Class of 2010: Drew Dileo verbals to Michigan

Michigan just landed a verbal from Louisiana slot prospect Drew Dileo.  Here  is what I have on Dileo in my database:

Drew Dileo     WR/DB/RB    5′10     175      4.50     Baton Rouge Parkview Baptist  Louisiana

Verbal:  Michigan

Offers:  MICH, STAN, TULANE, RICE

Junior Rankings/Honors:  42-Juniors-Louisiana (February 2009;  Dandy Don);  1-LSWA-3A-AS (RET);  1-Baton Rouge Advocate-3A-2A-1A-Metro (KR)

One of the top skill athletes in Louisiana………..He committed to Michigan in April………………Junior starter at RB and CB, and he had 102 carries for 760 yards (7.5ypc) and 9 TDs, 21 receptions for 315 yards and 4 TDs, averaged 42.2 yards on 10 KRs and had 237 yards in punt returns……………….Sophomore starter at RB and CB on a strong 15-0 3A team and he had 87 carries for 540 yards (6.2ypc) and 4 TDs, 17 receptions for 305 yards and 3 TDs, and had 154 yards in PRs and 657 yards (31.3 avg) in KRs……..He was the MVP of the 2007 Class 3A state championship game…………. Projected sophomore starter at DB on a 7-4 3A team…………….Best projects as a slot or CB in college…………….Really excels in space with his great quickness and elusiveness.  Does a great job of making people miss.  Very athletic.  Just a slippery player and also very tough.  Also an exciting return man……………Great character……………. 3.75 GPA, 20 ACT……………Also stars in baseball………………Michigan his childhood fave

Class of 2010: Michigan lands Texan Tony Drake

Sometimes commitments happen out-of-the-blue.  So it was whn Dallas Skyline junior all-purpose-back committed to Michigan earlier today.  He is yet another slotback who should be an idel fit into Michigan’s offensive scheme.

Here is some info on the latest Michigan verbal commitment, Tony Drake.

Tony Drake WR/RB 5′9 170 4.35 Dallas Skyline Texas Michigan

Offers: Michigan

2007 honors: 2-District 11-5A (WR)

One of the top junior all-purpose backs in Texas………….As a junior back-up RB to senior James White (Iowa State signee), he was second on the team in rushing with 55 carries for 429 yards (7.8ypc) and 3 TDs. He added 7 receptions for 73 yards………..As a sophomore starter at WR he was a second team All-district choice and had 260 yards receiving……………Skyline’s second and third-leading receivers, juniors Mike Davis (469 yards, 4 TDs) and Tony Drake (260 yards) are back as well…………..5ATexasFootball.com: “Several backfield weapons return in addition to Hall and Frazier. Senior RB James White (5’9 175), junior RB-LB Domonique Patterson, and junior all-purpose talent Tony Drake (5’9 165) combined for 1,857 rushing yards and 30 rushing touchdowns last season. White and Hampton combined for the majority of that production. All of the Skyline backs are good receivers out of the backfield. Junior Mike Davis (6’1 170) led Skyline in receiving as a sophomore and is a dangerous deep threat. Last season, Davis averaged 20.4 yards per reception. Junior Tony Drake, mentioned above, was Skyline’s second leading receiver a year ago. Drake combined for 605 rushing and receiving yards as a sophomore, and averaged 10.5 yards per touch. Senior Jonathan Rivers is another returning letterman that should make a contribution. A real burner.”………….Projects as a slotback in college…………….. Overshadowed by several D-I prospects at Skyline, including receivers Mike Davis (LSU) and Joe Powell (Oklahoma), but a legit big-time talent……………Vype Top 20 DFW Metroplex RBs (Summer 2008): “13. Tony Drake, Skyline The Raiders are in a situation where they are producing multiple Division I recruits each season, and Drake will be another. He only rushed for 300 yards last season, but remember again like White, he had limited opportunities because Skyline has so many talented skill players. Drake is another back with 4.4 speed.”

Class of 2010: University of Michigan Recruiting Update

It was a solid week-end for Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez and his staff as he pulled in three verbal commitments, from blue-chip quarterback Devin Gardner (albeit a somewhat silent verbal, the cat is out of the bag). And Ohioans D.J. Williamson and Antonio Kinard.

I’m not going to go into detail describing the Michigan verbals. Hard-core Michigan recruit-nicks already know pretty much all they need to know about them. Instead, I’m going to provide you with some analysis and facts that you will not find elsewhere. Here goes!

Early Verbals

First, we are going to take a look at the trend for more and more early verbals over the past few years. The recruiting process in college football is accelerating, and Michigan is following that trend, going from two to four to six early verbals the past three years at approximately the same time. Below is the breakdown.

March 16, 2009

Six early verbals: Devin Gardner (be he silent or public), Ricardo Milller, Jeremy Jackson, Jerald Robinson, D.J. Williamson and Antonio Kinard

April 1, 2008

Four early verbals: Will Campbell, Teric Jones, Isaiah Bell, J.T. Turner

April 7, 2008

Two early verbals: Boubacar Cissiko, Dann O’Neill

Early Offers

Now we are going to take a look at the reported verbals that Michigan has extended over the past three years. As you can see below, Michigan is well ahead of the then-record pace established by Coach Lloyd Carr and his staff during their final recruiting spring in 2007.

It’s also interesting to note how the new coaching staff obviously got off to a relatively slow start in extending offers a year ago. I would not be surprised to see the staff almost double last years early offer total by April 1.

March 16, 2009

Quartebacks 6

Running Backs 11

Wide Receivers 14

Tight Ends 2

Offensive Linemen 13

Defensive Linemen 12

Linebackers 14

Defensive Backs 15

Total 87

April 1, 2008

Quartebacks 6

Running Backs 8

Wide Receivers 9

Tight Ends 1

Offensive Linemen 7

Defensive Linemen 10

Linebackers 4

Defensive Backs 11

Total 56

April 7, 2008

Quartebacks 2

Running Backs 4

Wide Receivers 8

Tight Ends 7

Offensive Linemen 15

Defensive Linemen 5

Linebackers 17

Defensive Backs 13

Total 71

Re-establishing a Presence in Michigan

Landing Jeremy Jackson was to be expected as he is the son of Michigan assistant coach Fred Jackson.

The early decision on the part of Devin Gardner, however, was a pleasant surprise. Not only is he potentially the top overall prospect in the state, but he could well also be the top dual-threat QB in the nation, making him an ideal fit for Michigan’s spread offense.

The biggest bonus in landing Gardner is that as a marquee quarterback recruit he will be a magnet in helping to attract other in-state and some top out-of-state prospects to Michigan. Here are the in-state prospects either have already received a Michigan offer or who I believe have the best chances of eventually receiving an offer:

Robert Bolden QB/DB 6′3 191 4.61 Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Michigan

Bolden has a Michigan offer, however it is unlikely he will end up at Michigan with Gardner on board.

Austin White RB/DB 6′0 184 4.46 Livonia Stevenson Michigan

White is the most highly touted Rb in the state and runs with good speed and cutback ability. He has a Michigan offer, but two brothers attend his fathers’s alma mater, Michigan state. That beibng said, some feel that this could come down to a Michigan-Illinois battle. He is a good friend of Devin Gardner.

Nick Hill RB 5′7 179 4.38 Chelsea Michigan

Hill is a short but very quick, fast and powerful back who reminds some of Mike Hart. He runs with a low center of gravity and is a sprinter in track. Michigan has yet to offer but there have been rumblings that he could receive one either in the spring or during summer camp. If so, I would expect him to commit.

Tony Jones WR 5′11 162 4.52 Grand Blanc Michigan

Sleeper in-stater (at least to Michigan fans) who the coaching staff should evaluate. Played this past season with two of the top sophs in the state (Ryan Morley and Justice Hayes), so buildintg a relationship with him and the Grand Blanc coaching staff can’t hurt. He is very quick. As a junior he had 69 receptions for 1,065 yards and 7 TDs and 9 KRs for 414 yards and 1 TD. He visited Michigan for the Illinois game and already has offers from Northwestern and Indiana.

Kazeem “C.J.” Olaniyan TE/DL/LB 6′5 235 Warren Mott Michigan

Had a huge junior season and is a legit big-timer. Macomb County not known for putting out a lot of Michigan-caliber talent but it is the strongest year since the Allen Jefferson/Bud Gereg/John Vitale era for prospects out of Warren, and Kazeem is the best of the bunch.

Paul Jorgenson OL/DL 6′7 253 5.32 DeWitt Michigan

It is not a very good year for offensive linemen in Michigan, but Jorgenson is a legit high-level BCS prospect. The problem for the Wolverines is that he is from the Lansuing ara and may be tough to pry away from the Spartans.

