Daily Brews: Coaches optimistic about 2020 class; Eubanks still unsure of future

A week after the early signing period, Michigan coaches have opened up about the recruits who have signed with the Wolverines. If what they’re saying holds any parallel to how those respective recruits’ careers turn out, Michigan should be excited for the future.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh, in his podcast “Attack Each Day: The Harbaughs’ Podcast,” essentially did a position-by-position breakdown of the 2020 class and had nothing but great things to say about those who signed.

Some of those he seemed particularly hyped about were Jordan Morant, who he compared to former USC safety Troy Polamalu, and Dan Villari, who he called “a hidden gem.”

“Remember (Troy) Polamalu? Jordan Morant reminds me a lot of him. Same type of safety Makari is with great coverage ability. Has that Troy Polamalu factor. He’s got the instincts, good safety blitz, could line up anywhere.”

On Villari:

“We’re really happy to have Dan. Throws the ball extremely well and is a very strong runner. Excited to have him as part of the class. The feeling we have is we’ve uncovered a hidden gem and we’re glad we got him. Plays with a really good rhythm in the passing game. Had he been playing at IMG or Mater Dei, I have full confidence and belief he would’ve been a national guy. He’s worthy of playing at a program like Michigan.”

Defensive coordinator Don Brown also got in the mix, raving about Morant and the general athleticism of the class.

“This is the most athletic group we’ve signed on defense. And the biggest. So, we’re really excited about it.”

Gattis talks about the 2019 offense

Michigan offensive coordinator Josh Gattis recently opened up about the team’s early offensive struggles, saying on the “Inside Michigan Football” radio show the team had some growing pains as he worked to implement his offensive scheme.

“The biggest thing for us was the consistency part. Because we had some really good flashes early on. There was a lot of positive plays in Middle Tennessee (game), as well as Army, but the thing that negates those positive plays are the turnovers.

“One play we run really well, and then the next time we run the play it’s a total disaster. We had to make sure we eliminated the negative plays first and foremost, so we could continue to hang our hat on the positive plays and try to improve those.”

Eubanks undecided on future

Looking ahead to Michigan’s 2020 campaign, it’s easy to get excited about the level of potential and talent the Wolverines return. But whether or not they have tight end Nick Eubanks as a part of that returning group is still undecided.

Eubanks told reporters last week he has yet to decide if he’s going to return to Michigan or enter the NFL Draft.

“Just thinking about everything that I went through this year,” he said. “That’s basically been it. School hasn’t been a problem, but just being able to come back here and go through the practices, that’s just basically been it. With the coaches, too, as well, we’ll probably get another year with (tight ends coach) Sherrone (Moore).”

Eubanks really hit his stride this season, pulling in 24 passes for 240 yards and 3 touchdowns. In 2018, he hauled in just 8 catches for 157 yards and 1 score.

Other Brews

• Four-star forward Terrance Williams has a visit to Michigan coming up, and according to what he’s been saying about the Wolverines, it appears he likes the direction the program is headed. He also has a close relationship with assistant coach Phil Martelli, per 247Sports.
• Former Florida State and Baylor offensive coordinator Kendal Briles has taken the same position with Arkansas, according to ESPN. Briles, the son of former Baylor football coach Art Briles, has been on the move a lot recently, with jobs at the aforementioned programs as well as Florida Atlantic and Houston — all since 2016.