It was a very busy last few days for the Michigan football program, as it hosted its Victors Weekend recruiting event. The Wolverines hosted more than a dozen official visitors and a handful of unofficial visitors. It can be hard to keep track of all the news that happened, so get all the information you need about Victors Weekend in this detailed recap.
Commitments
Michigan earned two commitments from Victors Weekend...so far. The first was 2022 three-star running back CJ Stokes, who dropped his commitment on Saturday. The 5-foot-11, 190-pounder is from South Carolina, and the in-state Gamecocks had 100% of the crystal balls heading into the weekend.
However, the new staff under Shane Beamer did not re-affirm his offer when they were hired. There is some worry that if South Carolina does come around and start showing interest in Stokes again, he could flip easily, especially since his former head coach is currently on staff there. But Stokes took to Twitter to shut down those rumors in a refreshing bit of candor.
No bad feelings towards South Carolina or the staff there from me! But even if my offer was committable (and it was before), I wouldn’t have gone. I’m trying to leave home and build my own legacy. I wish South Carolina and the staff the best, much love!
— “ ” (@CapersStokes) June 20, 2021
The other verbal pledge came from 2022 in-state linebacker Aaron Alexander, who was a strong possibility to commit since he received his offer last week. Alexander impressed the coaches in multiple in-person workouts this month, where he ran consecutive 40-yard dashes in the 4.4 range.
He also attends Belleville, from where Michigan has struggled to get talent since Jim Harbaugh took over. Adding Ron Bellamy and Steve Clinkscale has gone a long way in repairing those in-state relationships and looks to continue down the road.
Additions and Subtractions
Big visit weekends like this will inevitably have some prospects who decide to cancel at the last minute or show up on campus as a surprise. Victors Weekend was no different, with a few differences from our visitors list posted before the weekend started.
- 2022 four-star wide receiver commit Tyler Morris made it up to campus to help recruit others to join him in the class.
- 2022 three-star offensive lineman Ashton Craig took an unofficial this weekend. He’s turning into a hot commodity on the trail, with Notre Dame also in pursuit. Craig is camping at Ohio State today and could also pick up an offer there soon.
- 2022 four-star athlete Dillon Tatum hopped over from West Bloomfield to take an unofficial visit as he continues to be one of Michigan’s top targets regardless of position.
- 2022 three-star quarterback Conner Harrell was up on campus on Sunday in a significant development after Nate Johnson committed to Utah. Harrell could easily turn into the top target at quarterback soon. He is making his commitment on July 4, so we’ll see where he ends up very soon.
- 2023 five-star defensive lineman Jayden Wayne and 2023 four-star safety Ta’Mere Robinson were on campus for unofficial visits. The staff has done a good job in getting elite 2023 talent to visit so far.
- 2022 four-star offensive lineman Lucas Heyer was slated to take an official visit, but opted to go to Stanford instead. For now, it looks like Michigan is on the outside looking in.
- 2022 four-star CB Marquis Groves-Killebrew set a visit but that was before Mo Linguist left the staff. There hasn’t been a definitive answer as to if he visited or not, but he hasn’t posted anything about it so it seems unlikely.
Crystal Balls
The Wolverines received only two commitments from players on campus, but the opinion by recruiting analysts is they jumped in front for several prospects.
- 2022 three-star athlete Dillon Bell received five predictions for Michigan, including from Director of Football Recruiting Steve Wiltfong and a Baylor insider who flipped his pick.
- 2022 four-star safety D’Arco Perkins-McAllister also received a prediction from Wiltfong. His crystal balls are now split between Michigan and Tennessee.
- 2022 four-star defensive lineman Justice Finkley was predicted to go to Michigan by Sam Webb following his visit. This would be a huge win on the trail, beating out Alabama for the southern prospect.
- 2022 three-star offensive lineman Alessandro Lorenzetti had six picks come in for Michigan from Wiltfong and Sam Webb. Michigan took the lead over Michigan State, who had the only other prediction.
- 2022 four-star defensive end Mario Eugenio received three predictions on Monday morning after he announced on Twitter he would be committing July 5, a good sign for the school he just visited.
- 2022 three-star defensive lineman Deone Walker received his first prediction before the weekend from Midwest expert Allen Trieu, but picked up two more following the visit, including one from Webb. He and Eugenio are close friends, which is also helpful.
Social Media Reactions
Many of the prospects visiting took to social media to share their positive feelings about their trips. Here are some of the highlights:
2022 five-star defensive lineman Walter Nolen and his father:
#GOBLUE pic.twitter.com/nwhBVQbPo9
— BigWalter79 (@BigWalter79) June 19, 2021
2022 four-star defensive end Mario Eugenio:
In the big house pic.twitter.com/5sNgGdiMyI
— Mario J Eugenio 2️⃣4️⃣ (@MEugenioJ) June 20, 2021
This is another duo to be watched out for @deonewalker51 pic.twitter.com/fwvc9Tnhm5
— Mario J Eugenio 2️⃣4️⃣ (@MEugenioJ) June 18, 2021
2022 four-star safety D’Arco Perkins-McAllister:
Bro michigan was crazy lit #Goblue pic.twitter.com/HDuuo72rNh
— ₁ % (@DarcoPerkins) June 21, 2021
2022 three-star athlete Dillon Bell:
Great visit with Michigan! #Goblue pic.twitter.com/8OglPhJkra
— Dillon Bell (@dillonbell6_) June 20, 2021
Mother of 2022 four-star defensive lineman Justice Finkley:
Boss Baby Jersey and @CoachJim4UM taking a moment during Big Brother’s OV to play and discuss how Michigan is going to beat Ohio State pic.twitter.com/41lxD7ElfF
— Dr. April Finkley (@aprilPINKie) June 20, 2021
2022 three-star defensive end Joseph Adedire:
Mannn great time at Michigan. The love is for real out there!!! #GoBlue @CoachRyanOsborn @itsprime8 @SummitFB @CoachLaborte pic.twitter.com/yttbcIdIk8
— Joseph Adedire (@JoAdedire) June 21, 2021
2022 three-star defensive end Joshua Josephs:
Loving 〽️ichigan so far‼️
— Bees❤️ (@joshuajosephs2) June 18, 2021