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Gary at Clemson This Weekend, Wolverines Play the Waiting Game
Class of 2016 defensive tackle Rashan Gary (Paramus, New Jersey), the nation's top overall prospect, is currently on his official visit to Clemson that is set to run through the end of the weekend.
The decision to spend this weekend at Clemson as opposed to Alabama was a bit surprising to some, but considering Saban and the Crimson Tide have not made a huge play for him in the process, this development is not all that out of left field.
Going into this visit, Clemson is a threat to Michigan here. Not necessarily as big as Ole Miss is believed to be, but things could change after the visit and he reportedly will sit down and make his decision on Sunday evening before announcing on Wednesday, according to Wolverine247. (FREE)
Despite all of this, Michigan is still in great position to land the coveted defensive lineman. They have put so much stock into the New Jersey pipeline and have been the biggest constant in his recruitment. Where we stand today, it would be very surprising if he were to commit elsewhere on National Signing Day.
Here is what Gary had to say about the Wolverines to 247's Keith Niebuhr:
"Their academic support there," he said of Michigan's benefits. "I could see myself being not just a player there, but a student as well. I got stranded there during the recent snowstorm. I got in on Thursday and was supposed to leave on Saturday, but I ended up staying until Monday. I hung out with some of the players, played video games with them. I also studied for my mid-terms while I was there too. I have a good feel for Michigan. I wanted to get a feel for the classroom and some of the teachers there. I talked to them about how they run their classes."
Eubanks Commits, Tight End Picture Completed
Michigan received a commitment from 2016 three-star tight end Nick Eubanks (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) on Thursday evening, joining Sean McKeon as the two players committed at the position in this class.
His commitment to the Wolverines was a bit surprising and did not seem possible earlier this week, but that goes to show how fluid things can be on the recruiting trail sometimes. The staff visited him in-home and convinced him to take a mid-week official visit to Ann Arbor, where he ultimately ended up pulling the trigger.
So what does it mean for tight end recruiting?
Michigan appears done here. With Eubanks in the fold, three-star prospect Chase Allen will likely head to Nebraska or Iowa State.
Many have asked if this affects the recruitment of Devin Asiasi, the four-star prospect from California. Michigan sees him as an athlete that can play a few different positions and not just tight end. He is still in play and Eubanks' commitment does not affect that.
A quick analysis of Eubanks, who also held offers from Alabama, Florida, LSU and many others, can be found here. (FREE)
Wide Receiver Picture Not So Clear
Actually, the wide receiver position is largely set, but there is still some cloudiness here.
Three-star 2016 prospect Eddie McDoom (Winter Garden, Florida) committed to Michigan on Wednesday, becoming the fifth player taken at the position in this cycle.
The fifth spot, however, is still up in the air.
Ahmir Mitchell, Brad Hawkins, Dylan Crawford and McDoom are all locked in with the fifth spot currently belonging to Nate Johnson. Johnson has been looking around and Notre Dame seemed to be trending, but the rumor flying around is that he is no longer a take for the Irish. His status is still to be determined.
Keyshawn "Pie" Young and Donald Stewart are two other players that could fill that fifth spot. Young was once considered a lock and almost pulled the trigger before being told to hold off. Johnson committed to Michigan not long after that.
Stewart has been a player Michigan has had its eyes on for quite some time. He is another New Jersey product and is down to Stanford and the Wolverines.
I have been led to believe that this is a two-horse race between Stewart and Johnson with Young on the outside looking in. Of the three, the Wolverines may be the most interested in Stewart, but we will see how this all shakes out.
Quick Hits
- Four-star defensive tackle Jordan Elliott decommitted from Michigan on Wednesday. The next school he commits to, presumably Texas, will the the fourth in this cycle. (Baylor, Houston, Michigan)
- Michigan received a commitment from Khaleke Hudson, a safety who fits the mold of what Jabrill Peppers brings on defense.
- Four-star defensive back Lavert Hill will choose between Michigan, Michigan State and Penn State on Wednesday.
- Offensive coordinator Tim Drevno visited former ATH commit Victor Viramontes earlier this week, who said it went "great." I would not expect him to re-join Michigan's 2016 class.