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Flip Watch in Effect?
Michigan will be getting an official visit from 2016 defensive tackle Michael Dwumfour (Wayne, New Jersey) this weekend, he tweeted on Thursday afternoon. He was set to arrive in Ann Arbor last night, according to 247's Steve Lorenz. ($)
Dwumfour, a Penn State commit, is a three-star prospect and the 59th-ranked defensive tackle in the class, per the 247 Composite. He was also a teammate of running back signee Kareem Walker at DePaul HS and is very good friends with Rashan Gary, the nation's top prospect.
We have not heard much about Dwumfour and Michigan on the recruiting trail other than that he was one of the guys that turned heads during the satellite camp tour.
So, is a flip in the cards?
Just because a player is coming in for an official does not necessarily mean a whole lot in the grand scheme of things, but this is a curious one. His relationship with other New Jersey targets and Chris Partridge's efforts on the recruiting trail could make this an interesting recruitment to follow down the stretch.
If one of Gary's closest pals is in Ann Arbor along with the guys they already have in the mix, it may be something that helps solidify that recruitment, as well.
Zordich Checks in on David Long
Michigan defensive backs coach Mike Zordich was in California on Thursday to check in with 2016 cornerback David Long, who is one of the top remaining targets on the board heading into signing day.
Long will be taking an official visit to Washington this weekend, who is considered the other team heavily in the mix for his services along with the Wolverines. It could be one of the last chances for the Huskies to woo the one-time Stanford commit and keep him in Pac-12 country.
Things look promising for Michigan in this race for the four-star corner. He is expected to make his college choice before Feb. 3.
Jake Raulerson in Town
Offensive lineman Jake Raulerson, a graduate transfer from Texas, arrived in Ann Arbor on Thursday for an official visit with the Wolverines and the coaching staff.
It remains to be seen if a commitment on this visit will take place or not, but many signs point to the Wolverines as being the best fit for his services.
Raulerson has already gotten his degree from Texas, so he would be eligible to play right away and would likely be in the mix to start at center next season, along with Patrick Kugler.
Chase Allen Previews Michigan Visit
Three-star class of 2016 tight end Chase Allen (Nixa, Missouri) will be taking his official visit to Ann Arbor this weekend and caught up with our own Brandon Justice to talk about his objectives for the visit. (FREE)
"Their tight ends combined for the most (receptions) in college football," Allen said. "And I want to be in an offense where I am utilized.
"(Michigan's use of tight ends is) very attractive to me. I feel like I would fit in their system very well."
He says he is excited to continue building a relationship with the Michigan coaches and learning more about what the program has to offer.
"Getting familiar with the staff, and being able to see all of the tradition and history of Ann Arbor." said Allen of what he hopes his visit consists of.
Allen also said that he does not have a time set for a decision and that it will come when it feels natural to him. Many expect him to be the second tight end commit of the class, along with signee Sean McKeon.
Latest 2017 Offers
The staff may be focusing most of its time on finishing out 2016 on a high note, but 2017 prospects are also on the brains of the coaches now that the dead period is over.
Michigan extended three known scholarship offers to 2017 prospects on Thursday.
The first went to in-state three-star safety Scotty Nelson from U of D Jesuit High School in Detroit. Jim Harbaugh was there on Thursday morning.
Defensive end Guy Thomas (Miami, Florida) also picked up an offer from the Wolverines. It came from defensive coordinator Don Brown, who was making the rounds through the Sunshine State. Thomas is a three-star prospect.
Offensive tackle Tyler Beach (Port Washington, Wisconsin) picked up his fifth scholarship offer of the cycle, as well. He is currently unranked on the major recruiting services.