William Gholston DL/TE 6′8 237 4.82 Detroit Southeastern Michigan

Gholston is arguably the top overall prospect in the state and a spending DE. He has a Michigan offer but is considered to be a strong Michigan State lean.

Johnathan Hankins DL/OL 6′3 326 5.10 Detroit Southeastern Michigan

Hankins isn’t quite the prospect as his teammate Gholston, however he is a real space-eater who could potentially earn himself an offer.

Austin Gray LB 6′2 203 4.60 Warren Fitzgerald Michigan

Another talentd prospect out of Warren who has yet to receive a Michigan offer but already has some solid Big Ten offers. He really likes Michigan, but how long is he willing to wait?

Ishmael Thomas LB 6′4 200 4.62 Detroit Renaissance Michigan

One of the top prospects out of the Detroit PSL is a bit on the raw side but is a tall, rangy and athletic ‘backer with a great frame that could easily add 30 pounds. Comes from a program with some stud underclassmen.

Dior Mathis CB 5′9 160 4.31 Detroit Cass Tech Michigan

The latest blue-chipper to emerge out of Cass Tech. He has an early Michigan offer and Michigan has made a push to emerge as the prohibitive favorite over former leader Miami and several others.

Daniel Easterly DB/WR/LB 6′5 193 4.40 Detroit Cass Tech Michigan

Cass Tech has several quality skill athletes this year, but Easterly is the one to most likely join Mathis as a high-BCS level prospect. A tall safety reminiscent of another former PSL star in terms of his stature - Earnest Shazor. Yet to receive a Michigan offer but one could materialize sometime before summer.

Mylan Hicks DB 5′11 175 4.42 Detroit Renaissance Michigan

A very good year for DBs in the PSL and Hicks is another kid who could eventually earn himself a Michigan offer. As a junior RB/DB on a 5-4 team, he had 104 carries for 685 yards (6.59ypc) and 4 TDs, 3 receptions for 28 yards, 9 tackles, 6 assists, 15 PBUs and 1 INT………As a sophomore on a 6-4 team, he started at DB and at RB had 23 carries for 211 yards (9.17 ypc) and 2 TDs, 2 tackles, 2 assists…….Could be a RB or CB in college, with CB being his best projected spot due t his quickness and closing speed……..Very quick and athletic. At RB he runs tough and has a quick burst through the line. Very elusive.

Earnest Thomas S 6′2 200 Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Michigan

From a program that ued to be a Michigan pipeline. Prep LB who projects as a safety in college. Has some early Big Ten offers, but not from Michigan…………..Junior starter at LB and he recorded 85 tackles, 4 sacks and 1 INT ……………Sophomore starter at LB on a powerful 10-3……………A nice-sized safety who can run, cover and come up and hit you

Pipeline Schools

Every program depends on a select handful of pipeline programs to send them their blue-ship prospects on a regular basis. Ohio State has Cleveland Glenville, Florida State has Tallahassee Lincoln, Miami (Florida) has Miami Northwestern. These are just a few examples of the many “college pipeline” programs across the nation.

Sometimes after a few years pipelines run dry. It could be because of a change of coaching staff at either the high school or college, a lack of D-I talent continuing to emerge from the high school or simply because a few players to head down the road less taken.

Indianapolis (IN) Warren Central, Cincinnati (OH) Colerain, Villa Angela (OH) St. Joseph, Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary are exemples of former Michigan pipeline schools.

Back in the 1970s, Cass Tech was a pipeline school, sending such greats as Harlan Huckleby, Curtis Greer, Tom Seabron and Roosevelt Smith to Michigan. Things then dried up for a quite a few years at the school (excepting Clarence Williams back in the 90s) until recently with the likes of Boubacar Cissiko, Will Campbell, Thomas Gordon and Teric Jones all signing with Michigan and the possibility of another couple joining the fold next February.

Who are some of the other potential Michigan pipeline programs? Here are a few.

Inkster

Michigan landed WR/LB prospects Cameron Gordon in February and has a verbal from blue-chip QB Devin Gardner for next year. Several of Gardner’s teammates joined him this past weekend at Michigan for “Junior Day”, but I doubt that they will receive Michigan offers. There are however a couple of underclassmen to watch out for in the years ahead:

Donovan Lindsay DB 5′11 180 Inkster

Lindsay will be ojne of the top overall Class of 2011 prospects in the state. He started as a sophomore for a state runner-up team and is an athletic, physical, tough and instinctive safety prospect with great upside

Marquise Wallace OL 6′3 255 Inkster Michigan

Wallace has scary potential and is my top-rated freshman lineman in the state. He started as a freshman for the powerful Inkster team. A name to remember. Scary potential.

Pahokee

Martavious Odoms in 2008, Vincent Smith and Brandin Hawhtorn in 2009. In 2010, Pahokee could have their deepest group of D-I prospects in several years. ALL of the prospects listed below are legitimate BCS-level scholarship prospects. Som already have big-time offers.

Johnson has a Michigan offer and is the most highly rated of the bunch. The Florida “Big Threeiorda Big Three” have all offered”.

Pickett recently transferred from neighboring power Glades Cental to join his cousin Johnson at Pahokee. Florida State and West Virginia have already offered.

Willis has reported early offers from Oregon and UCLA. Ford from West Virginia and FIU. Allen from Miami, Rutgers and West Virginia.

Noel has come on like gangbusters at winter combines and passing camps and is looking more and more like qa big-time corner. It is downright scary how talented and deep this group is. Don’t be surprised to see Michigan end up offering three or four of these youngsters. Too bad the Pahokee run will soon be coming to an end as the sugar comp any that basically employs most of the people in the town will be closing down as part of a government deal to preserve the Everglades.

DeJoshua Johnson WR 5′11 143 4.38 Pahokee Florida

Fred Pickett WR 5′10 167 4.58 Pahokee Florida

Dennis Hall WR 5′9 163 4.65 Pahokee Florida

Willis Bowles OL 6′3 285 5.20 Pahokee Florida

Doral Willis OL/DL 6′0 328 5.83 Pahokee Florida

Antonio Ford DL/OL 6′4 265 5.00 Pahokee Florida

Richard Ash DL/OL 6′4 260 Pahokee Florida

Zachary Allen LB/DL 6′2 200 4.60 Pahokee Florida

Corey Hill LB/RB 5′10 190 Pahokee Florida

Merrill Noel DB 5′10 180 4.37 Pahokee Florida

Trotwood-Madison

Michigan landed three prospects out of this Ohio program in 2008 (Ray Roundtree, Brandon Moore and Michael Shaw), but did not offer anybody in 2009 (Chris Freeman was the op prospect). The 2010 class has about nine D-I prospects (Willie Ballard-QB, Anthony Render-OL/DL, Alvin Hall-WR, Justin Favors-TE, Rodney Peters-WR/TE, Greg Gainey-TE, Darion Delaney-OL, Anthony Gibson-OLB, Jordan Paschal-DB), however at this point none of these prospects appear close to receiving a Michigan offer. Things may change, however, after summer camp. Hall, Gibson, Render, Favors and Paschal are the most likely to garner late attention.

The school does have several blue-chip underclassmen including two DEFINITE Michigan offer types in Class of 2011 WR A.J. Jordan (6-3, 190, 4.41; As a sophomore WR, he caught 30 passes for 500 yards and 4 TDs) and Class of 2012 DB George Bradley (6-1, 195; rare freshman starter). Class of 2011 Marcus Graham is also a very talented dual-threat QB to watch out for.

