:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66004459/1185045192.jpg.0.jpg)
After getting the opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas last week, I’m just as glad to say Happy New Year to all of you Maize n Brew readers out there! Even though the calendar has just flipped to 2020, that cycle’s recruiting class is just about finished. However, Jim Harbaugh and staff are still looking to make some final additions while also working toward their 2021 class.
Michigan targeting SEC defensive back
Even though four-star Darion Green-Warren is all but wrapped up for the Maize and Blue, it hasn’t stopped the coaches from monitoring other potential defensive backs for 2020. One guy they’re in contact with, per The Michigan Insider’s Steve Lorenz, is three-star Donovan Kaufman, a Vanderbilt commit ($).
Kaufman, who is from Louisiana, is listed as a safety on 247Sports, but measures 5-foot-9, 195 pounds, which is more of a cornerback size to me.
According to Kaufman, one of Michigan’s best recruiters has been reaching out: “I’ve been in contact with (Partridge),” Kaufman said. “Nothing major at this point, but they have been in consistent contact.”
The three-star committed to Vanderbilt back in June, but has yet to sign with the school. He committed to the Commodores over offers from Florida State, Colorado, Boston College and others.
2021 three-star WR says Michigan leads
In early December, the Michigan coaches spent a lot of time on the road visiting players they evaluated after the high school football season ended. One of the players they liked enough to offer was California three-star wide receiver Devin Kirkwood, out of powerhouse Junipero Serra.
TMI’s Brice Marich caught up with Kirkwood to hear his thoughts, which were extremely positive ($).
“I was super happy because I really like the school. Receiving the Michigan offer was minding blowing for me,” Kirkwood said. “I felt like all my days of working hard toward mastering my craft on the field and off the field was paying off. My dreams of playing college football on a big stage was really coming true.”
When asked if Michigan led for his services at this juncture, Kirkwood simply said, “Yeah.”
Michigan joins Arizona, Arizona State, Notre Dame, Oregon State, USC, Utah and others in offering the 6-foot-3, 175-pound receiver.
Pair of four-star LBs are feeling the love from Michigan
The Michigan staff is really letting their desire show for two of their top targets at the linebacker position in 2021. The first, North Carolina four-star Jack Hollifield, told TMI’s Marich that Chris Partridge has been hot on his tail ($).
“I text coach Partridge a lot and he came by the school a couple weeks ago. They just say they really like me and that they want to keep building a relationship with me,” Hollifield said. “I love coach Partridge. He is definitely one of my favorite coaches that recruit me. He’s just a dude I can talk to easily and I feel like he’s always real with me.”
Hollifield said he’s not sure if he’ll return to Ann Arbor over the offseason, but will “probably make it back up to a game this fall.”
Marich also learned in-state four-star Jamari Buddin is looking to make a visit back to campus much sooner than that ($).
After visiting campus a few times this season, Buddin says that “I do plan on visiting this off-season. I just have to work something out on when.”
With 100 percent of the crystal balls to Michigan, it looks like a commitment could come at any time for the blue chip prospect. At 6-foot-2 and 193 pounds, the coaches are looking at him as a potential Viper down the road.
That wraps up the first Recruiting Roundup of the New Year! I hope 2020 treats you all well and brings many victories on and off the field for Michigan.