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Last week was a good one for Michigan football recruiting, and the Wolverines are looking to add more pieces to their class sooner rather than later. Another in-state target included Michigan in his top list and a new commit is helping recruit more elite players to Ann Arbor, all in this week’s Recruiting Roundup.
Top in-state target includes Michigan in final group
Michigan recruiting is scorching hot in-state right now, and the team is looking to capitalize with another local stud in West Bloomfield four-star Dillon Tatum. The Wolverines look good in his recruitment with 100% of the crystal balls, but they look even better now that they’ve made Tatum’s final four schools.
Joining Michigan in Tatum’s quartet of finalists is Michigan State, Baylor and Notre Dame. While the Spartans are certainly a threat because of their proximity, Baylor has quietly been doing well in this recruitment as well.
Still, Michigan looks to be head and shoulders above the rest. Tatum hasn’t set a decision date yet, but he could decide very soon. If he doesn’t wait too long, you should expect him to be in the Wolverines’ class when it’s all said and done.
Mo Linguist and Will Johnson working on top-100 safety
In Thursday’s Recruiting Roundup, Von Lozon recapped Will Johnson and Mo Linguist teaming up for a Zoom call with 2022 three-star cornerback Myles Pollard. According to The Michigan Insider’s Steve Lorenz, the duo went to work again on another target, this time Texas 2022 four-star safety Chace Biddle ($).
After Johnson committed, Linguist got in contact with Biddle to tout the news. Per Lorenz, Johnson also spoke with the top 100 safety about playing together.
Despite this dynamic duo, it still looks like Biddle will be a tough pull from the Lone Star State. Oklahoma holds 100% of the crystal balls, but it’s not implausible to think the Wolverines are sitting second.
It’s been quite the ascension for the Wolverines since they just offered Biddle on Jan. 30, and it’s all due to Linguist.
Josh Gattis pushing for elite 2023 wide receiver
While the 2022 recruiting cycle just started, offensive coordinator Josh Gattis is working on some 2023 targets as well. Per TMI’s Sam Webb, one prospect high on the board is Florida four-star Jalen Brown ($).
The Miami speedster is ranked as the No. 3 wide receiver and No. 22 prospect overall in his class, in part thanks to a scorching 10.74 second time in the 100 meters. He had a Zoom call with Gattis last week that went well according to Brown’s athletic director, Ira Childress.
“Gattis expressed that they really want Jalen and laid out what Michigan brings to the table, not only from a football standpoint, but from an education standpoint too,” Childress said. “Jalen’s dad obviously was really receptive to that. And then (Gattis) just talked about how he sees Jalen. He’s so excited because he feels like Jalen hasn’t scratched the surface of his potential. (Gattis) loves his speed.”
Moving forward, Michigan plans to have Jim Harbaugh hop on a call with Brown as well, which shows their seriousness. Also helping Michigan’s case is Brown’s dad.
“Whether that be (Desmond Howard) or his dad...there’s a Michigan connection there. His dad came on the phone and told Gattis, ‘hey, I’m a Michigan fan. I’ve been a Michigan fan,’” Childress said.
Brown is going to have every school going after him, so this will be a tough battle. But Michigan is certainly laying the groundwork to stay competitive throughout his recruitment.
That concludes this week’s Michigan Recruiting Roundup! Come back again soon for more recruiting news and updates.