Class of 2010: Three Prospects Recently Offered by Michigan

D.J. Williamson WR/DB 6′1 180 4.45 Warren Harding Ohio

2008 Honors: HM-AP-Division I-Northeast Inland District; DeBartolo Sports University 2008 Jerry Rice National Wide Receiver of the Year Nominee

2007 Honors: Top 50 Ohio Sophomores Watchlist (January 2008)

2006 Honors: 17-84 Ohio Freshman Watchlist

Offers: MICH

Comments: One of the top WRs in Ohio…………I have him ranked as among the top 75 WRs in the nation…………As a sophomore WR on a 4-6 team he had 7 receptions and scored on a kick return……………Sophomore track times: 10.82 100 meters and he qualified for the state meet, 21.7 200 meters……He was very impressive at the 2008 Ohio State summer camp…………….Great speed and nice size for a receiver………Excels as a return man…………………………..270 bench, 315 squat, 32 vertical

Spencer Boyd DB/RB/WR 5′10 165 4.31 Cape Coral Florida

2007 Honors: HM-LCAC; 2-Area

Offers: DUKE, WAKE, MARSH, ND, UCF, STAN, MICH

Comments: One of the top junior DBs and RBs in Florida…………I have him ranked as among the top 58 DBs in the nation……….. As a junior, despite being injured part of the year and playing in just 8 games, he had 104 carries for 620 yards, 30 tackls and a 104-yard INT return for a scoreAs a sophomore RB on a 10-3 5A team, he had 199 carries for 1,069 yards (5.37 ypc) and 14 TDs and 18 receptions for 131 yards (7.28 avg.) and 9 KRs for a 44.22 avg…………..One of 2 freshmen on a 7-3 5A team and he had 11 receptions for 86 yards, 3 carries for 25 yards, completed of 3 passes for -4 yards and had 1 tackle and 3 assists (WR/CB)………….Projects as a college CB………..Has very quick feet and exceptional change-of-direction………225 bench, 385 squat as a sophomore………..Honorable Mention All-U.S. Army Combine at DB…………….Impressive on the 2008 combine circuit (4.31 forty, 4.25 shuttle)…………..Impressive at the June 2008 Central Florida 7-on-7 tournament……………….Named a team captain as a junior………..NUC Boca Raton FL Event 2/16/2008: RB MVP……….He visited West Virginia for a February 2009 Junior Day…………………..September 4, 2008 Ft. Myers News-Press: “Boyd giving Cape a Rush Cape Coral running back Spencer Boyd is quick – so quick he managed to avoid the spotlight for much of the Seahawks’ run to the Class 5A, Region 4 final in 2007. But a breakout sophomore season – his first as a featured back – cemented Boyd’s status as one of area’s best running backs. And he can count on Cape Coral coach Mike Goebbel to give him plenty of chances this season to prove he’s the best. “We’re looking for Spence to be even more of a factor than he was last year,” said Goebbel of Boyd, who rushed for 1,069 yards and scored 15 touchdowns in 2007. “We’re going to rely on him a whole lot more, especially with the veteran line we’ve got.” But it’s also what the Seahawks don’t have that’s necessitating Boyd’s expanded role – a proven quarterback. Last season, David Pasquale – now at Toledo – accounted for the lion’s share of the Seahawks’ offense, rushing and passing for 28 total touchdowns. He was the player defenses sought to stop, a focus that served to benefit Boyd. With a pair of untested quarterbacks vying to replace Pasquale – senior Collin Saring and junior Jaylen Watkins – it’ll be Boyd occupying opponents’ crosshairs this year. “He’s kind of like our Marshall Faulk – he does a little bit of everything,” Goebbel said. “He has the speed to take the ball up the sideline and the power to run between the tackles. We can put him out at receiver and he can catch the ball and make things happen that way. “He’s really one of the best overall players around this area.” Reflective of his leading-man role, Boyd was the only junior to be selected as a captain for the Seahawks, a responsibility he has embraced. “I’m definitely trying to step up and be a leader this year,” he said. “If somebody does something wrong, I make sure they get it right. If somebody forgets a play, I help them out.” The 5-foot-10, 165-pounder turned heads in late February at the National Underclassman Combine in Boca Raton, winning the MVP for running backs. He also garnered an invitation to the Ultimate 100 Camp held in June in Atlanta, a gathering of the nation’s 100 best rising juniors. Despite the offseason accolades, Boyd said he knows he’ll have to continue to improve this season, especially for Cape Coral to meet its lofty goals. “There’s definitely a lot of pressure,” he said. “People have a lot of high expectations for us and we have to try and live up to them. “I feel like we can make it happen.””

Caleb Lavey LB 6′3 225 4.56 Celina Texas

2008 Honors: 1-TSWA-3A-AS (LB); 1-District 9-3A

2007 Honors: HM-TSWA-3A-AS (LB); 1-District 9-3A (DEF MVP; LB)

Offers: 14 March Offers: TCU, ARK, TT, ND, A&M, DUKE, STAN, OKST MICH, NEB, OK

Comments: One of the top juniors in Texas………I have him rated as among the top 25 LBs in the nation………..As a junior LB he recorded almost 200 tackles, 5 sacks, 4 FFs and 2 FRs……………..Through his junior season he had a career-total of over 400 tackles……….Nice-sized linebacker who has a great frame and runs well………….. ood nose for the ball and instincts……………As a freshman he led the team in tackles from his ILB spot…….275 bench, 27 vertical………..3.9 GPA………..His father attended Michigan and was an equipment manager for the football team…………09/25/2007 Super Sophs: By Jake Shaw/TexasFootball.com: “Caleb Lavey, LB, 3A Celina This is the next Celina name you should know. Lavey posted over 100 tackles, six sacks and 3 INTs for Celina’s ‘06 state finalist team. He’s since grown to 6-3 and added 35 pounds (up to 225) and will be even more of a force in years to come”…………….Expected to be one of the top players in District 9-3A in 2007…………..10 emerging players who could have impact on season By KEITH WHITMIRE / The Dallas Morning News :  “Caleb Lavey, LB, Celina Injuries to teammates resulted in Lavey’s starting as a 190-pound freshman last year. Now a 6-3, 225-pound sophomore, Lavey should post even better numbers than his 104 tackles, six sacks and three interceptions”…………………. One of the top junior prospects at the 1A-3A Texas 7 on 7 Tournament…………..2007 1A-3A State Passing Tournament Top 33 Recruits

Class of 2011: Top sophomore RB in Michigan?

Justice Hayes could well be the top sophomore running back in Michigan.  He plays for a Grand Blanc team loaded with young talent, including classmate Ryan Morley, who could be the top sophomore QB in the state and talented Class of 2010 WR Tony Jones.  As a reslt, his touches were relatively limited, howev er there is no denying his ability.

Just take a look at this YouTube clip, where he gives his best Sam McGuffie impersonation.

Below is an extract from my database on Justice.

Justice Hayes RB/WR 5′11 168 4.55 Grand Blanc Michigan

One of the top sophomores in Michigan……………Sophomore starter at RB and through 8 games he had 151 carries for 1,082 yards (7.17ypc) and 5 TDs and 20 receptions for 207 yards and 1 TD………..Changed his name from Will McDaniel to Justice before his sophomore season……………..A very quick and elusive RB who has excellent lateral movement and exceptional ball skills. A hard worker and an enthusiastic player. Needs to fill out to be an every down back, but has a lot of upside due to his great speed……………He was impressive at the June 2008 Southwest/Midwest NUC Ultimate 100 in DeSoto, Texas (RB MVP)………….Impressive at the April 27, 2008 Detroit NUC and was invited to participate at the Ultimate 100 NUC

Class of 2009: Tom Lindley to Walk-on at Michigan

Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez, a former walk-on himself, has made it a priority to bring in as many talented preferred walk-ons as possible.

Thus far, I have been able to identify 11 seniors who have decided to walk-on at Michigan.  the jewel of the group is probably Long Island, New York offensive guard prospect Tom Lindley.

Lindley was one of the top linemen in New York this year.  He was a Newsday First Team All-Long Island selection and this is what Newsday had to say about him:

“First Team All-Long Island: TOM LINDLEY FLOYD, OL, 6-3, 300, Sr. A second-team All-Long Island choice last year, Lindley was a three-year standout lineman for a team that won 31 straight before a loss to Lindenhurst in the playoffs this year. The 2008 Zellner Award winner as Suffolk’s top lineman, Lindley, a guard, “turned our spread offense into a power offense because of his pulling ability,” according to coach Paul Longo. Lindley also played defense in short-yardage situations.”

Here is what Newsday had to say after Signing Day:

“Floyd’s Tom Lindley, the recipient of the Bob Zellner Award as Suffolk’s top offensive lineman, will attend Michigan as a “preferred walk-on.” According to Floyd coach Paul Longo, Lindley received some financial aid for academics and is guaranteed a spot on the football team, where he will redshirt as a freshman. If he does well, he will be considered for a full athletic scholarship the next year.”

Here is what the New York Sports Writers Association had to say about his deciding to walk-on at Michigan:

“Though he would have merited a ride somewhere else, lineman Tom Lindley of William Floyd will attend Michigan as a preferred walk-on next fall and try to earn a scholarship down the road.”

