Malik Henry Has Great Showing at SMSB
The Sound Mind Sound Body Football Academy kicked off on Thursday and featured some of the top football prospects from the Midwest and around the country. One of the biggest storylines from day one of the camp came from five-star 2016 quarterback Malik Henry (Thousand Oaks, CA).
Henry is the top-ranked dual-threat quarterback in the 2016 class. He looked very good on Thursday during the drill sessions, knowing where to go with the ball on nearly every snap and displaying great touch and accuracy on his passes.
He currently holds an offer from the Wolverines, which was extended to him by offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, who present at the event, as was most of the other Michigan coaches outside of Brady Hoke, who is scheduled to appear on day two of the camp.
Henry is already "blowing up" so to speak prior to his junior season with many of the nation's elite programs taking an early look at him. A big junior year could propel him to the ranks of being one of the most coveted players in the nation.
Yes, Michigan is switching to a more pro-style look with their offense, but talent at the position is what it is. Henry carries the stigma of being a dual-threat quarterback, which of course means he is mobile enough to be a playmaker with his feet, but there is no denying that he is one of the best passers in the class at this point.
Recruiting is all about gathering the most talented players you can find. Whether the kid runs like a gazelle or has a refrigerator strapped to his back, if he can play, teams will take a look.
Alex Malzone Has Roller Coaster Afternoon, But Still A Solid Showing
Staying on topic with quarterbacks, 2015's quarterback commitment for the Wolverines, three-star Alex Malzone (Bloomfield Hills, MI) struggled a bit on Thursday afternoon, but showed enough to prove why Michigan made him their guy in this recruiting cycle.
Malzone, as you may know, busted his butt for a chance to get offered by the Wolverines. Not only did he earn a scholarship offer after a great throwing performance in front of Nussmeier, but he decided to commit on the spot. His dream has come true and he is going to be a quarterback at the University of Michigan.
His stock has been on the rise in recent months, culminating in an invite to the Elite 11 camp by ESPN's Trent Dilfer. He has gone to camp after camp and impressed coaches and scouts alike.
Thursday was a bit of a different story, though, as Malzone was inconsistent at times. His accuracy left a bit to be desired, but he did show off his arm strength and quick release. Malzone knows where he has to go with the football.
While it was not his best day performance-wise, there is a definite vibe about him that suggests that he is a natural leader and a good pickup for the Wolverines. Some people call that the "it factor," but it's as simple as this: Michigan got themselves a player of high character and one who is willing to be coached.
Mike Weber Updates His Recruitment
Four-star running back Mike Weber (Detroit, MI) was being courted by many of the coaching staffs present at SMSB. Everyone who was anyone was in his ear throughout the day, including myself, who was lucky enough to pull him aside for a few minutes and ask how the process was going for him.
I asked Weber where the Wolverines factored into his recruitment right now, where he said they were "definitely in his top five." He told me that every day a different team is leading for him and that it is constantly changing.
One of the biggest questions I've gotten over the last week or so is how would Michigan's running back recruiting be affected by the transfer of former USC Trojan Ty Isaac. All that really seems to change is the number of players Michigan takes at the position, not the message that they are sending out.
Weber said that he doesn't look at depth charts when searching for his school of choice. He knows that anywhere he ends up, he will have to come in and compete for a spot in the rotation.
I'll have my full interview up with Weber sometime this weekend. Look for that in the Monday roundup.
Grant Perry Comes Out of Nowhere for Great SMSB Performance
With all of the big names in attendance at the camp, there was one player in particular who came out of the shadows and had himself a big day.
2015 three-star wide receiver Grant Perry (Bloomfield Hills, MI), high school teammate of Alex Malzone, came out in a big way on Thursday afternoon, impressing coaches and others alike.
247Sports had this to say about Perry's performance. (FREE)
The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Perry is a technician. One college coach there said he was the most technically sound receiver he’s seen at the high school level.
You know that Malzone will be in the Michigan coaching staff's ear about bringing in Perry. It seems as if they have taken notice already, according to 247's Steve Lorenz.
2015 WR Grant Perry will camp for two days at Michigan coming up https://t.co/QM2qhv79Vg
— Steve Lorenz (@TremendousUM) June 12, 2014
Perry could be a guy that comes out of nowhere and earns a spot in this recruiting class like Freddy Canteen did in 2014. I commend players that go out and earn their offers on the field as opposed to cashing in on all of the hype surrounding them.
That's it for Friday. Enjoy your weekend and be back Monday as we update you on the latest with Michigan football recruiting.
Follow Maize N Brew's Anthony Broome on Twitter, @anthonytbroome.