Garrett Taylor decommits from Michigan
On Monday afternoon, the Michigan Wolverines lost another piece from their 2015 football recruiting class.
Four-star defensive back prospect Garrett Taylor (Richmond, Virginia) announced via Twitter that he would be reopening his recruitment and decomitting from the program.
I have de committed from the University of Michigan. Thank you to the Michigan coaching staff for the opportunity they gave me.
— Garrett Taylor (@gtaychillin) October 27, 2014
Taylor is the second 2015 prospect to decommit this month, along with four-star defensive end Darian Roseboro (Lincolnton, North Carolina), who went on to commit to North Carolina State shortly after.
Steve Lorenz of 247 Sports is also reporting that Michigan will not be a factor going forward in Taylor's recruitment (FREE), which comes as no surprise given the circumstances.
His decommitment leaves the Wolverines without any cornerbacks on their 2015 commit board. They will now likely have to turn to in-state and local prospects to fill those spots. There are a few names that could emerge, one of which we will touch on in the next section below.
Wolverines offer 2015 ATH John Kelly
In the wake of losing Garrett Taylor, Michigan is scrambling for defensive backs right now, and they have finally reached out to an in-state prospect that has been waiting for an offer from the Wolverines for awhile.
Three-star 2015 athlete John Kelly (Oak Park, Michigan) received a scholarship offer from Michigan on Monday evening, according to his Twitter account.
I'm so happy and thankful to announced that I have officially been offered by The University of Michigan #GoBlue
— John Shuttłeswørth (@D1JohnKelly) October 27, 2014
Kelly plays both running back and defensive back for his high school team, but the Wolverines are recruiting him as a cornerback, accoring to Scout.com's Allen Trieu.
He is good friends with 2015 running back Mike Weber, so that could be a relationship the Wolverines use to their advantage, There is a glaring need at defensive back in the class now, so Kelly becomes one of their top priorities at the position.
Kelly spoke with Josh Hemholdt of Rivals.com about where the Wolverines stand in his recruitment. You can check that out here. ($)
It's a little early to say that I like Michigan's chances here, but I definitely think they've thrown themselves into the mix. Michigan State and Minnesota have been his top two schools for awhile, but now that the offer from Michigan is in, they should be a factor.
Dele Harding speaks on U-M interest
The Wolverines offered 2016 linebacker Dele Harding (Elkton, Maryland) back in June, which shot them right to the top of his list, but he's still been keeping a close eye on the happenings in Ann Arbor this season.
In an interview with Shawn Brown of Rivals, Harding said he has definitely been aware of Michigan's struggles this season.
"I've been taking notes and watching games," he said. "I've also been keeping in touch with players who are already down there."
Harding is from the same high school as a pair of true freshman already in the Michigan football program in wide receiver Freddy Canteen and defensive back Brandon Watson, so there is certainly a connection there with the three-star prospect.
To see more of Harding's interview with Rivals, check out the video below, where he talks about his team this season and a possible visit that could come up soon.
Michael Jordan offered by Michigan State
No, not THAT guy.
I've used that joke before, but you know that was the first thing on your minds.
In-state 2016 offensive line prospect Michael Jordan (Canton, Michigan) received an offer from the rival Michigan State Spartans earlier today following his visit to East Lansing over the weekend.
Jordan spoke to Evan Paputa of The D Zone following the offer. (FREE)
“(The visit Saturday) was sweet. The atmosphere at Michigan State was amazing, I loved it,” Jordan said. “The coaches really care about my grades in addition to football.
“The game was amazing and I liked how Michigan State played,” Jordan said. “I really watched their left tackle (Jack Conklin) and he got after it. I want to be just like him.”
Jordan was offered by Michigan back in June and has been on their radar for quite some time now. I can see this being another one of those U-M/MSU battles on the recruiting trail. Ohio State and Notre Dame are in the mix as well.
That's it for the Wednesday roundup. Check back in with us Friday for the latest in Michigan football recruiting.