Here is an extract from my underclass database on Lindley.  Remember, the database is only update through the spring of a prospect’s junior year:

Tom Lindley OL 6′2 300 5.55 Mastic Beach William Floyd New York

One of the top junior linemen in New York……..Sophomore starter at OG…………..Moved up to varsity during his freshman season…………..22 bench reps, 20 vertical, 5.28 shuttle…………As a sophomore he was the state silver medalist in shot put………Took an unofficial visit to Michigan for the Penn State game on September 22, 2007……..Camped in 2007 at Penn State and Connecticut……Member of the National Honor Society………………December 2007 MBD: 69679. NYS top 5 for 2009 by 12/21/07 20:30 ET 1. Andre Civil DE Sheepshead bay 2. Curtis Dukes RB/LB Indian River 3. Troy Walker WR Long Island City 4. Devin Worthington LB Aquinas 5. Tom Lindley OL William Floyd…………….Key Players: Sr. QB Joe Sidaras (6-3, 205), Sr. HB/SS Brock Jackolski (5-10, 185), Jr. OG/DT Tom Lindley (6-3, 305)

Class of 2010: University of Michigan Targets: Quarterbacks

Michigan landed two talented dual-threat QBs this year in Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson. It will be a deep year for dual-threat QBs next year, with the state of Michigan possessing two of the very best in Devin Gardner and Robert Bolden. They are the best bets to join Michigan along with out-of-staters Christian Green, Malik Stokes (the younger brother of Michigan signee Je’Ron Stokes), Cornelius Jones and Stephen Morris.

The below prospects are listed in approximate order of ability.

Devin Gardner QB/ATH 6′4 203 4.63 Inkster Michigan

Offers: MICHST, CIN, TOL, BG, MICH, NEB, CMU, IA, WISC, CMU, PUR, ND, BAY

Honors: 100 Juniors to Watch (MaxPreps; August 2008); Top 50 Juniors-Nation (FV Sports, July 17, 2008) 1-Detroit News-Division 3-4-AS (QB); SM-AP-Division 3-4-AS (QB); 1-Detroit Free Press-D3-AS (QB); 1-Detroit News-West (QB); 1-Detroit Free Press-West (QB

One of the top juniors in Michigan and dual-threat QB prospects in the nation………….1-Detroit News-West: “QUARTERBACK Devin Gardner, Inkster: A three-year starter, Gardner continues to improve. He guided the Vikings to the Division 3 final by completing 98-of-170 attempts for 1,886 yards, 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He carried 115 times for 1,401 yards and 22 touchdowns. “It was a real good season for him,” coach Greg Carter said. “He showed great improvement over last year.””………………1-Detroit Free Press-West: “QB Devin Gardner School: Inkster. Class: Junior. Size: 6-foot-4, 196 pounds. Highlights: There’s a reason many BCS schools and MAC schools are looking at Gardner. He rushed for 155 yards and two scores in a 16-13 win over Chelsea in a regional final, then threw for three scores in a 35-20 win over Bloomfield Hills Lahser in the state semis”………………As a junior QB on a 12-2 state finalist team, he passed for 1,886 yards and 26 TDs. He completed 58% of his passes and was intercepted seven times. Gardner also rushed for 1,401 yards (12ypc) and 22 touchdowns …………He transferred from U-D Jesuit to Inkster in January of his sophomore year………..As a sophomore, he did not play the first 4 games of the season due to differences with the coaching staff but he started the final 5 games and passed for 1,000 yards and 5 TDs and rushed for 475 yards and 4 TDs……………….As a freshman starter at QB he passed for 800 yards and 7 TDs…………He has a great frame, strong arm and excellent escapability. He is very raw, however, and needs to improve his accuracy and mechanics. A very talented athlete with a very high ceiling once he improves his throwing mechanics………..4.3 shuttle, 10 bench reps……….3.67 GPA……….Also stars in basketball………..Chosen to be one of the underclass ball boys at the 2008 EA Sports Elite 11 Camp in Southern California……….Very impressive playing both WR and QB at the 2008 Michigan summer camp…………2008 Michigan Summer Camp Stats: 6-3.5, 195, 4.66 sec 40, 36.5 in vert, 4.52 sec shuttle…………..Looked pretty good at the May 2008 Columbus Nike Camp, showing nice upside but needing work on his mechanics. He was named the top underclass QB………….He threw the ball 65 yards at the 2008 Detroit PAL Sound Mind, Sound Body Camp

Christian Green QB/WR 6′2 190 4.46 Tampa Catholic Florida

Offers: 15 January Offers: FSU, MICH, FLA, TEN, LOU, USF, BC, MIA, DUKE, TEN, USC, GA, IA

Honors: JR: 50 Juniors to Watch (Sporting News) 1-FSWA-2A-AS (UT); HM-St. Petersburg Times-Suncoast; 2-St. Petersburg Times-Hillsborough County (UT-OFF); SOPH: 2-FSWA-2A-AS (UT-OFF); 1-St. Petersburg Times-Suncoast (QB); 1-St. Petersburg Times-Hillsborough (QB); 1-Tampa Tribune-Hillsborough County (ATH) HM-FSWA-2A-AS (WR)

One of the top juniors in Florida……………… As a junior he is starting at QB and also seeing time at WR……………As a sophomore he had 108 carries for 603 yards (5.58 ypc) and 8 TDs and completed 131 of 204 passes (64.2%) for 1,506 yards, 15 TDs and 7 INTs………………..As a sophomore he led his team to the Class 2A state title game and accounted for 1,858 yards passing and 13 touchdowns and another 500 on the ground……………1-St. Petersburg Times-Suncoast: “QB: Christian Green, So., Tampa Catholic Passed for 15 TDs, ran for eight more for Class 2A state runnerup……………..1-St. Petersburg Times-Hillsborough: QB: Christian Green, TampaCatholic 6-2, 195; So.; Accounted for 23 TDs”……………1-Tampa Tribune-Hillsborough County: “Christian Green, Tampa Catholic, So., Athlete Youngster accounted for 2,109 yards of total offense and 23 scores”……………One of several freshmen on a 9-3 2A team………..He has a very strong arm and is very elusive in flushing out of the pocket. Some se his biggest upside as a WR…………”We have a freshman coming in, named Christian Green. He’s a tremendous athlete with a world of talent and he’s really going to spark the offense”…………..The nephew of former Florida State receiver E.G. Green…………Cousin of former Michigan player Sam Sword……….Star basketball player………………He wants to stay South for college and as of November favors Florida State and Michigan

Jeffrey Godfrey QB 5′11 170 4.63 Miami Central Florida

Offers: FIU, TEN, ORE

Honors: JR: 100 Juniors to Watch (MaxPreps; August 2008); 59-Sophs-Nation (FV Sports, March 1, 2008); Ten to watch in 2010 class (Rivals, August 2007) 2-FSWA-6A-AS (QB); 1-Miami Herald-6A-4A-Dade County (QB);

SOPH: 3-Miami Herald-6A-4A-Dade County (QB)

One of the top QBs in the nation………………1-Miami Herald-6A-4A-Dade County: QB Jeffrey Godfrey, Central Jr. 6-2 185 • Of note: 144-of-221 passes for 2,126 yards, 26 TDs……………As a sophomore QB on a 7-3 6A team, he completed 88 of 191 passes for 1,287 yards, 13 TDs and 4 INTs and had 99 carries for 345 yards (3.5ypc) and 7 TDs………….A dual-threat QB but throws a tremendous deep ball. No doubt about it, he’s a big-time college QB………………Throws a great ball and knows how to spread it around. Can make all the throws, including thowing on the run and is effective on the deep ball and very accurate on short routes…….. Transferred from Miami Edison to Central for his sophomore year………..Rated by the Miami Herald as the number 3 returning QB in Dade County as a mere sophomore……………Very impressive at the February 2009 Miami Badger Sports Skills Pass Camp…………..Impressive at the July 2008 Florida Friday Night Lights Camp………Very impressive at the 2008 Miami summer camp, showing off a very strong arm………………Impressive on the 2007 combine circuit……..Lacks ideal height but has great arm strength and can run the ball. Believe me, despite his lack of ideal height, this kid is a future college QB……….One of 5 freshmen on a 6-4 4A team and was the starting QB, completing 63 of 145 passes for 1,090 yards, 9 TDs and 5 INTs. He also carried the ball 65 times for 298 yards (4.6 Avg.) and 3 TDs…………..One of the top 5 sophomore performers at the April 2008 Miami Nike Camp

Robert Bolden QB/DB 6′3 191 4.61 Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Michigan

Offers: CMU, MICHST, VANDY, WISC, NEB, NW, DUKE, COL, MICH

Honors: HM-Detroit Free Press-North (QB); HM-Oakland Press-County (QB); 24-Players-Oakland County (Oakland Press, August 2008);

One of the top juniors in Michigan……….Sophomore starter at QB for one of the strongest programs in the state, and he completed 57 of 111 passes for 717 yards and 7 TDs and rushed for 4 TDs………Has a nice frame and solid arm strength. A dual-threat QB who can flush out of the pocket and pick up yards with his legs. Still a bit raw as a QB, but has nice upside…….Huge hands……….Could be a better prospect than former St. Mary’s QB Justin Siller…………Very impressive at the July 2008 Michigan State summer camp…………2008 Michigan Summer Camp Stats: 6-3.5, 195, 4.61 sec 40, 31 in vert, 4.5 sec shuttle……….3.4 GPA…………Impressive at the May 2008 Midwest Elite Camp……….Looked very good at the May 2008 Columbus Nike Camp………….Looked very good at the March 2008 Columbus Nike Combine…………..As of August 2008 he really likes Michigan and Notre Dame…………………..One of 4 freshmen playing a level up on the JV team for a strong program that regularly churns out D-I talent (QB/S)

