Michigan Wolverines: Football Recruiting
The Wolverines have climbed the ESPN class rankings all the way to the No. 1 spot. The 2014 class for Michigan is off to a stellar start, but a lot will need to happen for the maize and blue to keep their position atop the rankings.
Here is a look at a timeline of the ascent to the top and what the coaching staff will need to do to stay there.
Michigan class rankings
Here is a look at a timeline of the ascent to the top and what the coaching staff will need to do to stay there.
Michigan class rankings
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Every Thursday our writers sit down to talk about three issues related to Michigan athletics. Today, they take a look at former Michigan football greats, the potential of 2014 prospects and a wild card question about baseball.
1. If you could stick any one Michigan football player from the last decade onto the 2013-14 team, who would it be?
1. If you could stick any one Michigan football player from the last decade onto the 2013-14 team, who would it be?
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The stuff of 2013 signee Wyatt Shallman's life seems like that of a tall tale, not what stereotypically would be the life of the No. 1 fullback in the nation.
There was that time as a toddler when his family was living in Singapore but vacationing in Queensland, Australia, when -- having just learned to walk -- he sprinted down the beach between the rough surf and crocodile-infested swamps only to be found 200 meters later, unharmed and laughing.
In elementary school, he once caught a 10-pound bass using nothing more than a Spiderman fishing rod and a Lifesaver candy.
There was that time as a toddler when his family was living in Singapore but vacationing in Queensland, Australia, when -- having just learned to walk -- he sprinted down the beach between the rough surf and crocodile-infested swamps only to be found 200 meters later, unharmed and laughing.
In elementary school, he once caught a 10-pound bass using nothing more than a Spiderman fishing rod and a Lifesaver candy.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
The Weekly Update is a look into Michigan recruiting:
PARRKER WESTPHAL
Michigan fans have been patiently waiting for something new with defensive back Parrker Westphal's (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook) recruitment. Westphal and his family are taking their time to make sure he makes the best possible decision, but it sounds like there might be some movement with his process soon.
PARRKER WESTPHAL
Michigan fans have been patiently waiting for something new with defensive back Parrker Westphal's (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook) recruitment. Westphal and his family are taking their time to make sure he makes the best possible decision, but it sounds like there might be some movement with his process soon.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Jabrill Peppers (Paramus, N.J./Paramus Catholic), the No. 2 prospect in the country, has set his decision date.
The No. 1 defensive back will make his decision live on ESPNU on May 26. With almost every program in the country targeting the talented prospect, Peppers has narrowed his list down to LSU, Notre Dame, Michigan, Penn State, Rutgers and Stanford.
He still plans on taking his visit to Penn State on May 18, and has already been out to Michigan, LSU and Ohio State. There might still be a surprise visit in store before the announcement as well. The five-star prospect has turned heads with his play on the field and will undoubtedly be a game changer for whichever school he picks.
WolverineNation Mailbag: Fantastic foe 
May, 15, 2013
May 15
10:20
AM ET
By
Chantel Jennings | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- We’re halfway through May, Michigan’s 2014 class has nine of 16 (likely) commits. I’d say the glass is half full for Wolverine fans at this point. So with that attitude, let’s go into this week’s mailbag, which has a lot of fun and interesting questions to ponder.
Next week, Mike will take care of the mailbag so send your questions in to him (@mikerothstein, michaelrothsteinespn@gmail.com). But now, on to this week’s questions…
1. Zach Myles, Long Island: If you had a chance to schedule a future football home-and-home series, who would it be against and why?
Next week, Mike will take care of the mailbag so send your questions in to him (@mikerothstein, michaelrothsteinespn@gmail.com). But now, on to this week’s questions…
1. Zach Myles, Long Island: If you had a chance to schedule a future football home-and-home series, who would it be against and why?
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Every Wednesday, WolverineNation will take a look at Michigan's week in recruiting in Tales From The Road.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Cornell's connection to coach runs deep
May, 15, 2013
May 15
9:00
AM ET
By
Chantel Jennings | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- More than a decade ago, Greg Mattison walked into St. Paul Cretin-Derham Hall High School when he was recruiting tight end Marcus Freeman to Notre Dame. In the next few months, it’s likely those two will run into each other again in those same hallways, where Freeman now works as an associate dean of students and assistant football coach.
This time, Mattison will be recruiting a different player -- 2015 defensive end Jashon Cornell -- to a different school, Michigan.
This time, Mattison will be recruiting a different player -- 2015 defensive end Jashon Cornell -- to a different school, Michigan.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Before Monday, Missouri City (Texas) Ridge Point 2015 linebacker Cameron Townsend had not heard from or spoken to anybody at Michigan.
