Thursday, February 28, 2013
2014 Michigan DB targets
By Tom VanHaaren
Michigan landed six defensive backs in the 2013 class to help fill depth in the secondary. That means the Wolverines will be able to take a smaller number of defensive backs going forward and still have competition at each spot.
Here is a look at some of the targets for Michigan at defensive back for 2014:
Targets with offers:
2014 CB Parrker Westphal says West Virginia and Michigan are pursuing him the hardest.
Westphal has said numerous times that Michigan has set the standard for him when it comes to other schools. He does plan on taking his time with his recruitment, but it seems as though Michigan is in good shape. Landing the Watch List corner would be a big deal for Michigan because of his size and ability, so he is a main priority.
Adoree Jackson Gardena, Calif./Junipero Serra 5-10, 170 pounds
Jackson is originally from Illinois, so his California roots aren’t too deep. He only recently moved out West and plans on making it back to the Midwest in the summer. He has mentioned that he has high interest in Michigan, but it might be too early to tell how high that interest really is.
Nicholson is a talented safety prospect with a lot of interest across the country. He is still waiting the process out, but says Michigan is one of his top schools. He doesn’t let too much info out, but the Wolverines are right in the thick of it for Nicholson.
John “JuJu” Smith Long Beach, Calif./Long Beach Poly 6-2, 180 pounds
Smith is a dynamic athlete who plays offense and defense. He is a guy who coaches will say could be successful on either side in college. Smith has talked to the Michigan coaches about offense and defense if he were to come to Ann Arbor, and the Wolverines seem to have his interest early on.
Darius West Lima, Ohio/Lima Central Catholic 6-0, 185 pounds
West has been hearing from Michigan, but no offer yet. He’s an interesting prospect who seems to be on the verge of landing a few offers from various schools. He has decent size and is a Watch List prospect, but the interest level is just currently at medium right now.
Tim Cason Clarkston, Mich./Clarkston 6-0, 179 pounds
Cason has offers from Bowling Green, Toledo and Western Michigan so far, but could see his offer list rise soon. He is likely a prospect who will benefit from hitting national camps over the summer to compete against top competition. He has good measurables at 6-0, 179 and might be a guy who gets interest in the near future.
Embry is another local kid who has good size and is on the bubble of where his recruitment is and could be. He holds offers from Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan and Toledo, but much like Cason could see the list increase. He will also benefit from hitting the camp circuit over the summer, and also plans on visiting Michigan on March 10 to get more familiar with the program.
