Wednesday Michigan Recruiting Roundup: Michigan making a good first impression

Welcome to another edition of the Wednesday Michigan Recruiting Roundup! Join me as I cover all of the recruiting news from the past week all in one place.

Visit to Ann Arbor wows four-star defensive end

Joesph Weté, the country’s eighth ranked weak side defensive end, had nothing but positive things to say about his visit to Michigan last weekend. This was the first time on campus for the Washington D.C. native.

”The coaching staff was a group of really genuine people who were honest and willing to talk about things off of the football field. The facilities were excellent,” Weté told The Michigan Insider’s Steve Lorenz ($).

Weté also emphasized a Michigan offer does not just mean a chance to succeed in football. He discussed what Pep Hamilton sold to him about the program.

“I really like how he cares for the players he’s recruiting and rooting for their success both on and off the field,” Weté said. “They want you to succeed athletically and academically.”

Other programs who are looking to land visits from Weté include USC, where he will be traveling to this weekend, Oklahoma and Virginia Tech.

Michigan at the top for Georgia prospect

Weté was not the only recruit to make his first visit to Michigan’s campus this weekend. Three-star guard Ty Murray also made the trip, and had just as an amazing experience.

In an interview with TMI’s Brice Marich ($), Murray said he “just really liked it up there” and that he plans to visit again soon. “I’m very interested and they are still in my top,” Murray confirmed.

Importantly, the visit gave Murray’s parents a chance to see Ann Arbor, and they enjoyed it as well. “They really liked it. They were impressed,” Murray said.

It is unclear who else is at the top for the 30th ranked guard in the nation, but he has received offers from Louisville, Memphis, Troy and Appalachian State.

Turning the tides for one of Michigan’s top targets

Four-star in-state defensive end Michael Fletcher is continually being swayed by Michigan’s coaching staff. His recruitment seemed to be heading towards a commitment to Michigan State, until the Wolverines put on the full-court press.

Now Fletcher seems to be favoring the Maize and Blue. While talking with TMI’s Steve Lorenz ($), he relayed what he was hearing from the coaching staff.

”Coach Mattison said he thinks they can bring in the best defensive line class in the country this year. He told me they already know how they’re going to use me and how great of a fit I would be in what they do,” Fletcher said.

Fletcher also talked about how well the program has done developing their defensive linemen. “It’s hard to ignore how well Michigan does with their defensive lineman,” he said. “It says a lot about the coaching they have and how hard their players want to play for them.”

Mattison would be well on his way to achieving his goal of landing the best defensive line class in the country if he secures Fletcher’s commitment. The Wolverines already have verbals from five-star Chris Hinton and four-star Stephen Herron.

While Michigan State holds a slim margin in Crystal Balls, Michigan has received the last six, and Lorenz says he is close to putting in one for the good guys soon.

Michigan offers four-star linebacker

Last Sunday, Michigan jumped into the race for a four-star from Texas — linebacker David Gbenda. The 6-foot, 212-pounder has over 20 offers from major programs so far.

In an interview with TMI’s Brice Marich ($), Gbenda said he was “surprised and very happy” learning he had received a scholarship. “Michigan is a great school and good football wise,” Gbenda added.

New linebackers coach Al Washington has taken the lead on this recruitment. Washington hopes to overtake local favorite Texas in this battle. Gbenda says he is looking to visit Michigan soon.

Versatile play-maker receives Michigan offer

Three-star Wandale Robinson was excited to land a scholarship offer from Michigan on Friday.

“They don’t really have anyone on their roster that can do what I do. I could probably get on the field pretty early,” Robinson told TMI’s Steve Wiltfong ($).

The Kentucky all-purpose back has been insanely productive during his three years on varsity, rushing for over 2,000 yards twice in a season while scoring 85 touchdowns.

And it seems like Michigan already is in great standing with Robinson.

“I’d say they’re close to the top of the list right now,” he said. “If you go to Michigan and do what you’re supposed to do you’re going to get some looks.”

That concludes this week’s Michigan Recruiting Roundup. Make sure to come back next week, as recruiting really starts to heat up.