With an increased value, Alex Malzone all of the sudden became a sought-after quarterback. As the No. 13-ranked pro-styler of his class, he certainly deserves all of the attention.
However, recent throwing sessions made coaches take a closer look.
After carefully weighing his options, the Birmingham Brother Rice junior gave a verbal pledge this week to coach Brady Hoke, whose next class, in its current form, is a six-man group that's ranked No. 29 nationally and No. 5 in the Big Ten by 247Sports.
Consider the get as a win for offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, who is known for his expertise with quarterbacks. The former Alabama OC is flexing his muscle on the recruiting trail, and he's not showing signs of slowing down, despite the relatively slow cycle--that's due to limited scholarships--for the Wolverines.
QB pledge Alex Malzone impressed with Doug Nussmeier, wants to help bring Michigan back to prominence http://t.co/3Su9WRKYwl
— Michigan Sports (@michigansports) May 14, 2014
Well, by now, you should know enough about the new guy. He's 6'3" and 200 pounds and has room to grow. He has a big arm, but he's not exactly a prototype. There are better signal-callers available, but Michigan saw enough to offer the state champion who's been coached by one of the best in the business, legendary Warriors front man Al Fracassa.
With that being said, it's only right to take a look at the 2015 crop and review recent happenings. Michigan still doesn't have a commitment from Damian Harris, the No. 1-ranked running back, but it's stacking prospects and adding skill to areas of need.
We're going to cover the commitments today and save targets for a later post.
The 6'0," 190-pound safety recently picked up an offer from Alabama, which is never good news. Playing for Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa appeals to many, and Kinnel isn't immune to the Tide's charm. But it seems as if he's firm with Michigan, so there's no reason to worry right now.
Tyree Kinnel says for now the interest from Alabama doesn't change anything for him. He loves where he's at with Michigan.
— Tom VanHaaren (@TomVH) May 6, 2014
Sure, this all happened a week ago. You're probably aware of the situation. But Kinnel, a 4-star, is the No. 11-ranked safety of his class--and the recruitment process doesn't end until said prospect signs his LOI.
Shaun Crawford (St. Edward, Lakewood, Ohio)
He already said no thanks to Ohio State, but that doesn't mean that Crawford's a lock for Michigan. Well, he's close. But Notre Dame was recently on his heels. The developing Irish plan is worthy of tracking. Crawford's an Army All-American and the No. 8-ranked corner of 2015.
He's also one incredible athlete. The 4-star could play both sides of the ball in Ann Arbor. Imagine him paired with Jabrill Peppers in the defensive backfield, or even on kick returns. The possibilities are dreamy.
Michigan 2015 commit Shaun Crawford scored a 113.55 at the Sparq combine w/ a 4.5 forty and was invited to @TheOpening2014
— Tom VanHaaren (@TomVH) February 15, 2014
Garrett Taylor (St. Christopher's, Richmond, Va.)
Another 4-star recruit, Taylor brings the boom to the secondary that already has plenty of power. Again, remember that it's a solid ensemble that's awaiting the arrival of Peppers, who'll undoubtedly shift this thing into overdrive. Taylor isn't Peppers--not many are--but he's more than adequate.
Back in March, the 6'1," 188-pound CB/ATH visited Michigan State. Then, 11 days later on March 24, he pledged to the Maize and Blue. He's Hoke's. He's already trying to establish a Michigan-to-Virginia pipeline, which has recently funneled Richmond-area stars Wilton Speight and Derrick Green to Ann Arbor.
Who is #Michigan DB commit Garrett Taylor @gtaychillin trying to recruit to Ann Arbor? http://t.co/vrOElaZ5Gc @TimS_Wolverine
— Adam Friedman (@RivalsFriedman) May 6, 2014
And he has TMNT on his Twitter, so he's obviously a good egg.
Note the sense of humor:
When Chipotle is stingy about how much chicken they give you on your burrito pic.twitter.com/oiiM2iFDhE
— Garrett Taylor (@gtaychillin) April 28, 2014
Jadeveon Clowney isn't going to get drafted
— Garrett Taylor (@gtaychillin) May 9, 2014
The Rest
The secondary is all the rage in Ann Arbor, and the additions are just as exciting. But there are two more commits on their way to The Big House.
Jon Runyan, Jr., 3-star OT, St. Joseph's Philly
At 6'4" and 250 pounds, the frame is there for Runyan, the son of the first Jon Runyan at Michigan.
Andrew David, 3-star K, Massillon Washington, Ohio
The 5'9," 165-pounder is the No. 1-ranked kicker in the country. Michigan needs help in that department. Fortunately for the Wolverines, they have a couple of guys on the rise. David will probably get one of those red shirts.
Follow Maize 'n Brew's Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81