Four-star offensive lineman Jordan picks OSU
The Wolverines lost a recruiting battle on Thursday with Ohio State for talented in-state offensive tackle Michael Jordan (Plymouth, Michigan), who announced his commitment to the Buckeyes on Thursday evening.
Jordan is a four-star prospect and the third-ranked player in the state of Michigan, according to the 247 Composite. It would have been a nice get for Michigan or even rival Michigan State, but as we have seen a lot in recent years, the Buckeyes have jumped in and stolen a great in-state talent from Michigan.
All is not lost on the offensive line by any means. In fact, the four guys I predicted would be a part of the 2016 class are still on the board. At tackle, Erik Swenson (Downers Grove, Illinois) has been committed for awhile, while I am sticking with Ben Bredeson (Hartland, Wisconsin) as my pick to fill the other tackle spot for now. Michigan appears to be in good shape for Michael Onwenu (Detroit, Michigan) and Terrance Davis (Hyattsville, Maryland) as guards, as well. All of the above guys are four-stars, so a nice haul of offensive lineman is still very possible.
Michigan makes the cut for talented 2016 DT
Class of 2016 defensive tackle Naquan Jones (Evanston, Illinois) released his top five schools on Thursday, where Michigan made the cut.
First I would like to say thanks to everyone who has taken their time to recruit me. Top 5 NO ORDER @CarolinaXposure pic.twitter.com/QBoOVrO6zx
— Almighty Nay (@thealmightynay) May 7, 2015
Jones is a three-star prospect and the 28th ranked defensive tackle in the class, per the 247 Composite. His Crystal Ball leader is currently Michigan State, who has 83 percent of the selections in its favor.
Latest scholarship offers
The focus for the Michigan Wolverines football program on the recruiting trail has been on 2017 prospects in recent weeks. The 2016 class is still a work in progress, but the staff is really extending offers 2017 players like nobody's business. Things are a bit slow right now, so it makes sense to be taking a look at kids a few years down the road.
Starting with Wednesday, Michigan offered tight end Jimmy Jaggers (Roseville, California), which was first reported by Wolverine247's Steve Lorenz.
Jaggers is a four-star prospect and the fourth-ranked tight end in the 2017 class, per the 247 Composite. We know Harbaugh likes to use the tight end, so pairing another prospect with commit Carter Dunaway in the class seems likely.
Running back Trey Sermon (Marietta, Georgia) also pulled in an offer from the Wolverines on Wednesday, per his Twitter account. He is a four-star prospect and the fifth-ranked running back in the class, says the 247 Composite.
Michigan continued to make the rounds in Georgia on Thursday, offering three prospects from the Atlanta area.
Defensive back William Poole (Atlanta, Georgia) pulled in an offer, according to 247's Justin Hopkins. Poole is a four-star prospect and the 15th-ranked cornerback in the class, per the 247 Composite.
Offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (Atlanta, Georgia) also was offered by Michigan, according to 247's Rusty Mansell. Thomas is a four-star prospect and the eighth-ranked tackle in the class, per the Composite.
Michigan offered linebacker Nate McBride (Vidalia, Georgia) on its way through the state as well, according to 247's Lorenz. McBride is a four-star prospect and the sixth-ranked outside linebacker in 2017, per the Composite.
The last offer we will take a look at went to 2016 wide receiver Deondre Overton (Greensboro, North Carolina), according to 247's Ross Martin. Overton is a four-star prospect and the 29th-ranked receiver in the 2016 class.
The narrative still exists that Michigan is struggling on the recruiting trail. While commitments may not be coming in as frequently as some anticipated, commitments do not come without offers, which the staff has extended many. Patience is a virtue that will continue to be preached in these roundups. Recruiting tends to work in waves, and the next wave of commitments feels like it is right around the corner.