Barry Brunetti QB 6′1 206 4.65 Memphis University School Tennessee

Offers: DUKE

Honors: 1-Nashville Tennesseean-AS-Dream Team (QB); 1-TFCA-Division II-AS; 1-TSWA-Division II-AS (QB); 1-Memphis Commercial Appeal-Area (QB)

One of the top juniors in Tennessee……………….1-Nashville Tennesseean-AS-Dream Team: “QB Barry Brunetti MUS / Junior Ht: 6-2 Wt: 210 Quick Hits: Division II-AA Mr. Football finalist. Threw for 1,251 yards, 18 touchdowns. Ran for 704 yards, 18 touchdowns. He has been contacted by almost every SEC school.” ……………….1-Memphis Commercial Appeal-Area: “Barry Brunetti Memphis University School junior A quarterback and Division 2-AA Mr. Football finalist, Brunetti was named offensive MVP of the Owls’ 38-18 D2-AA state-title game victory over Brentwood Academy after he tied a state-championship game record with four touchdown passes. In all, Brunetti accounted for 1,955 total yards and 36 touchdowns (18 rushing, 18 passing) this season for an MUS squad that finished the year a perfect 13-0”………………..As a junior QB on a 13-0 state champion team, he had over 1,000 yards passing and 600 yards rushing, accounting for 37 TDs, despite seeing limited time in the second half due to blowouts……………………As a sophomore, he shared time at QB with Blair Wright (signed to play baseball at Mississippi) and accounted for 16 TDs. He rushed for over 500 yards and 9 TDs and passed for 420 yards and 3 TDs…………..Dual-threat QB………….Great arm and fine accuracy. Can really get the ball to his receivers, be it on deep routes, short or internediate passes………….2.8 GPA……………….Second Team All-U.S. Army Combine (Rivals.com; January 2009)…………..Honorable Mention All-U.S. Army Combine (Scout.com; January 2009)…………….Impressive at the July 2008 Hoover (AL) National Select 7-on-7 Championships…………..Impressive at the July 2008 Nashvile (TN) Music City Classic 7-on-7 passing tournament…………Impressive at the March 29, 2008 Memphis NUC and was invited to participate at the Ultimate 100 NUC………..He camped in 2008 at Illinois and Memphis…………As of July 2008 he was hearing from the likes of Middle Tennessee State (close to offering), Illinois, Louisville, Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina…………..Visited Mississippi for the 2008 Auburn game

Anthony Gonzalez QB/DB 6′2 193 Bethlehem Liberty Pennsylvania

Offers: PSU, PITT

Honors: 12-Juniors-PA (Pittsburgh Sports Report; February 2009); 1-AP-AAAA-AS (Player of Year; QB); 1-Easton Express-Times-Area (DB); 1-Allentown Morning Call-Area (QB) 3-Easton Express-Times-Area (QB)

One of the top overall junior prospects in Pennsylvania and QB and safety prospects in the nation…………..12-Juniors-PA (Pittsburgh Sports Report; February 2009): “12. Anthony Gonzalez, Liberty HS (Bethlehem) S/QB- Came on like gangbusters as a junior, leading his team to the Quad A state championship over Bethel Park. Excels at both quarterback and safety, but at the next level he may project better in the defensive backfield. However, in certain offenses, he could perhaps play quarterback. More of a runner than a passer, and would need to work on his passing skills if he wants to be a quarterback. Excellent athlete and superb football instincts. High character kid and a winner. Has early offers from Penn State and Pittsburgh.”………………1-Easton Express-Times-Area: “Anthony Gonzalez, Liberty Defensive back (Jr) MVP of LVC was equally good as pass-run quarterback and at safety. Made 96 tackles with 3 INTs, 1 fumble recovery. Passed for 1,580 yards, 12 TDs; rushed for 1,697 yards, 24 TDs. Hero of ‘Canes 28-21 OT state final win over Bethel Park with 205 rush yards, 3 TDs, a passing TD and game-clinching INT.”…………….1-Allentown Morning Call-Area: “ANTHONY GONZALEZ Liberty, jr., QB, 6-2, 195 Morning Call player of the year and first-team Lehigh Valley Conference pick. Rushed for 205 yards on 33 carries with three touchdowns in PIAA Class 4A title game … Finished season with 1,697 yards rushing and 24 TDs; completed 114 of 206 passes for 1,570 yards, 12 TDs and just four INTs. Started at free safety and had 47 solo tackles, 49 assisted stops with four INTs … Has received interest from Penn State, Alabama, UCLA and Florida State”……………….As a sophomore QB on a 10-2 team he completed 50 of 84 passes (59.5%) for 780 yards, 11 TDs and 2 INTs and carried the ball 59 times for 250 yards (4.24ypc) and 1 TD…………Top sophomore newcomer on a powerful 14-2 team (QB/S)…………….First Team All-U.S. Army Combine (Scout.com; January 2009) at ATH……………….Honorable Mention All-U.S. Army Combine (Rivals.com; January 2009)……………Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008 Liberty’s Gonzalez leads AAAA all-state team By ROD FRISCO – For The Associated Press:  “In the moments following his team’s 28-21 overtime victory over Bethel Park in the PIAA Class AAAA football championship game, Bethlehem Liberty coach Tim Moncman didn’t seem to know how to handle the moment. Moncman wandered from player to player, stopping briefly for a hug, then moved off in another random direction for another random encounter. Once he spotted some reporters, however, he got right to the point. “What do you call him?” Moncman said of Anthony Gonzalez, his junior quarterback and defensive back. “He’s Superman.” Gonzalez carried an AAAA-record 33 times in the title game. His one-handed, rolling interception ended the overtime game. Gonzalez’s ability and versatility landed him a first-team spot on The Associated Press Class AAAA all-state team and the player of the year award. Gonzalez rushed for 1,697 yards and 24 touchdowns and passed for 1,580 yards. He scored three touchdowns in the state championship game, including the eventual game-winner in overtime. “He’s done this kind of thing every week,” Moncman said. “What blows my mind is that he still doesn’t have a scholarship offer yet. Figure that one out.”"

Blake Sims QB/DB/WR 6′0 179 4.56 Gainesville Georgia

Offers: ARK, MS, WVU, MICH

Honors: 72-Sophs-Nation (FV Sports, March 1, 2008) (ATH); 1-GSWA-AAA-AS (OFF PoY; ATH-OFF); 1-Gainesville Times-Hall County (ATH-OFF); GA Underclassman Watch List (VSM, Summer 2008)

One of the top skill athletes in Georgia………Dual-threat QB who may best project at safety in college…………1-Gainesville Times-Hall County: “Blake Sims Athlete School: Gainesville Grade: Junior Height: 6-1 Weight: 180 Stats: 2,453 passing yds, 24 TDs, 822 rushing yds, 18 TDs”……………..Junior starter at QB. AP Offensive player of the year. 6′1 185 4.5 forty. threw for 2,400 yards and ran for 818 yards with a 68% completion rate and 42 total touchdowns. AJC 1st team qb……………..He transferred from Cartersville Cass to Gainesville for his junior year………..Sophomore starter at QB………..Talented dual-threat QB who runs very well and also has a nice arm and game management skills. Gets good spin on the ball. Needs to get bigger to play QB at the BCS level…….Has the athleticism and quickness to play several positions in college………Impressive at the 2008 Georgia summer camp playing DB…………..Impressive at the January 2008 Kennedy/CES Georgia Combine while playing WR, posting a 4.56 forty, 4.44 shuttle and 29 vertical

Malik Stokes QB 6′1 170 Philadelphia Northeast Pennsylvania

Offers: TEN

One of the top junior QB prospects in the nation………….Sophomore starter at QB and he completed 87 of 156 passes for 1,300 yards and 14 TDs…………………..Honorable Mention All-U.S. Army Combine (Rivals.com; January 2009)…………….Honorable Mention All-U.S. Army Combine (Scout.com; January 2009)……………Impressive at the June 2008 Tennessee summer camp, where he was offered a scholarship…………..Looked very good at the May 2008 State College Elite 11 QB camp………….Impressive at the May 2008 State College Nike Camp……………..Impressive at May 2008 Rutgers Big Time Showcase…………Arguably the top QB as a sophomore at the February 2008 Rutgers Premier Showcase………..Throws a nice ball with a tight spiral. Has good technique, touch and spin…..Has the athletic ability to play another position in college as well………….Younger brother of Class of 2009 star Je’Ron Stokes (Michigan signee)…….His older brother says that he is a future D-I player as well.

