Twas the night before Signing Day and all through the Big House, not a creature was stirring - not even a mouse. The recruits’ bags were packed and placed by the door with care, in the hopes that Jim Harbaugh soon would be there. The fans were asleep, all snug in their beds - while visions of big plays danced in their heads. With Jimmy in his khakis, and Coach Brown in his cap, they both settled down for a quick #crootin’ nap.
When out on the internet arose such a clatter, they both sprang upright to see what was the matter. Away to the phones they flew with a flash, to see what had caused this sudden recruiting dash. A four star was wavering, from where everyone thought he would go. Giving hope to Michigan fans everywhere, that Coach Harbaugh had a new recruit in tow.
When what to my wondering eyes did appear, but perhaps Nico Collins joining the recruiting class of the year. More rapid than eagles the assistant coaches did come, and Harbaugh whistled, and shouted, and called out to some. On Hamilton, on Partridge, on Drevno and Brown! To the top of the rankings, to the top of the town! This is the last bit of football action before Summer turns to Fall, now recruit away, recruit away, recruit away all!
Let’s hit the links:
Greg Frey Jumped at Opportunity to Return to Michigan, Work With Harbaugh
New OL coach and running game coordinator Greg Frey was eager to return to Michigan, telling WTKA, “My process on deciding to take the job and come back was about 18 seconds into the conversation.” Reportedly, all Jim Harbaugh had to say was, “I have a plan.” Frey responded, “OK, I'm in, let's roll.” After transforming Indiana’s offensive line from a train wreck to one of the better units in the B1G, Frey wasn’t necessarily looking to leave. However, Frey says that Harbaugh’s approach and intensity won him over - making the Michigan offer one that he couldn’t turn down. Frey will be working with Tim Drevno to coach the offensive line next season, with the former responsible for the interior linemen and the latter responsible for tackles and tight ends.
Phil Paea Tries to Recruit Jay Tufele
While 2017 recruit Corey Malone-Hatcher has a reputation as the class recruiter, he’s not alone in his efforts. Fellow 2017 commit Phil Paea is doing his best to bring fellow Polynesian Jay Tufele into the fold before National Signing Day. Telling Tufele about the possibility of early playing time, Paea hopes to lure Tufele away from current favorites USC and Utah. Tufele will announce his decision during a National Signing Day ceremony. Stay tuned to MnB for a livethread and rapid fire coverage of NSD all day tomorrow.
Just got confirmation from Michigan source: Oliver Martin will visit UM this weekend. This happened fast; Harbaugh didn't know 30 mins ago.
— Matthew Bain (@MatthewBain_) January 26, 2017
Four star receiver Oliver Martin took an official visit to Michigan this past weekend. Martin, the 247Composite #170 recruit, had been considering a visit to Ohio State - but after a visit from Coach Harbaugh late last week, Martin decided to change his travel plans and head to Ann Arbor instead. This change is expected to significantly factor into Martin’s recruitment, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him pick Michigan on National Signing Day. Michigan has a slight, but definite, edge in Crystal Ball predictions, especially among those entered in the last ten days.
5-Star DL Aubrey Solomon said a lot in this interview. His mind is made up. He is ready to sign Feb. 1. https://t.co/fwM3wQdZvY pic.twitter.com/ymVFRIIaNl
— Chad Simmons (@ChadSimmons_) January 27, 2017
Aubrey Solomon, the highest ranked recruit left on Michigan’s board, has reportedly made his decision and will inform coaches soon. Solomon, the 247Composite #25 recruit in the country, was committed to Michigan at one point but reopened his recruitment over the summer. After some twists and turns, Michigan got back in the race for Solomon and has made significant progress as of late. Now leading in Crystal Ball predictions, all but one prediction entered in the last two weeks has been for the Wolverines. Solomon is expected to announce his decision during a ceremony at his school around 9:45 AM ET on National Signing Day.
Blessed to have been given an opportunity to continue my academic and athletic career from The University of Michigan 〽️ #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/HNnLhUwnrK
— Adam Fakih (@adam_fakih16) January 28, 2017
One practice that seems to be on the rise under Coach Harbaugh are preferred walk-ons. PWOs are promised a roster spot, but not a scholarship - they receive any scholastic and need-based financial aid they are eligible for, like any other student matriculating to the school would. Some walk-ons for this cycle are the above-tweeted Adam Fakih (Film for the 6’2” 210lbs LB), Chris Hanlon (film for the 6’3” 205lbs TE), and Jess Speight (6’4” 280lbs OG younger brother of Wilton). PWOs rarely get much attention around National Signing Day, but they often play significant roles on teams. All three of the Glasgow brothers - with one now playing in the NFL and another looking poised to join him after the coming NFL Draft - started their Michigan careers as PWOs. At last check, the Wolverines were taking at least seven PWOs in this class.
#TBT to last year's Signing of the Stars!
— Michigan Athletics (@UMichAthletics) January 26, 2017
INFO » https://t.co/XILgwkI6ez #GoBlue #Blueprint17 pic.twitter.com/IkcKevat8u
Michigan will again host a signing day event - titled Signing of the Stars. This year’s event will take place at Crisler with doors opening at 11 AM. Tickets were general admission and free, but they appear to have all been claimed at this point. Last year’s event was headlined by celebrities like Ric Flair, Tom Brady, and more. This year’s event will be hosted, as it was last year, by the Sklar brothers. Joining them on stage at various points throughout the event will be Jon Jansen, Jake Rudock, Brandon Graham and LaMarr Woodley. The event will run from Noon until 2 PM and will be live-streamed, as it was last year, through The Players Tribune.