Six Michigan 2020 signees will participate in Citrus Bowl preparation

The Michigan Wolverines just inked most of their 2020 recruiting class on Wednesday, but it appears that a handful of guys will also be getting some practice reps under their belts as the team prepares for the Citrus Bowl vs. Alabama.

According to Michigan recruiting director Matt Dudek on Jon Jansen’s “In the Trenches” podcast, running back Blake Corum, linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green, offensive lineman Zak Zinter, safety Makari Paige and cornerback Andre Seldon will be involved in a handful of bowl practices ahead of the game. Defensive end Braiden McGregor will join the team and continue working his way back from his knee injury.

Per NCAA bylaw 14.2.1.1:

“A student-athlete may practice during the official vacation period immediately preceding initial enrollment, provided the student has been accepted by the institution for enrollment in a regular, full-time program of studies at the time of the individual’s initial participation; is no longer enrolled in the previous educational institution; and is eligible under all institutional and NCAA requirements.”

Dudek said that the players will take part in three sessions with the team. They will only be practicing and not participate in the bowl game.

“We’re not putting them in (team workouts); we’re not going to put them in one-on-ones,” Dudek said. “This is the first time it’s ever happened. You can tell by the tone of my voice, I’m excited.”

“You know why? Because they want to come to work,” Dudek continued. “That’s it. It’s not about, ‘Oh, I get to wear the winged helmet, I can put it on Instagram.’ No, no, no. They’re coming to work. We posed this to them when we figured out this rule. And they’re like, ‘I get to come get three workouts in with (strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert)? I get to come and do individual period with Jay Harbaugh? Oh my God, sign me up.’ They are signed, they are coming to get medically cleared and they are practicing on Saturday.”

Michigan leaves for Orlando on Dec. 26 and the game against Alabama is set for Jan. 1 at 1 p.m. ET from Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.