Hey hey, everybody, and welcome to the Wednesday Michigan Recruiting Roundup.
Big Ten Media Days have come and gone, but recruiting never stops, and we’ve got some updates for you today all across the football landscape.
Let’s jump right in.
2019 4-star DE decommits from U-M
If you haven’t heard yet, 2019 4-star defensive end Stephen Herron Jr. decommitted from the Wolverines on Monday and instantly committed to Stanford.
He had his mind made up before Monday, however, telling 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong on Sunday: “I knew after getting early admitted I couldn’t pass up that opportunity.”
If you are a Michigan fan and are worried about this decommitment — don’t be.
Yes, it sucks a top 100 player decided to flip to another program, but defensive line is not only a strength on the team currently, but also the 2019 class even after Herron Jr.’s decommitment.
With 5-star defensive end Chris Hinton, 4-star defensive tackle Mazi Smith, 4-star defensive end David Ojabo and 3-star defensive end Gabe Newburg, Michigan is well off on the defensive line in this class.
And guess what? The Wolverines are still in it for 5-star defensive end Zach Harrison AND 4-star defensive end George Karlaftis (Purdue commit).
Don’t let this decommitment discourage you from this recruiting class. The Wolverines still have the ninth-best 2019 class and are still after some elite talent. This is nowhere nearly as heartbreaking as Otis Reese’s flip on Signing Day this past February, so don’t sweat this one.
2020 4-star WR looking to visit Michigan after being offered
Now, on to some better news.
Josh Jackson, a 2020 4-star wide receiver, was offered by the Michigan Wolverines earlier this summer, and he told TMI’s Sam Webb ($) the Wolverines are going to be getting a visit from him at some point.
“I was extremely ecstatic knowing I just got offered by The University of Michigan,” Jackson said. “I’m very interested in making an unofficial visit to meet the staff, see the school and become familiar with the environment. One thing I know about Michigan is that it’s big time football, so I’m excited to get out there and see what it’s about.”
The Harbor City, California native isn’t sure when he will visit, but it’s good news for Michigan to hear he is already high on the program. He has offers from USC, UCLA, Oregon, Florida and Arizona State, so this recruitment seems to just be getting started.
2020 4-star RB admits Michigan is one of his top schools
Iowa native Gavin Williams is a talented 4-star running back in the 2020 class and the top-ranked player in his state.
With just four offers to his name, his recruitment is really just beginning, but one of those four offers is from the University of Michigan. He admitted to TMI’s Brice Marich ($) the Wolverines are one of his favorites as of now.
“I’m interested in Michigan,” Williams said. “It’s one of my top schools. I like the campus a lot and the coaching staff.”
The 6-foot-, 195-pounder plans on visiting Michigan, along with Iowa, in the future.
2020 ATH sets visit for BBQ at the Big House
LaMareon James, a 5-foot-10 and 170-pound athlete from the state of Virginia, was also offered a scholarship from Michigan this summer, and he is planning on visiting Saturday for the BBQ at the Big House, as he told Marich ($).
“Yeah, very soon (I’ll be visiting),” James said. “I’m supposed to be visiting July 28. I hope to tour the whole campus and I would like to learn more about the school.”
James holds other offers from Virginia Tech, Maryland, Morgan State, North Carolina and Virginia. He does not have any other visits set up as of now, which is solid news for the Wolverines; they will get their shot to impress him and give him something to think about moving forward.
Well, that’s all, folks! We’ll be back on Friday for another recruiting roundup! You won’t want to miss it with the Big House BBQ scheduled for Saturday...