Michigan Monday Crootin’ looks at Notre Dame visitors on the fence between Wolverines and Irish

Anytime Michigan and Notre Dame play, expect a big recruiting weekend from the host. This past one was no different.

Brian Kelly and his recruiting staff invited dozens of prospects, including many considering both the Fighting Irish and the Wolverines.

Many pledges reacted with understandable awe from the environment.

“The game day atmosphere was unreal,” 2020 4-star defensive tackle Cole Brevard said to 247 Sports ($). “From the tailgating to the actual game!”

100 percent of his crystal balls on 247 are actually pointing toward Oregon at the moment. He visited Ann Arbor for the Michigan BBQ in July, so the No. 1 prospect in the state of Indiana has the Maize and Blue on his radar.

“I’ve been to plenty of Notre Dame games,” 4-star defensive end Bryce Mostella said, “but this one had a crazy feeling in the air.”

All insiders expect the 2020 Michigander to pledge to Michigan, but his continued interest in Notre Dame, especially after a big win, gives pause.

Other heavily-contested recruits that visited include 2020 4-stars in linebacker Kalel Mullings and defensive end Braiden McGregor, as well as 2021 offensive linemen Garrett Dillinger and Damon Payne.

Arizona duo heading to AA soon

Michigan hasn’t secured a commitment from the Cactus State since Craig Roh and Taylor Lewan in 2008. Another 4-star duo may be on its way.

Running back Bijan Robinson and safety Lathan Ransom of Salpointe Catholic (Tucson, Ariz.) announced their intentions to officially visit Ann Arbor for the Southern Methodist game Sept. 15.

Ransom is a newly-minted 4-star, while his teammate ranks No. 36 in the 247 Composite.

“What I like about Michigan is coach Jay Harbaugh,” Robinson said to 247 Sports, “He was the man and was just telling me things straight up. I like how he really got to know me and was easy to talk to since he’s a younger coach.”

“The Michigan offer was big,” Ransom said to Maize n Brew at the time of his offer. “I was at school when I got a text from my coach to call the recruiting director at Michigan and we talked for a little bit and he was excited to tell me that they had offered me. I was extremely excited and thought it was an honor.”

Stanford currently leads for Ransom, while Robinson is sifting through several dozen offers, including Alabama, LSU and Southern California.

Don’t forget to check out our own Jonathan Simmons’ Friday Night Recaps for the full scope of Michigan commitments every week.