As a result, he had no idea of the Wolverines' interest level in him. He found out on Monday.
As a result, he had no idea of the Wolverines' interest level in him. He found out on Monday.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
The injury to Jake Ryan affected a few positions along Michigan’s depth chart at linebacker, such as moving Brennen Beyer from defensive end, Desmond Morgan back to MIKE from WILL.
Michigan still has some needs that are being addressed in recruiting, so here is a look at the current depth chart with the strengths, weaknesses and what they mean in terms of recruiting.
Michigan still has some needs that are being addressed in recruiting, so here is a look at the current depth chart with the strengths, weaknesses and what they mean in terms of recruiting.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Despite signing six linebacker prospects between the 2012 and 2013 classes, Michigan still has opportunity for playing time with the incoming freshman class. Ben Gedeon (Hudson, Ohio/Hudson) and Mike McCray II (Trotwood, Ohio/Trotwood Madison) are both coming in with the mentality that they need to be ready to play.
“The coaches have said to be ready to play and make sure I stay in shape. There are a couple guys that have been hurt so they said there might be more opportunity to play early,” Gedeon said. “I really can’t say anything yet because I haven’t been able to get there and compete. After fall camp I’ll be able to see where I fit in and if I’m ready to play.”
Gedeon is likely slated for either Mike (middle linebacker or Will (weakside linebacker) depending on where he’s needed and what spot he picks up the quickest. Joe Bolden and Desmond Morgan are the returning players with experience at middle linebacker, and James Ross at weakside backer.
“The coaches have said to be ready to play and make sure I stay in shape. There are a couple guys that have been hurt so they said there might be more opportunity to play early,” Gedeon said. “I really can’t say anything yet because I haven’t been able to get there and compete. After fall camp I’ll be able to see where I fit in and if I’m ready to play.”
Gedeon is likely slated for either Mike (middle linebacker or Will (weakside linebacker) depending on where he’s needed and what spot he picks up the quickest. Joe Bolden and Desmond Morgan are the returning players with experience at middle linebacker, and James Ross at weakside backer.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
WolverineNation recruiting roundtable
May, 13, 2013
May 13
10:00
AM ET
By Chantel Jennings, Tom VanHaaren & Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Every other week our writers invite in an outside reporter to weigh in on Michigan recruiting topics. Today, Adam Rittenberg from the Big Ten blog stops by to chat.
1. Generally speaking, at which position at the college level is it “easiest” to contribute as a true freshman?
Adam Rittenberg: Running back and wide receiver are the two that jump out. Some freshman running backs aren't physically ready to be significant contributors, but running back and receiver are spots where freshmen can use their natural skills to get on the field. There's learning to do at both spots, but not like what you see at quarterback, linebacker or safety. Unless you're named Jadeveon Clowney, linemen usually need at least one full offseason in the program to have a chance to be a significant contributor.
1. Generally speaking, at which position at the college level is it “easiest” to contribute as a true freshman?
Adam Rittenberg: Running back and wide receiver are the two that jump out. Some freshman running backs aren't physically ready to be significant contributors, but running back and receiver are spots where freshmen can use their natural skills to get on the field. There's learning to do at both spots, but not like what you see at quarterback, linebacker or safety. Unless you're named Jadeveon Clowney, linemen usually need at least one full offseason in the program to have a chance to be a significant contributor.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
FRISCO, Texas -- Soso Jamabo (Plano, Texas/Plano West) would have liked to be a part of this weekend’s Nike EYBL series playing with the Texas Titans. With a sling on his right shoulder, however, the 2015 two-sport star was reduced to watching the Titans on the bench, offering instruction to teammates and being the team’s biggest supporter.
For the rest of the spring and most of the summer, Jamabo’s focus will be on rehabbing after undergoing shoulder surgery on April 30. Jamabo broke some bones and damaged some ligaments in his shoulder during a Texas Class 5A Division-I state quarterfinal playoff. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound athlete is expected to miss 6-10 weeks but is projected to return a couple of weeks before Plano West’s first scrimmage in August.
“It’s early in the process, but it’s going well,” Jamabo said of the rehab process. “I’m just trying to get the shoulder back to usual, if not better. Right now, I’m just doing basic stuff and keep everything as minimal as possible.”
Exactly what kind of football player will Plano West look to see back on the field? Jamabo’s first rush as a varsity player was against Flower Mound (Texas) Marcus on Aug. 31. It went for 12 yards. His second rush: A 75-yard touchdown run.
