Michigan Monday Crootin’: Receiver prospects remain solid after McElwain departure

Jim McElwain didn’t exactly make waves as a recruiter during his short stint in Ann Arbor.

The first-year wide receivers coach formed more of a reputation as a talent developer, churning out two breakout seasons from Nico Collins and Donovan Peoples-Jones.

Just two days ago, though, he popped up in Northern California for an in-home visit with 2019 4-star receiver Giles Jackson.

Just a day later, McElwain departed to take the head job at Central Michigan. Jackson’s initial reaction indicated some shock.

McElwain’s move could have been interpreted as deception. With the promotion of offensive analyst Ben McDaniels to the interim spot though, plus the continued employment of grad assistant Roy Roundtree, the recruitment stabilized.

If there was any worry about any of the other receiver targets, they were put to rest on social media.

3-star Massachusetts athlete Mike Sainristil:

For 3-star Florida receiver George Johnson III, the move was more than offset by Jim Harbaugh and Don Brown dropping by his Stuart, Fla. home.

Von Lozon recapped other initial in-home visits from the coaching staff. Stay tuned for more, as it’s that time of year just before the December signing day.

Eric Gray finally pulls trigger on decommitment

Jonathan Simmons detailed the unsurprising decommitment from the 4-star Tennessee back this weekend.

“This news was expected after Gray’s multiple visits to Tennessee and Ole Miss throughout the season,” Simmons wrote. “While emphasizing how important it was for him to visit Michigan’s campus for a game, he canceled his two planned trips to Ann Arbor.”

With near 5-star California back Zach Charbonnet still in the fold, the Wolverines can rest easy in the 2019 cycle.

With that said, the staff did offer 3-star DJ Williams last week. He’s currently an Appalachian State pledge, but Georgia, Miami and Auburn recently extended offers.

Williams is a stout 5-foot-11, 210-pounder out of Sebring, Fla. He ranks as the No. 575 overall prospect on the 247 Sports Composite, the No. 36 running back and the No. 73 player in-state.

He’s a do-everything speedster, frequently lining up at quarterback for his school. Watch his quick twitch on this touchdown in playoff action.

Top 6 for top player in 2020

Sad about no Rashan Gary in the Peach Bowl? Don’t worry. Jim Harbaugh is in hot pursuit of another top-ranked defensive end.

2020 5-star Bryan Bresee put Michigan in his top six this past weekend, along with Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State and Penn State.

Bresee is a 6-foot-5, 290-pound strong-side defensive end from Maryland and the top-ranked player in the class.

As Jonathan Simmons reported, he visited Ann Arbor last January for an unofficial, as well as all other suitors.

“The coaches, they stay in good contact with my coaches,” Bresee told The Michigan Insider ($). “I got to go out and visit and had a really good tim out there. Got to hang out with the payers and I liked the school and everything about it.”

Bresee plans to take all five official visits. Ohio State and Penn State are the presumed leaders, according to the crystal balls.