Michigan Recruiting Roundup: Positive developments with elite 2020 QB

Welcome into the Monday edition of Michigan Recruiting Roundup.

The Wolverines were on a bye, and it came at an opportune time in more ways than one. Jim Harbaugh, Josh Gattis, Don Brown, and other Michigan coaches were able to hit the recruiting trail and gain some traction with recruits coast to coast. However, this weekend, a lot of the focus was on the west coast and California in particular. The Wolverines dished out a handful of offers, and most importantly, may have gained some ground with a top QB in the 2020 class. Let’s roll.

Update on top 2020 QB

On Monday, Michigan offered four-star 2020 QB C.J. Stroud (Rancho Cucamonga, CA), and on Friday Jim Harbaugh was on hand for Stroud’s playoff game. Stroud’s team won 49-14 and he completed 16-of-25 passes for 290 yards and three touchdowns.

Harbaugh stayed for the duration of the game, something Stroud took note of in a post-game interview.

“I appreciate coach Harbaugh coming out, and I’m really going to look into their program,” Stroud said.

According to 247 Sports Greg Biggins ($), Stroud plans to visit Michigan on Dec. 7, which is a week after his visit to Oregon and a week before a visit to Ohio State. Some have Stroud pegged as an Ohio State commit but Biggins believes Stroud’s recruitment is very open at this time. Enter Michigan.

The 6-foot-2 QB is the No. 3 pro-style QB in the 2020 class and No. 133 player overall. Wherever Stroud decides to go, he’ll do so on early signing day next month and will be an early enrollee at the institution he chooses.

This is a fast developing situation and Michigan will have to really show what they have to offer in a short amount of time to land Stroud. Because of that, it was wise for Harbaugh to make an effort and get to Stroud’s game. The bye week came in handy. Also worth noting, 247 Sports said that Josh Gattis’ would be visiting Stroud as well over this past weekend, but there has been no update on that front at the time of this article being published.

Stroud will be playing in the All-American Bowl on Jan. 4, and we’ll know who he’ll be playing college ball for by then.

Michigan offers three-star RB

2021 three-star running back Byron Cardwell received a Michigan offer over the weekend.

The San Diego, CA (St. Augustine) product is currently ranked as the No. 30 RB in his class and No. 30 overall player in California. The 6-foot back projects as a power-runner and holds offers from UCLA, USC, Nebraska, and 11 other programs (including Michigan).

Michigan offers three-star WR

Michigan offered 2021 three-star wideout Titus Mokiao-Atimalala on Friday.

Mokiao-Atimalala has offers from Hawaii and Utah as well, but this number will continue to grow. The wideout is absolutely dominating the competition this season, hauling in 58 receptions for 1,082 yards and 17 touchdowns.

While Mokiao-Atimalala has been great on offense, he’s been tremendous as a safety as well, recording five defensive touchdowns this season.

“From what coach told me, they plan on switching it up and getting some receivers who can make plays. They want receivers who can go one on one,” Mokiao-Atimalala said.

It seems like Mokiao-Atimalala is a prime candidate to rise up recruiting rankings. As it stands currently, the 6-foot, 165 pound recruit is the No. 105 WR in the 2021 class and No. 5 player in Hawaii.