Since then, Soso has been ... well ... anything but.
Only the shoulder injury managed to slow the electrifying 2015 running back down. He rushed for a team-leading 1,697 yards and 24 touchdowns and also caught 20 passes for 453 yards -- an average of almost 23 yards per catch -- and four touchdowns. On the basketball court, Jamabo averaged 13.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 11 games.
For the rest of the spring and most of the summer, Jamabo’s focus will be on rehabbing after undergoing shoulder surgery on April 30. Jamabo broke some bones and damaged some ligaments in his shoulder during a Texas Class 5A Division-I state quarterfinal playoff. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound athlete is expected to miss 6-10 weeks but is projected to return a couple of weeks before Plano West’s first scrimmage in August.
“It’s early in the process, but it’s going well,” Jamabo said of the rehab process. “I’m just trying to get the shoulder back to usual, if not better. Right now, I’m just doing basic stuff and keep everything as minimal as possible.”
Exactly what kind of football player will Plano West look to see back on the field? Jamabo’s first rush as a varsity player was against Flower Mound (Texas) Marcus on Aug. 31. It went for 12 yards. His second rush: A 75-yard touchdown run.
Since then, Soso has been ... well ... anything but.
Only the shoulder injury managed to slow the electrifying 2015 running back down. He rushed for a team-leading 1,697 yards and 24 touchdowns and also caught 20 passes for 453 yards -- an average of almost 23 yards per catch -- and four touchdowns. On the basketball court, Jamabo averaged 13.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 11 games.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Marshall says decision was perfect timing
May, 11, 2013
May 11
3:32
PM ET
By
Tom VanHaaren | ESPN.com
It's been an interesting process for ESPN 150 prospect Lawrence Marshall (Southfield, Mich./Southfield). He made a commitment to Ohio State in February that lasted a few days, and is now a part of Michigan's 2014 class after committing to Michigan on a visit Saturday.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Michigan adds another ESPN 150 prospect
May, 11, 2013
May 11
11:46
AM ET
By
Tom VanHaaren | ESPN.com
With seven commitments in the ESPN 150, Michigan has been on a roll in the 2014 class. That continued Saturday as the Wolverines picked up their eighth ESPN 150 prospect.
Defensive end Lawrence Marshall (Southfield, Mich./Southfield) confirmed in a text message that he committed to Michigan while on a visit Saturday.
- Lawrence Marshall
- Defensive end
- 2014
- Committed: Michigan
| Pos Rk | Stars | Grade | Hometown |
| 12 | | 83 | Southfield, MI |
Many believed that the Spartans held the upper hand with Marshall, but Michigan had a secret weapon on its side. Wide receiver commit Maurice Ways (Beverly Hills, Mich./Country Day) has been friends with Marshall since middle school and put in some extra work to recruit his longtime friend to Michigan. Ways said at a recent camp that he believed his recruiting pitch to Marshall was working, and it turns out he was right.
The 6-foot-4, 230-pound prospect is likely a weakside defensive end at the next level. He has added good weight in recent months while maintaining his quickness off the line. He will add size and speed to Michigan's pass rush.
Marshall's commitment gives Michigan nine total commitments and two defensive line commits to go along with defensive tackle Bryan Mone (Salt Lake City/Highland). Michigan is being considered by some other top-ranked defensive line prospects and Marshall's commitment likely won't deter those efforts.
The overall No. 4-ranked prospect, Da'Shawn Hand (Woodbridge, Va./Woodbridge), still holds Michigan in his top group and is probably best suited at strong-side defensive end in college. His recruitment shouldn't be impacted by Marshall. The same goes for defensive tackle target Malik McDowell (Detroit/Loyola), who also holds Michigan very high on his list.
ABOUT WOLVERINE NATION
Michael Rothstein
Michael Rothstein joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the University of Michigan for AnnArbor.com, Notre Dame for the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Journal Gazette and a host of colleges for the Daily News-Record (Harrisonburg, Va.). A Syracuse graduate and an East Meadow, N.Y., native, he lives in Ann Arbor, Mich. He can be reached at michaelrothsteinespn@gmail.com.
Tom VanHaaren
Tom VanHaaren joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the University of Michigan for three years at MGoBlog.com. VanHaaren and his wife currently reside in Royal Oak, Mich. He can be reached at TomVHESPN@gmail.com.
Chantel Jennings
Chantel Jennings joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering University of Michigan athletics for three years at The Michigan Daily. Chantel graduated from the University of Michigan with degrees in English and Spanish and lives in Ann Arbor. She can be reached at jenningsespn@gmail.com.