clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Friday Michigan Football Recruiting Roundup Says 'Brah', Doesn't Hate Self For It

FRR updates you on the very latest Michigan football recruiting rumblings. What has changed in the recruitment of Da'Shawn Hand? How is Michigan already impressing one of 2016's best? That and more.

By Anthony Mammel
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Hand Moves Visits

The top remaining player on Michigan's 2014 board, Da'Shawn Hand, has rescheduled his visits to both Alabama and Florida due to a mix-up with his SAT test dates. The five-star defender will now see Alabama against Tennessee and Florida against Vanderbilt.

This is obviously all very positive news for Michigan. First of all, Hand won't be able to see the Tide take on LSU anymore, instead seeing them beat the living hell out of Tennessee in an atmosphere that won't be nearly as hyped on the national scale. Second, he'll see Florida for the first time less than a week before making the biggest choice of his life. Add it all up and you've got even more solid evidence that Hand will almost certainly end up playing college football the the University of Michigan, where his visit went as well as it possibly could have.

He's also keeping in touch with Michigan's most hyped recruit:

You let the word "brah" slide when it's a five-star defensive end capable of destroying the Big Ten. Get him to Ann Arbor, Jabrill.

Hoke, Dantonio Continue "Battle"

Mark Dantonio has hardly battled with Brady Hoke on the recruiting trail since Michigan made a change at the helm of its program. That doesn't mean that he can't try to snag a few top in-state kids in the class of 2015, which promises to be one of the better state classes in recent memory. Steve Lorenz of 247 Sports broke down the top battles between Hoke and Dantonio($) in the 2015 class, including a bit on Brian Cole:

Four-star ATH Brian Cole: The Cole roller-coaster has sort of gone back and forth between Michigan and Michigan State for the better part of the summer, with the Wolverines possibly re-seizing the momentum following a good visit for the Notre Dame game. Still, this one is far, far from over, and Ohio State may have a say in this one after a visit to Wisconsin next week as well. Expect the roller coaster to continue.

Advantage: Nobody

I've said it since day one and I'll continue to preach it: Michigan will either win this battle against Michigan State or watch Cole go outside of the state. Cole is cooling on the Spartans and I don't think he'll go back to singing their praises.

The Spartans do have a legitimate shot at more great in-state talent in 2015, including Mikey Weber, Joshua Alabi and others.

Artavis Scott Shouldn't Answer Questions

Former Michigan target and elite WR prospect Artavis Scott gave some head-scratching details to 247 Sports:

That's not the kind of attitude and drive that many college football coaches are looking for. A lot of college football prospects don't lift in high school, getting by on pure talent alone, but not knowing your grades? That's a major red flag and something that could get you in trouble down the line.

General Notes and Multimedia Items

Michigan's use of true freshman tight end Jake Butt is helping its cause($) with possible five-star 2016 athlete Isaac Nauta:

"I watched the Michigan/Notre Dame game," Nauta said. "They played really well, and I noticed them playing their true freshman tight end a lot. He's pretty good and Gardner was definitely looking for him a lot throwing the ball. It shows that Michigan isn't afraid to play you as a true freshman if you're a guy that they can count on to get the job done. It's something I was looking for."

Nauta has the tools to be an elite all-around tight end, catching the ball well despite having the size and strength to be an effective blocker. Michigan is in great shape with him early on.

Class of 2015 S/OLB prospect Tyriq Thompson attends the same high school that Dennis Norfleet went to in Detroit. Here are his highlights through three games:

Thompson is on Michigan's board and could see an offer come his way somewhere down the line. He's a college linebacker all the way.

Brother Rice quarterback Alex Malzone will be in Ann Arbor soon:

His highlights through three games this year:

I don't see and NFL arm, but I do see a fairly polished young passer who can come in and give Michigan a few great options down the road. He'll be one of few quarterbacks considered for an offer in 2015.

Next Up In Michigan Football Recruiting