Michigan snatched six recruits from New Jersey in the 2016 class, which has caused bad blood between the Wolverines and Scarlet Knights. However, Rutgers head coach Chris Ash does not believe there is a rivalry with Michigan just yet.
"I'll start by saying there's no rivalry with Michigan yet," Ash said. "They've done some things that we have no been able to do. I think it's great for fans to get a chance in the off-season to talk about college football. ... I have a tremendous amount of respect for coach (Jim) Harbaugh and the job that he's done at Michigan and the program that they've had for a number of years. We're doing the best we can at Rutgers to create rivalries with everybody that we play. It's great that the fans are involved, care and are passionate about what we're doing at Rutgers."
In 2014, Michigan lost at Rutgers, 26-24, under Brady Hoke in his final season with the Maize and Blue. Last season at The Big House, Michigan won 49-16 over Rutgers in Jim Harbaugh’s first tenure as head coach.
When Harbaugh came to New Jersey in June for a satellite camp at Paramus Catholic High School, Rutgers supporters were not happy. There was $600 to $700 worth of Rutgers magnets placed all over the Paramus Catholic campus. A group threw teddy bears on the practice field and sent Harbaugh a cryptic message.
Believe it or not, Ash decided to hold a camp of his own on the same day, at the same time, and just 30 miles away. To make matters worse, Ash teamed up with Ohio State coach Urban Meyer for the camp.
Defensive tackle Rashan Gary (No. 1 overall prospect), running back Kareem Walker, athlete Ahmir Mitchell, defensive end Ron Johnson, defensive tackle Michael Dwumfour, and wide receiver Brad Hawkins are the Class of 2016 players committed to Michigan from the state of New Jersey.
Michigan and Rutgers do not have a rivalry... yet.