Thursday Recruiting Roundup: U-M’s latest commit is blazing fast

Happy Thursday, and welcome to another Michigan Recruiting Roundup!

We’ve got updates all across the board today, from the offensive line to the defensive backfield. Let’s get to it!

U-M’s newest commit reportedly runs a great 40-yard dash

If there is any glaring issue with the game of Michigan’s latest safety commit, 2021 three-star Rod Moore, speed is not it. In fact, speed is one of his strongest traits, at least according to this head coach.

“The Pitt coaches were calling my phone saying, ‘Hey, is this a good kid?’ “ Moore’s high school coach Tony Broering told the Detroit Free Press. “And I was like, ‘Yeah, he’s a great kid, why?’ ‘Well, he just ran a 4.38. We’ve never had a kid do that, so we want to offer him.’ That’s how fast the kid is.”

According to that Freep story, he also apparently ran a 6.99 60-meter dash and a 22.17 200-meter dash. That is when schools like Michigan came knocking on his door, as well as seeing his coverage abilities on film.

“I think that was what got him so many offers,” Broering said. “When coaches started really watching his film and they saw how he can do that. We played him a little bit at corner this year, too. But the position that he plays for us, if we are stunting, he’s the cover guy.

Guys in recent past like Tyree Kinnel and Josh Metellus were nice players, but they never could cover the speedier wide receivers. It’s a necessity in today’s era of college football, and it appears Michigan’s staff is addressing this. They already have a guy in Daxton Hill who can do it all, so it’s good to see this trend continue in Michigan recruiting.

Moore, who is the No. 390 overall player in the class, is Michigan’s highest rated defensive recruit in the class.

Harbaugh, Shoop check in with CB/S

Jim Harbaugh and safeties coach Bob Shoop had a video call with 2021 three-star defensive back Ryan Barnes and his family on Wednesday.

“It was great. My family and I had a great conversation with them,” Barnes told Maize n Brew. “We were just checking in with them, and my brother (2022 defensive back Bryce Barnes) was on (the call) with me as well.

“(My parents) love the school, as well as the coaches. The relationships they have gotten the chance to build have been amazing.”

As Maize n Brew reported Tuesday, Barnes plans to make a commitment later this summer, whether he is able to take visits or not. He also told us after his virtual visit with Michigan on Wednesday that he also doesn’t plan to release a list of his top schools.

“I’m not going to do a top schools list, and I am looking to make a decision before the season or whenever it feels right,” Barnes said.

The 6-foot-2, 180-pounder from Gaithersburg, Maryland may only be a three-star, but he holds a national offer sheet, including Clemson, Oklahoma, Penn State, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Florida State, Notre Dame, LSU, Oregon, USC and more.

Barnes is a top target for the Wolverines in the 2021 class. They also offered his brother Bryce last month, who was also on Wednesday’s call. Michigan sits in a good spot with Ryan, and will likely continue to keep up with him as the in-person dead period continues.

New OT target’s father a big fan of U-M

As Maize n Brew recruiting writer Jon Simmons wrote about on Tuesday’s Roundup, one of Michigan’s newest targets at offensive tackle in 2021 is three-star Thomas Cole. The 6-foot-7, 255-pounder from San Luis Obispo, California received his Michigan offer May 8, and pretty much immediately made it known he wants to visit Ann Arbor.

When that will happen is still to be determined due to the pandemic, but one thing is for sure is his dad will join him, as The Michigan Insider’s Brice Marich ($) reported.

“We will be there as soon as we can,” Mr. Cole said. “We did a couple unofficial visits to Cal, Oregon State and UCLA. We have a few other schools we would like to visit as well.”

Cole’s father went on to say his son being offered by Michigan was “amazing” and he’s “always been a fan of the Michigan brand of football.” And when it comes to the distance, Mr. Cole said it isn’t going to factor into his son’s recruitment, and he and his family will go to every game, home and away, no matter what.

This is all very welcoming to hear. After missing out on top tackle targets Caleb Tiernan and David Davidkov, Ed Warinner has Michigan in a solid position with a really good backup plan. From the sounds of it, the Wolverines seem to have a pretty decent chance here.

That’s all for this week! Come back Tuesday for another Recruiting Roundup.