Monday Michigan Recruiting Roundup: Good Vibes

More on Michigan’s linebacker recruiting

Michigan has a lot of candidates for just one more spot at linebacker for 2018 - possibilities include ILB Kolin Demens, OLBs Shayne Simon, Cameron McGrone, Brian Asamoah, and S/LB Jamien Sherwood. Sherwood spoke to Sam Webb about warming up to Michigan after a late June visit ($).

"A great man,” said Sherwood about Jim Harbaugh. “Exciting too. Me and him got to play a game of chess. Sitting in his office talking I was staring at the chess board and we just started playing each other. He got lucky. (Laughter). He really did get lucky. I looked down at one piece that I shouldn't move (and moved it anyway). It was a close one, but he won."

Michigan is also in the running for Indianapolis linebacker Cameron McGrone, although they have some catching up to do ($).

“Michigan is pretty up there, but it’s just like Notre Dame, I really love Notre Dame. I hope they do good this season so the coaches can stay.”

McGrone says he’ll be back in Ann Arbor this month for the Barbecue at the Big House. He’d like to get back to South Bend as well.

“Me and my parents are trying to schedule something a week or two before the barbecue,” McGrone said.

With a tough Michigan-Notre Dame battle going on for Shayne Simon, as well (it’s reportedly neck and neck between the two schools), there are a handful of candidates Michigan is honing in on but it’s tough to say who will join Michigan commit Otis Reese and fill the remaining linebacker spot in this class.

Update on Jeremy Ruckert

New York’s Jeremy Ruckert, the #2 tight end in the country and the #75 overall player, is feeling like it’s about time to decide on a college. Michigan and Ohio State are both in it, with the Buckeyes being the favorites (and the owners of 8 Crystal Ball predictions on 247Sports).

"A lot of people are telling me not to go there (to Ohio State) because they haven't had tight end success in the past of years," Ruckert said to Scout ($). "But (offensive coordinator and tight ends) coach (Kevin) Wilson just came in and he has done a really good job with tight ends in his past. To me, if you're good, they'll find a way to get you the ball. He told me if I excel, they will find a way to get me the ball."

We’ll see if Michigan ends up pulling out a surprise victory here.

2019 News & Notes

Michigan has been recruiting 2019 safety Marvin Grant as a Viper, and Grant grew up a Michigan fan ($). In-state five-star offensive tackle Devontae Dobbs spoke to Scout about a recent visit, and his reaction was notably cool ($).

“I feel like now that they know about me they started to prioritize me,” said Dobbs. “But at first it was like they didn’t know me.”

"I feel like I learned more about Michigan on this trip. I feel like my opinion is still the same (though)."

Meanwhile, Michigan offered a 2019 dual-threat quarterback in Michael Johnson, Jr. Johnson is a really exciting prospect, and Michigan has an advantage in his recruitment - a Johnson family connection to Pep Hamilton.

"I've known Coach Pep since I was 8 or 9 years old," Johnson Jr. told Wolverine247 on Friday ($). "We had a great conversation catching up on things before he formally offered me the scholarship. I wouldn't say I was shocked to get the offer from Michigan but I was a little bit surprised. They had maintained contact after my dad left though, so I guess it wasn't a huge surprise."

Etc.

In the hunt for one more DB in the 2018 cycle, Michigan could end up turning to Josh Jobe, a top-100 player and current Miami commit ($).

"Michigan; I've been talking to some of the coaches," he said. "Josh Uche is up there. He told me the coaches care about you and that you have to work there. You aren't going to be given anything. It's really competitive (at Michigan)."

Also, here’s a great gallery of Michigan-related video from The Opening this weekend.