Cornelius Jones QB/ATH 6′3 185 Spartanburg South Carolina

Offers: MICH, DUKE

Honors: 1-HSSR-AAAA-AS (ATH-OFF)

One of the top juniors in South Carolina…………..As a junior QB, he completed 89 of 185 passes (48.1%) for 1,020 yards and 2 TDs and had 226 carries for 736 yards (3.3ypc) and 7 TDs…………Will start at QB as a junior after not playing football for a couple of years due to some off-the-field issues………..Dual-threat QB/ATH who is being primarily recruited as an athlete…………..Offered by Michigan the end of his sophomore year……….Spartanburg quarterback Jones gets offer from Michigan By Jason Gilmer Published: Wednesday, June 4, 2008 | Updated: 7:42 pm “Conelius Jones hasn’t played a down for the Spartanburg Vikings varsity football team yet, but Michigan has seen enough to offer him a scholarship.The junior quarterback received his first offer Tuesday, after Vikings coach Freddie Brown sent the Big Ten school a five-minute video of Jones from a scrimmage. The film was enough to attract attention. “I was shocked,” Jones said of the offer. “After I sent the tape, no, I wasn’t surprised at all,” Brown said. “I can see who he’s going to be in this offense in two years.” Brown said Jones’ speed helped his stock quickly rise. In the offense that Brown wants to utilize, Jones (6-foot-3, 185 pounds) will be a mobile quarterback, similar to the kind expected to be used by head coach Rich Rodriguez at Michigan. Jones hasn’t played football in the Spartanburg system for a couple of years after he got into some trouble, he said. He was one of the players that Brown went out into the community and got back in school during the spring. “He’s given me another chance, and I want to make sure I make the most of it,” Jones said. Jones said he is working hard to learn the offense and how to be a leader for the coming season. With the first offer on the table, Jones and Brown said they expect more to come. “I think he’s a guy that you have to get your name in the pot now,” Brown said. “(Michigan was) the first ones to offer him, and I’ll tell you, he is appreciative. People are going to have to do some recruiting now to get him.”

Sam Carter QB 6′2 205 Houston Sharpstown Texas

Offers: HOU, TCU, OKST

Honors: 100 Juniors to Watch (MaxPreps; August 2008); 17-Sophs-Nation (FV Sports, March 1, 2008); 1-District 20-4A (QB)

One of the top junior QBs in Texas………..As a junior, he completed 131of 287 passes (45.6%) for 1,759, 19 TDs and 11 INTs and had 182 carries for 1,021 yards (5.6ypc) and 9 TDs……………As a sophomore starter at QB on a 8-3 4A team, he completed 152 of 280 passes (54.3%) for 2,085 yards, 23 TDs and 10 INTs. He carried the ball 118 times for 677 yards (5.74 ypc) and 10 TDs………….Started at QB as a freshman and he completed 77 of 184 passes (41.8%) for 975 yards, 6 TDs and 5 INTs……………..His coach calls him the top sophomore in the state………….A dual-threat QB in the Vince Young mold…….Very athletic and competitive………….Plays first base in baseball and small forward in basketball………….Good student

Aaron Johnson QB/WR/ATH 6′1 174 4.72 Longview Texas

One of the top junior skill athletes in Texas………As a junior, heading into te Class 4A state title game he had rushed for 912 yards and passed for 1,505 yards while accounting for 28 total touchdowns……………Will start at QB as a junior………One of 3 sophomores on a 12-2 5A team and as a starter at slot receiver he had 7 receptions for 102 yards, 8 carries for 56 yards, and completed 2 of 7 passes for 33 yards……………The top sophomore newcomer on a 9-3 5A team………….Very, very impressive as a QB at the April 2008 Dallas UnderArmour/Scout.com combine, showing off a live arm and excellent mobility…………As of the spring of his sophomore year he is being recruited by the likes of Texas and Houston……….His cousin is Texas RB Vonfrell McGee……He likes Texas and Florida

Stephen Morris QB 6′2 186 4.86 Miami Monsignor Pace Florida

Honors: 2-Miami Herald-3A-1B-Dade County (QB)

One of the top QB prospects in Florida………….As a junior he passed for over 2,000 yards, 20 TDs and 6 INTs and rushed for almost 500 yards and 5 TDs…………..Will start at QB as a junior…………Nice frame and he has a cannon for an arm…………..Honorable Mention All-U.S. Army Combine (Rivals.com; January 2009)……………..Honorable Mention All-U.S. Army Combine (Scout.com; January 2009)………………Impressive at July 2008 Florida Friday Night Lights camp…………He was very impressive at the 2008 Michigan summer camp, showing off a strong arm and fine foot speed (He won the forty smokehouse award for QBs, beating out Devin Gardner)………………Miami Herald (June 2008): “Pace QB shines in Ann Arbor Courtesy of Black PR Wire: Stephen Morris, 15 of Miami Shores, Fla., recently received top honors at the University of Michigan Football Camp, winning both the Smokehouse indoor race and the Top Gun competition, which is awarded to the quarterback that scores the highest marks for throwing accuracy and distance. The University of Michigan Football Camp is the nation’s largest football camp with nearly 2,000 prep football players participating. As an incoming junior and the starting quarterback at Miami’s Monsignor Pace High School, Morris went to the camp to learn more about the vaunted spread offense that Michigan will be running under new Head Football Coach Rich Rodriguez. However, when the five day camp concluded, Morris came away with much more than a few new plays, as he won both contests that were competed for among the 150 quarterbacks who attended the camp. Morris first became the Smokehouse Champion, which is given to the winner of the 40 yard indoor race that is competed among only those in the same position who previously recorded the fastest 40 yard sprint times. Morris won with a time of 4.62. In addition, on the camp’s last day, Morris received the coveted Top Gun award, after turning in the highest score based on multiple tests of passing accuracy and distance. Morris is the first high school junior to win both competitions and wowed the audience of college head coaches with throws measuring over 70 yards. Standing at 6’2” and weighing 185 pounds, Morris looks forward to another successful fall season at Monsignor Pace. Last year, Pace’s Von Thomas was the Miami Herald’s 3A-1A first-team QB. Could the Class of 2010 Morris be the school’s next successful signal caller? At least one Michigan recruiting follower is keeping an eye on him”

Ricardo Young QB/ATH 6′0 155 4.78 Washington Woodson D.C.

Offers: WVU

One of the top juniors in D.C……………Dual-threat QB who is athletic enough to project at several positions in college…………As a junior QB he passed for about 3,089-yards, 31 TDs, and 5 INTs and had about 780 yards rushing and 11 TDs………….As a sophomore, he passed for 1,985 yards and 26 TDs, and rushed for 400+ yards and 7 TDs…………….Has a very strong arm and quick feet………..His coach calls him a D-I prospect…………..Needs to fill out but throws a good ball……………4.0 GPA…………..He was one of the top performers at the June 2008 NUC Ultimate100 East Camp in Matawan (NJ). He ran a 4.28 shuttle………Impressive at the April, 2008 Northern Virginia NUC and was invited to participate at the Ultimate 100 NUC………………Looked very good at the May 2008 State College Elite 11 QB camp……….Looked very good at May 2008 State College Nike Camp (Named the top underclass QB at the camp)………..4.0 GPA, 1780 PSAT as a sophomore…………Hearing from Illinois, Michigan, Virginia, Rutgers and Maryland as of September 2008………….Washington Post (December 2008): “D.C. Quarterback Makes Impression: Spent Thanksgiving morning at the Turkey Bowl, where H.D. Woodson quarterback Ricardo Young was quite impressive in leading his team to victory. The 6-1, 170-pound junior completed 10 of 17 passes for 139 yards – not overwhelming stats, but he consistently showed poise and presence in the pocket and a control of the game. While it is early in the recruiting game for juniors, Woodson Coach Greg Fuller said that Young “is going to get some offers. They’ve seen him, trust me.””

