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The recruiting news this week was almost overshadowed by the fact that Drake Johnson was *supposedly* run over with a forklift before a workout. From what Coach Harbaugh has given said, Johnson will be okay. So on to the recruiting news:
Michigan played host to Newtown, Connecticut LB/FB/TE Ben Mason. After reviewing his highlight tape, I was impressed. Mason is around the football A LOT. Now I know it is only a compilation of his highlights, but I definitely think an athletic middle linebacker who is around the football frequently could be ideal. He has a high football IQ and has very respectable closing speed. Mason is "extremely interested," according to Brice Marich of Scout.com. Mason is not rushing to a decision yet. Regardless of Mason's decision, Harbaugh has made sure that locking down the best recruits from the east coast a priority and I'm sure if the Connecticut native were to choose the Maize and Blue those east coast connections like Don Brown and all of the New Jersey natives may play a role now and for other recruits in the future.
Switching from the east coast to the home-front, Cass Tech OL/DL Jordan Reid has named his top five with Michigan slotted at number 2 behind the University of Florida. In the tweet, Reid states that the time is coming soon on when he will announce. Hopefully the Wolverines can push past those pesky gators for a backyard recruit like Reid.
Michigan also offered a huge in state recruit in Muskegon tackle Antwan Reed. Reed holds offers from numerous Power Five schools like Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, Michigan State, Tennessee and Arkansas. At 6'7" 270 following his sophomore year of football, this is the type of offensive tackle prospect coaches get very excited for. It should be a hard fought battle but getting in and making an offer early is key in these situations. Michigan has to win on the home front.
Michigan offered Bradley Jennings Jr. (Jacksonville, FL) a Florida State commit. He is the sixth rated outside linebacker from the state of Florida but is also a legacy and hard commit to FSU. It is not looking like bright here but when you talk to 16 and 17 year olds about commitment stranger things have happened. Plus, there is always Devin Bush Sr.
The Harbaughs really love them some Tight Ends. Cincinnati tight end Matt Dotson will be making his trip to Ann Arbor on Saturday April, 15th. According to his Twitter, he will be in East Lansing first, arriving on Friday.