2015 wide reciever Auden Tate taking official this weekend
Michigan will be getting an official visit from four-star wide receiver prospect Auden Tate (Wharton, Florida) this weekend, according to Steve Lorenz of 247 Sports. ($)
Tate has been one of Michigan's top targets at the wide receiver position for quite some time in the 2015 cycle, where quarterback commit Alex Malzone has kept in constant contact with him even after giving a verbal pledge to Florida State back in August.
Even after committing to Florida State, Tate has still stated he was going to take other official visits and that his interest from the Wolverines was legitimate both ways. I do not expect him to flip this weekend or down the road by any means, but he is not just visiting because he feels like he can. He is interested in the program.
Tate is a four-star prospect and the 27th-ranked player at his position, according to the 247 Composite.
Grant Newsome visiting, as well
Someone who is currently committed to the program will be in attendance for Saturday's game against Maryland, as well.
Lorenz is also reporting that four-star offensive line commit Grant Newsome (McLean, Virginia) will be in Ann Arbor this Saturday. ($)
People often ask about the commits that I see as sticking with their commitments and sticking with the program, and Newsome certainly fits that category. He has remained firm in his commitment throughout the process and does not appear like he is really interested in other schools.
He stated earlier this fall that he committed to the university and the football program, not solely the football staff, so if a coaching change is made, it appears that Newsome will be one of the guys that sticks around and helps in the effort to turn the program around under a brand new coaching staff.
Mike Weber commit spotlight
This past Wednesday was the second edition of our brand-new commit spotlight series, where I profile a pledge to Michigan's recruiting class.
This week, I took a look at four-star Mike Weber (Detroit, Michigan), who has turned himself into one of the top prospects in all of high school football. While all aspects of his recruitment were profiled, his full scouting report can be found below:
When you watch a player like Weber on film, it is not hard to see why he is one of the most coveted prospects in the Midwest and how his skill set fits what Michigan wants to do on offense almost perfectly.
He's probably not quite 5-foot-10 like he's listed on many sites, but what jumps out is just how built he is already. He has a powerful lower half that allows him to gain leverage as a runner and this helps him as a blocker in the passing game, as well.
Weber's vision is impressive, too. He knows when to cut back and has a good feel for finding holes in tight traffic, in addition to being patient enough to let his blocks develop downfield.
While not exactly a burner, Weber does possess a combination of power and 4.47 40-yard dash speed that makes him a well-rounded running back prospect. He is a quick and shifty back that has the ability to stop and start back up quickly and reach an extra gear when he hits the next level. He always keeps his legs moving, even after it seems like he's been stopped and the play is over.
Weber's skill set would suggest he absolutely can be an every down back and carry the load for an offense. He will be buried on the depth chart early on at Michigan due to the presence of Derrick Green, DeVeon Smith and Ty Isaac, but he will fit in nicely and will still get the opportunity for early looks.
More recruit highlights
- Four-star 2015 quarterback commit Alex Malzone (Bloomfield Hills, Michigan) released his 2014 senior season highlights, which can be found below. He threw 38 touchdowns and five interceptions on the year.
- Five-star 2016 defensive tackle Rashan Gary (Paramus, New Jersey) released his junior year highlights, as well. Take a look at those below.
That's it for Friday. Join us Monday for the latest in Michigan football recruiting news.