Michigan Recruiting Roundup: The latest on five-star forward Greg Brown

Right after the second 2020 signing day was wrapped up, the recruiting calendar entered another dead period that will last until March. Given that fact, there hasn’t been too much news on the football front, but basketball recruiting is heating up. We’ve got some stories about both sports in today’s roundup, so let’s get to it.

Howard vying for national top 10 player

Michigan basketball coach Juwan Howard took advantage of the huge rivalry game Saturday to host some elite talent on campus, including the No. 1 power forward in the 2020 class, Greg Brown. Prior to the game, Brown’s dad spoke frankly with The Michigan Insider’s Sam Webb about his son’s recruitment ($).

“Greg has been knowing Juwan since he was in sixth grade,” Mr. Brown said. “My brother runs the Nightrydas (AAU) organization out of Miami.”

Howard leveraged that connection to reach out this summer, connecting quickly with Brown’s father.

“Juwan called me right after Peach Jam (in July). He was hesitant on calling because he had (seen) we had already got to our final five, which included North Carolina at the time. I said, ‘man, regardless of the situation, a closed mouth don’t get fed.’ I gave him the analogy of the bad chick in the club. You can’t get the bad chick in the club if you don’t ever open your mouth and say nothing to her.”

Soon, North Carolina was dropped because it did “a horrible job recruiting Greg,” allowing Michigan to slide in for an official visit. By all accounts, the weekend went well with the huge win on the court.

However, it may take some outside help to get Brown to Michigan. Shaka Smart at Texas has really stood out to the Browns so far, and the Longhorns look to be leading this race. But if Smart were to be fired after another tournament miss, it would open this recruitment back wide open. Maybe Howard can grab both Brown and Luke Yaklich if that were to transpire.

Three-star DT looking to visit in spring

Michigan has never made a huge presence in South Carolina, but sent out a rare offer to a player in the state recently. 2021 three-star defensive tackle Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins received the honor, telling TMI’s Brice Marich about his feelings toward the program ($).

“I was on the phone with coach Nua and he told me. I was really surprised. I was just thinking about all the people they put in the pros,” Ingram-Dawkins said.

While his recruitment in Michigan is still in the early stages, the 6-foot-4.5, 265-pounder is already impressed by Nua, saying, “He’s a great person. We are building that relationship.”

Ingram-Dawkins said he plans on visiting in April, although it is “not set yet.” The Gamecocks hold the lone crystal ball prediction right now.

In-state four-star PG receives offer

The 2021 basketball class is strong in Michigan, and the staff handed out their second offer to a local player on Saturday to four-star point guard Jaden Akins. Akins was on campus to watch the Michigan State game, speaking with TMI’s Marich about what the offer means to him ($).

“Coach Howard told me that they wanted to offer me and I was just in shock,” said Akins. “It was an exciting feeling. He just said he felt like I could be a special player and he would love to develop me. It came after the game.”

Even before the offer, Michigan looked strong, but now it only elevated their standing more. “They are definitely high on my list,” Akins said. “I like their style of play. Yes, I do feel my play making and shot creating can help that style.”

Michigan State has the only crystal ball pick right now, but that could soon switch to Michigan in a heartbeat. Akins says he plans on making a decision during his senior season.

Three-star Ohio WR receives offer

Let’s switch back to football for one last offer. This time it is 2021 three-star wide receiver Markus Allen who was the recipient. While the Wolverines didn’t put too much emphasis on Ohio in 2020, they have a good shot with Allen, who attends Clayton Northmont, the same school as 2019 signee Gabe Newburg.

“My reaction was I was speechless honestly. I got off the phone and was filled with emotions with my mother,” Allen said to TMI’s Marich ($). “My mom was excited for me. She was just talking to me about the recruiting process. Was very excited for my accomplishment and the offer.”

Clearly Allen means what he is saying, as he already is planning multiple visits up to Ann Arbor.

“Yes I plan on visiting Michigan sometime in March after the dead period is over,” Allen said. “I (also) plan on going up on April the 18th.”

Allen’s recruitment has been heating up lately, with offers from Michigan State, Pitt, Cincinnati and more coming recently. It seems Michigan will be able to grab him if it wants.

That’s it for this edition of the Tuesday Michigan Recruiting Roundup. Come back again soon to get your latest fill of Michigan football and basketball recruiting news.