Tuesday Recruiting Roundup: Michigan continuing contact with top-100 targets

Well, even if the Big Ten cancels its college football season this fall, there will at least still be some activity related to Michigan: recruiting! Michigan has whittled its 2021 board down to a select few targets, which has allowed the Wolverines to contact them frequently during the dead period. Here’s the latest on a handful of these guys.

Lack of visits could help with in-state DT

The importance of landing 2021 four-star defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny continues to grow as Michigan seeks to land an in-state blue chipper at a major position of need. Luckily, Benny’s proximity to Ann Arbor allowed him to take an unofficial visit with his mother recently. The Michigan Insider’s Sam Webb spoke with Regina McClain, Benny’s mom, about her son’s recruitment ($).

“We rolled around some of the dorms, some of the different school programs, and went around to the actual stadium. Everything was nice,” McClain said.

Besides Michigan, Benny has only been able to visit two other schools in his top eight, Michigan State and Penn State. Originally, Benny didn’t want to commit without seeing his other choices, but that will probably have to change.

“If it comes down to it (and) we can’t do visits, I think I will feel comfortable,” McCain said. “Obviously, I would want to probably do a lot more Zoom meetings and everything with the schools. And just try to get as much information and everything as possible.”

If Benny has to make a decision without making any more visits, this will unquestionably help Michigan out. It still looks like Benny is going to take his time with his decision, but having his mom on the side of Michigan will also play a big role down the stretch.

Michigan not giving up on five-star OT

While the Wolverines missed out on long-time target Rocco Spindler last weekend, they’re still shooting their shot with 2021 five-star tackle Nolan Rucci as they look to finish up their offensive line class.

TMI’s Steve Lorenz reported the Michigan coaches threw Rucci a virtual 18th birthday party over Zoom last Thursday ($).

Ed Warinner is the lead recruiter for Rucci, who has Michigan in his top nine schools. Wisconsin has been gaining steam with Rucci for a while, and Penn State and Clemson have always been near the top as well. But Michigan will keep chipping away until he tells them no.

Coaches speak with nation’s No. 2 TE

Another top 100 prospect that received a call from the Michigan coaches on Thursday was 2021 four-star tight end Thomas Fidone.

According to TMI’s Lorenz, Sherrone Moore hopped on a call with Fidone, who has been consistent in his contact with the Wolverines ($).

Michigan surged in Fidone’s recruitment earlier in the dead period, but faded in recent weeks. He has an unofficial trip scheduled to LSU coming up soon. He has been trying to get one to Ann Arbor in the works as well, but hasn’t been able to fit it into his schedule. Until that happens, it looks like it will be either LSU or Nebraska.

Top safety target hears from Michigan staff

Thursday was a busy recruiting day for the Michigan coaches, as they spoke to at least one more of their top targets that day. This time it was Bob Shoop calling 2021 three-star safety Daymond David, per TMI’s Lorenz ($).

David is thought to be an Oklahoma lean, but the Sooners are in for a handful of other defensive backs and numbers could get tight there.

In good news for Michigan, David has developed a friendship with a few young Michigan players from the area, including Blake Corum, Osman Savage and RJ Moten. Those relationships could end up helping Michigan out here in the long run.

That concludes this week’s Recruiting Roundup at Maize n Brew! Come back again soon for more Michigan recruiting news and updates.