Claude Johnson QB 6′1 195 4.50 Pine Bluff Arkansas

Offers: MS

Honors: 46-Sophs-Nation (FV Sports, March 1, 2008) 2-Juniors-Arkansas (Arkansas Prep Report, August 2008) Top 50 Arkansas Sophomores (Winter 2008); 1-Arkansas Democrat-Gazette-Super Sophomores (P)

One of the top juniors in Arkansas………As a junior, through 6 games for a 5-1 6A team he had passed for 1,800 yards…………….1-Arkansas Democrat-Gazette-Super Sophomores: “CLAUDE JOHNSON P, Pine Bluff Dollarway 6-1, 190 Averaged 30 yards on 35 attempts. As a starting quarterback, completed 63 of 142 passes for 1,088 yards and 10 touchdowns. “……………….Great dual-threat QB who reminds some of a shorter version of Vince Young……….Excellent ball skills. Can really throw the ball and is very quick….Also a promising baseball player………..Impressive at the 2008 Arkansas summer camp…………Threw the ball 66 yards at the 2008 Top Gun Challenge

Darian Godfrey QB/DB/ATH 6′1 195 4.60 Gilmer Texas

Honors: JR: 50 Juniors to Watch (Sporting News);: 2-TSWA-3A-AS (QB); SOPH: HM-AP-3A-AS (QB); HM-TSWA-3A-AS (QB); 1-District 15-3A (Newcomer of Year) 1-District 15-3A (DEF Newcomer of Year)

One of the top junior QBs in the southwest and overall prospects in Texas………….Dual-threat QB…………Plays for a program that has loads of D-I talent………….As a sophomore starter at QB on a 14-0 team, through week 14 he had completed 175 of 267 passes (65.5%) for 2,617 yards, 37 TDs and just 4 INTs. He carried the ball 112 times for 613 yards (5.47 ypc) and 8 TDs…………..As a freshman starter at DB he had 28 tackles and was the district co-Newcomer of the Year on defense………..Strong arm but needs to improve his accuracy…………Impressive at the June 2008 Oklahoma summer camp, where some felt he had the strongest arm in the camp………….Article published Aug 28, 2008, Tyler Telegraph: “A Lot Expected of Gilmer QB Darian Godfrey Gilmer’s list of Division I recruits over the last half decade reads like a major Class 5A program — Manuel Johnson, Tay Bower, Kevin Hollis, Curtis Brown, G.J. Kinne, Justin Johnson, Lamar Harris, David Snow.The Buckeyes’ record over the last five years is 63-5 with a state championship in 2004 and a state finalist finish last season. So, the word “rebuild” is not in head coach Jeff Traylor’s vocabulary.Reload is more like it. But this year, especially on offense, might be different with just five returning starters and only one on offense.Traylor doesn’t seem worried, considering his lone returnee on offense is quarterback Darian Godfrey, who burst onto the scene in 2007 as a sophomore.”He’s a different kid than what I dealt with last year as a sophomore,” Traylor said. “He’s taken control of the field, you can tell he’s the leader. Every rep he runs is as hard as he can.”Godfrey passed for 2,727 yards and 38 touchdowns last year in leading Gilmer to the Class 3A Division I state finals.But that’s in the past, as Traylor is quick to point out.”He’d be the first to tell you he played with 10 great players last year,” he said.”This year he lost those 10, so we’ll lean on him more for leadership.”Godfrey has taken on the responsibility that comes with being a returning standout.”(I needed to get better at) handling adversity,” Godfrey said. “(Last year) I would get down and let the team know I was down, and I didn’t want them to see that.”When things are going down, we just need to go on to the next play.”Godfrey (6-1, 200) also attended junior camps at Texas and Oklahoma, which he feels has him in position to have an even better season this year.As Traylor mentioned, a lot is expected of his quarterback with so many new faces.But Godfrey’s confident in the task at hand. “It’s not really a big adjustment,” Godfrey said of breaking in new players. “They all were in the program last year, they just didn’t get varsity snaps. I worked with them in practice.”Being the quarterback in Gilmer bears high expectations. Just look at past signal-callers Johnson and Kinne, who both took their games to the next level after delivering during high school.Traylor expects a lot from his QBs. “He’s got to be dependable first and foremost, you’ve got to have a kid you can count on,” he said. “He’s got be tough, he’s got to be able to throw the football and he’s got to be an athlete.”We try to put one of our more dependable and better athletes there every year.”Traylor admits it’s difficult to place Godfrey in a historical perspective in comparison to other quarterbacks in the program’s history.”We’ve never had one play as a sophomore,” he said. “We’ll see when it’s all over with. Right now, he’s on pace with a lot of them, but it’s not over with yet.”(His) goal is to win a championship and it always has been as long as I’ve known that kid. He’s still upset that we got beat in last year’s championship game.””

Kain Colter QB/WR/DB 6′1 185 4.60 Greenwood Village Cherry Creek Colorado

Offers: AKRON, AIR FORCE, COL

Honors: JR: 1-Rocky Mountain News-5A-AS (ATH-OFF); 1-County; 1-League SOPH: HM-Rocky Mountain News-5A-AS; 1-Boulder Camera-Region (QB); 1-Centennial League (5A) (QB)

One of the top QBs in Colorado…………Talented dual-threat QB……..As a junior he led his team to the state 5A title game and in 14 games passed for 1,786 yards, 16 TDs and 4 INTs and rushed for 937 yards and 15 TDs…………..He transferred from Boulder to Cherry Creek for his junior year……………As a sophomore starter at QB on a 2-8 team, he completed 156 of 286 passes (54.5%) for 2,073 yards, 10 TDs and 9 INTs. He carried the ball 167 times for 463 yards (2.77 ypc) and 15 TDs. On defense he had 13 tackles and 2 assists……………..His father, Spencer Colter, is Boulder’s head coach and played at Colorado…………Runs track………………Top freshman QB at the 2007 Colorado summer camp………..1-Boulder Camera-Region: “QB, Kain Colter BOULDER, SO., 6-0, 170 An accurate passer and outstanding athlete, Colter had the ability to make something out of nothing every time he took a snap. He ran for 15 touchdowns, and his 2,000-plus yards passing ranked among the best in the state

Caleb Watkins QB 6′3 191 4.53 Middletown Ohio

Honors: SOPH: Top 50 Ohio Sophomores Watchlist (January 2008); HM-Cincinnati Enquirer-Division I-Area

One of the top junior QBs in Ohio………….As a junior QB he completed 140 of 240 passes (58.3%) for 2,089 yards, 22 TDs and 6 INTs………………..Initially ruled ineligible to play as a junior due to falsification of information that was used to establish a bona fide residence when he transferred to Middleton. That ruling was overruled……….As a sophomore starter at QB on a 4-6 team, he completed 148 of 245 passes (60.4%) for 2,052 yards, 26 TDs and 9 INTs. He carried the ball 55 times for 140 yards and 5 TDs……………Transferred from Trenton Edgewood to Middletown after his freshman year…….He has a very strong arm with excellent touch. He throws the ball as well as any QB in the state……….Very impressive at the morning session of the April 2008 Columbus NUC, earning QB MVP honors (4.53 fty, 4.45 sh)………………….As of April 2008 he was hearing from such programs as Nebraska, Cincinnati, Michigan State, Tennessee, Notre Dame, and Vanderbilt…………Visited Michigan for the 2008 Miami (Ohio) game

Dwight Macon QB/DB 6′0 180 4.70 Steubenville Ohio

Honors: JR: 100 Juniors to Watch (MaxPreps; August 2008); 54-Sophs-Nation (FV Sports, March 1, 2008)HM-ONN/Ohio High-Ohio (QB); SOPH: 2-East District-Division IV (QB); Top 50 Ohio Sophomores Watchlist (January 2008)

One of the top juniors in Ohio…………Dual-threat QB who could be recruited as a DB or athlete………… As a junior he led his team to the D-IV state title…………….As a sophomore, he had 166 carries for 1,290 yards (7.8 ypc) and 12 TDs and completed 113 of 183 passes (62.0%) for 1,666 yards and 14 TDs…………..He has an excellent arm, great speed and good field-awareness……….Reminds some of former Ohio State star Troy Smith………Has a chance to be special……….3.2 GPA………230 bench

Derek Roback QB/WR/LB 6′3 211 4.58 Waverly Ohio

Offers: OHIO U.

