Michigan Offers Mack
A running back situation that has been changing for months now took yet another turn when the staff reached out to three-star running back Marlon Mack. The Florida native isn't overly explosive for a running back prospect, but he does bring great balance and vision to the table.
Earlier in 2013, it looked as if Hoke and company would be completely content not taking a running back in the class at all. Months later, the staff has offered and pursued multiple backs, including four-star Minnesota commitment Jeff Jones. Why the sudden change?
There are plenty of moving parts in this situation. First of all, Michigan is by no means a lock to land Jeff Jones, who has Florida and Minnesota hot on his trail; Michigan most likely offered Mack to ensure that it would get a back in the class, which is now a priority. Second, rumors of attrition have been flying around ever since Michigan's season ended, and it's also assumed that Damien Harris is only a matter of days away from decommitting from Michigan. The staff is reeling to keep its best 2015 commitment on board and may have to deal with the transfer of a player at the position, so it changed its mind and made running back a position of importance in the class of 2014.
New 2015 Offers Out
Michigan has been busy on the recruiting trail in recent weeks, sending coaches out to recruit across the country immediately after the dead period ended. Offensive tackle Jake Fruhmorgen and SAM linebacker Joshua McMillon both received their offers this weekend, effectively ending a busy week for the Michigan coaches.
Fruhmorgen is a great tackle prospect with enough upside to become an NFL-level offensive tackle, whether it be at right or left tackle. He has major ties to Alabama, but Michigan will still be a real player for his services. The staff will look to take at least one offensive tackle in the class; the roster is loaded on the interior but needs help on the outside.
Must Reads
McMillon is another story. As of right now, the instinctive linebacker prospect seems destined to stay in SEC territory, holding offers from Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss and others. He isn't the quickest linebacker prospect in the country but possesses enough size and athleticism to play SAM at the next level.
Harris State's Top Prospect
The in-state class of 2014 was more than respectable, putting out four-star corner Damon Webb, five-star defensive end Malik McDowell and four-star receiver Drake Harris, among others. Michigan fans will be happy with the player the Detroit News dubbed the top prospect:
1. Drake Harris
Grand Rapids Christian, WR, 6-4, 195
Enrolled: Michigan
Harris was named to The Detroit News Dream Team after a sensational junior season. Rated the top player entering the 2013 campaign, Harris suffered a hamstring injury in a preseason scrimmage that prevented him from playing his senior year. He enrolled at Michigan earlier this month. "Every rout he ran was an option rout," coach Don Fellows said. "He's so athletic and has great intelligence. Rarely do you see that combination. It's hard to describe how naturally gifted he is."
Harris has true long speed and is capable of running sub-4.5 forty-yard dash times. He also finds ways to make plays on balls unlike any receiver to come through the state in many years, and now it's apparent that he ran options routes on his way to the state record for receiving yards in a season. I really believe that Harris would have been given a chance at a fifth star had he been healthy for his season and the Under Armour week.
General Notes and Multimedia Items
Five-star corner prospect Minkah Fitpatrick has some news for you:
Definately going to try my best to get this decision made ASAP 🏈😬
— Minkah Fitzpatrick (@minkfitz_21) January 18, 2014
He was recently offered by Michigan. Speculation ensues!
Rivalsis teasing out parts of its new Rivals 100 ranking. Malik McDowell will get his fifth star:
#Rivals100SneakPeek 5-star DE Malik McDowell (@D1_LEEK) NR: 26 PR: 33 (⬆️7) #Rivals100 Rankings Release: MON, 12ET http://t.co/Xxu8TEpBYn
— Rivals.com (@Rivals) January 18, 2014
...and hopefully Jabrill Peppers will get his top overall ranking, damnit.