Friday Michigan Recruiting Roundup Hosts a Versatile Target

Brian Cole to Visit Michigan on Friday

Brian Cole (Saginaw, MI), a 2015 four-star athlete and top prospect in the state of Michigan, will visit the Wolverines on Friday, according to 247 Sports' Steve Lorenz. ($)

The visit to Ann Arbor will be Cole's first there since February 25th, and it is a big one in terms of whether or not Michigan is still a viable option for the versatile player.

Lorenz is also reporting that a few Michigan will come back from their vacations in order to be on campus for Cole's visit, which indicates that they are still incredible interested in making him a part of this recruiting class.

Depending on who you talk to, Cole is being recruited as a wide receiver by some and a defensive back by others. At 6-2, 190 pounds, he has the ability to play both and should succeed at any position he ends up playing.

As far as Michigan goes, I can see them bringing him in as a cornerback. The Wolverines are still looking for a corner to pair with four-star Garrett Taylor (Richmond, VA), who is a similar player to Cole and fits the bill of what they are looking for at the position.

A lot is riding on this visit for Michigan, as they look to be in Cole's top schools but could use a push to get them to the front of that list. The 247 Crystal Ball has 75 percent of the predictions sending him to Michigan State. He has also received interest from Tennessee and Ohio State, both of whom he visited recently.

Wheatley Trims List of Schools to Five

Four-star 2015 tight end Tyrone Wheatley Jr. (Manlius, NY) has trimmed his list of schools to five, according to Wolverine247. (FREE)

Wheatley's list includes Michigan, Alabama, Miami, UCLA, and USC, with the Wolverines being the overwhelming favorite by all accounts.

Where have we heard that last name before?

Of course the name sounds familiar. He is the son of former Michigan running back Tyrone Wheatley, who was with the program from 1991 to 1994.

The Wolverines have already brought in a tight end in 2015 with four-star Chris Clark, but Michigan will likely take two if Wheatley decides that he wants to take his talents to Ann Arbor. The two tight ends would be a great pairing at the position for the future, and it looks likely to happen.

Of the 27 Crystal Ball predictions on 247, there are none that have him going anywhere other than the University of Michigan. While you can't call that reason to assume he'll end up with the program, the recruiting process seems as if it is just a formality for the legacy recruit.

Michigan Offers Five-star 2016 Safety

The Wolverines added another 2016 scholarship offer on Thursday in five-star safety Brandon Jones (Nacogdoches, TX), per his Twitter account.

According to the 247 Composite, Jones is the top-ranked safety in the 2016 class and the 23rd player overall.

Anytime a player is ranked as a five-star this early in his high school career, it is extremely impressive. He has received attention from many of the top programs in all of college football across the nation and the list should only grow throughout the process.

All 13 Crystal Ball predictions on 247 have Jones staying in-state and attending Texas A&M. It's a little early to assume that's where he'll be because he has the nation after him, but Michigan throwing themselves into the mix is a good look for them. Jones projects to be a great college defensive back.

Upshur Plans on Attending BBQ at the Big House

Four-star 2016 tight end and recent Michigan offer Naseir Upshur (Philadelphia, PA) visited Ann Arbor a few weeks back following the Sound Mind Sound Body Football Academy in Detroit, and it appears another visit to the University of Michigan is in the works.

Upshur plans on attending Michigan's BBQ at the Big House in July and still maintains contact with the program, according to 247's Steve Lorenz. ($)

He has emerged as one of Michigan's top targets at the position in recent weeks and there seems to be a ton of mutual interest on both sides. Upshur is a name to watch at the position for the 2016 cycle.

That's it for the Friday roundup. Recharge your batteries this weekend and come back Monday for the latest in Michigan football recruiting.

Be sure to follow Maize N Brew's Anthony Broome on Twitter, @anthonytbroome.