Michigan Strengthens Position with 2014 Southfield (Mi.) DE Malik McDowell, dad says - ($) http://t.co/r1EimN4Bxp
— Sam Webb (@SamWebb77) July 29, 2013
That's good news, but not huge news, which is the one word Michigan fans were obsessing over.
Michigan raiding Ohio to take heavy Buckeye leans Marshon Lattimore and Erick Smith would be considered huge news. Is that really a possibility? Who knows. Lattimore did let a few Buckeyes know that he wasn't taking pictures of him in Michigan gear as a joke, but that isn't exactly evidence of Michigan overtaking the Buckeyes. I still doubt either of the Glenville players end up in the maize and blue, but I've been wrong before.
General Notes and Multimedia Items
Michigan has offered 2015 four-star safety Tyree Kinnel.
The Ohio native isn't the longest safety, standing right at 6' tall, and he isn't the fastest, probably running in the mid-to-high 4.5 range, but he brings a lot of instincts and tackling ability to the table. I like the offer, and there's a very high chance of Kinnel ending up in maize and blue.
Jabrill Peppers is slowly climbing his way toward being the number one player in the country. He now sits behind only Leonard Fournette in the 247 Composite rankings; it wouldn't surprise me if Peppers killed it at his all-American bowl to claim the top overall spot.
Five-star defensive end Jashon Cornell noticed Damien Harris' decision. He seems to be enthusiastic about staying in touch with Michigan commitments:
@Damien_D1Harris follow back bro
— Jashon Cornell#⃣1⃣6⃣ (@Jay_Rock16) July 29, 2013
This isn't the only time Cornell has communicated with a future Michigan player regarding their commitment to the Wolverines. Michigan is definitely in it for Cornell, although Notre Dame remains the speculative leader.
I never noticed this, but Michigan has landed its original offer in the last three recruiting cycles. The first offer in 2013 was Shane Morris, then Bryan Mone in 2014, and finally Damien Harris in 2015. Impressive stuff.
Class of 2016 tight end Kaden Smith was in Ann Arbor this week. He already holds an Alabama offer and should get one from Michigan by the time his cycle rolls around.