Honors: SOPH: 1-Southeast District-Division IV (WR); Top 50 Ohio Sophomores Watchlist (January 2008)

One of the top junior QBs in Ohio……….Dual-threat QB. Has good size and a live arm. Also runs very well………………As a junior QB he passed for 1,585 yards and 21 TDs and rushed for 480 yards and 4 TDs…………..Sophomore starter at WR & S and he had 47 receptions for 833 yards and 11 TDs, but will move to QB & LB as a junior, replacing a senior (Trevor Walls) who signed with New Mexico State at QB…………..Good size, athletic, runs well, mobile in the pocket, good touch, decent arm strength………235 bench, 365 squat, 34 vertical, 4.3 shuttle………4.0 GPA, 28 ACT…………….Starts in baksetball and baseball as a sophomore…………..He was one of the top performers at the June 2008 NUC Ultimate100 East Camp in Matawan (NJ………………..First Team Cincinnati Under Armour/Scout.com All-Combine Underclass and OFF MVP (May 2008)…………Very impressive at the May 2008 Cincinnati Under Armour/Scout.com Combine playing QB………Looked very good at the May 2008 State College Elite 11 QB camp…………Very impressive at the morning session of the April 2008 Columbus NUC (4.3 shuttle, a 28-inch vertical jump, and a 9-foot, 7-inch broad jump)…………..Impressive on the 2007 combine circuit…………….In 2006 he was a national finalist in the Pepsi Punt, Pass and Kick competition ……….He was the QB MVP at the 2007 National Underclassmen.com Ultimate 100 Sophomores camp…………Rated by on analyst as among the top 18 sophomoes in Ohio………..He throws a good deep ball and gets a lot of spin on the ball. Also has a college-ready body………..He likes Tennessee and West Virginia……….Visited Michigan for 2008 Utah game

Detchauz Wray QB/DB/ATH 5′11 162 4.45 East St. Louis Illinois

Honors: JR: SM-Chicago Tribune-AS (QB); 1-EdgyTim-AS (QB); 1-Belleville News-Democrat-Area-Large Schools (QB) SOPH: 1-St. Louis Post-Dispatch-Metro (Soph of Year)

One of the top junior QB/ATH prospects in Illinois…………..1-St. Louis Post-Dispatch-Metro: Sophomore of the Year DETCHAUZ WRAY East St. Louis — Vitals: 6-0, 180, QB The Flyers graduated first-team All-Metro QB Derrick Johnson after last season, but coach Darren Sunkett said early on he wasn’t worried. No wonder. Wray was magnificent, dwarfing Johnson’s sophomore numbers and leading the Flyers to the Class 7A state semifinals. He threw for 2,135 yards with 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions………………………..As a sophomore, through 11 games on a 10-1 team he had passed for almost 2,000 yards……….He looked very good at the May 2008 Columbus Nike Camp…………..Has quick feet and a solid arm………..Lack of ideal D-I height for a QB may lead to a shift in college to another skill position…………. Impressive at the summer 2008 NIKE 7ON passing tournament in Beaverton, Oregon…………….Impressive at the May 11, 2008 St. Louis NUC and was invited to participate at the Ultimate 100 NUC…………..One of 7 freshmen on a 11-1 team that provided no stats (QB/S)

Gavin Webster QB/DB 6′0 200 4.45 Lutcher Louisiana

Honors: 12-Juniors-Louisiana (February 2009; Dandy Don); 1-LSWA-3A-AS (QB)

One of the top junior QBs in Louisiana………….Dual-threat QB………..12-Juniors-Louisiana (February 2009; Dandy Don): “12. Gavin Webster (ATH), 6′0″, 180, 4.45, Lutcher. Webster led Lutcher to the 3-A state title playing quarterback and would make a team that runs the spread offense a great college quarterback. He also has the speed to be a lock down cornerback”…………….January 2009 (Dandy Don): “Continuing my interviews with top prospects from my top 100, Friday afternoon I talked to class 3-A All-State quarterback Gavin Webster (6′0″, 210, 4.49) from Lutcher high school. Webster told me that has a 2.5 GPA and made a 16 the only time he has taken the ACT. Webster told me that he is receiving mail from Alabama, UCLA, Mississippi State and other schools. The multi-talented quarterback told me that he would like to take official visits to LSU, Alabama, UCLA, Auburn and MSU. Webster threw for 1,982 yards and 22 touchdowns and rushed for 2,100 yards and 21 touchdowns. Webster accounted for 43 total touchdowns at Lutcher high school this past season. In 2008, Webster made All-District, All-State and was player of the week two times. His goals for the 2009 season are to lead his team to another class 3-A state championship and to make All-State again. Webster would like to attend Summer camps at LSU, Mississippi State and Florida”………………As a junior starter at QB on a 9-2 3A team, through 11 games he had completed 106 of 188 passes (56.4%) for 1,384 yards, 15 TDs and 12 INTs and he had 131 carries for 856 yards (6.53 ypc) and 19 TDs……….Projected junior starter on a 10-2 3A team at QB………………Projected sophomore starter at FB 12-2 3A team

Tony Lippett QB 6′2 166 Detroit Crockett Michigan

Honors: HM-Detroit News-Detroit (QB); HM-Detroit Free Press-Detroit (QB)

One of the top junior QB in Michigan and the top sophomore prospect at Crockett, a school that regularly churns out D-I talent……………As a junior QB/FS on a 6-4 team he completed 157 of 219 passes (71.7%) for 1,967 yards, 13 TDs and 12 INTs and he had 87 carries for 782 yards (8.99ypc) and 6 TDs, 32 tackles, 4 assists nd 3 INTs As a sophomore on a 6-5 team, he completed 108 of 166 passes (65.1%) for 1,881 yards, 13 TDs and 5 INTs. He carried the ball 34 times for 272 yards (8.00 ypc)……………….Sophomore starter at QB……….Nice frame, athletic and good arm. Decent, not great, arm strength but throws a very accurate ball. Needs to fill out…………One of the few sophomores to attend the 2008 Michigan one-day summer camp………..Looked good at at the June 2008 Detroit PAL Sound Mind, Sound Body Camp……….Impressive on the 2007 combine circuit……Throws a nice ball but needs to fill out and get bigger………Visited Michigan for the 2008 Illinois game

Santez Emory QB 6′3 200 4.57 Franklin Heard County Georgia

Honors: 4-Juniors-GA (VSM, Summer 2008)

One of the top junior QBs in Georgia……….Junior starter at QB on a 6-5 AA team…….As a sophomore he passed for over 500 yards and rushed for over 800 yards on a 7-4 AA team………Played in every game as a freshman…………Dual-threat QB………….From the same program that sent Carlos Brown to Michigan and Dontavious Jackson to Georgia

Class of 2010: Some Prospects for Michigan to Keep an Eye On

Name:	Dante Weaver
Class:	2010
Position:	OL/DL
Height:	6′4
Weight:	330
Forty:
City/School:	New Brunswick
State:	New Jersey
National Ranking Position:	37
Rating:	5
National Honors:
Sophomore Local Honors:	1-Newark Star Ledger-Middlesex-Sophomores (OFF Player of Year);
News And Notes:	One of the top juniors in New Jersey……….Sophomore starter at on the OL and at DT………Started 9 games as a freshman at DT………..Could play either OG or DT in college……….Great size and moves very well for a big kid. Plays with great balance, is very quick off the line, strong and aggressive. Fine bull rusher…………..The same program that sent Brandon Smith to Michigan

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Name:	Skyler Schofner
Class:	2010
Position:	OL
Height:	6′7
Weight:	280
Forty:	4.90
City/School:	Washington Court House
State:	Ohio
National Ranking Position:	106
Rating:	5
Sophomore Local Honors:	1-Southeast District-Division III (OL)
News And Notes:	One of the top junior OT prospects in Ohio……….Rated by one analyst as among the top 25 overall sophomores in Ohio………….As a junior he has been to games at Michigan and Ohio State…………….Considered to be a better prospect than former Court House lineman Mark Bihl, who went on to become a starter at Michigan

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Name:	De’Aires Cotton
Class:	2010
Position:	DL
Height:	6′3
Weight:	274
Forty:	5.40
City/School:	Houston Alief Taylor
State:	Texas
Top Offers:	NEB, OK
National Ranking Position:	31
Rating:	5
Junior Local Honors:	5ATexasFootball.com Super List
News And Notes:	One of the top junior DT prospects in Texas…………..Sophomore starter at DT and one of 3 sophomores on a 3-7 5A team…………Top sophomore newcomer on a 6-5 18-5A team and will start and be a major factor……….Some analysts feel he could emerge as the top lineman in Texas……….Very effective against both the pass and run. Good lateral movement. Uses his hands well…………295 bench, 475 squat…………..Attended a July 2008 Texas A&M junior day……….Camped in 2008 at Texas and also attended a junior day there as a sophomore………..He is open as to schools, but is originally from Michigan and likes Big Ten schools, among others……………..As of late summer 2008 he was hearing rom Texas, Nebraska, UTEP, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, UCLA and Southern Cal

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Name:	Roy Finch
Class:	2010
Position:	RB
Height:	5′7
Weight:	160
Forty:	4.61
City/School:	Niceville
State:	Florida
National Ranking Position:	47
Rating:	5
Junior Local Honors:	Dandy Dozen (Northwest Florida Daily News, August 2008)
Links:	http://www.athletevault.com/profiles/roy_finch.php
News And Notes:	One of the top junior RBs in Florida………………As a junior, through mid-November he had rushed for almost 1,000 yards on limited carries………….He transferred from Edmond North, Oklahoma to Niceville for his junior year as his father is in the military………………As a sophomore RB on a 6A team, he had 131 carries for 744 yards (5.68ypc) and 6 TDs and had 32 receptions for 517 yards (16.16 avg.) and 2 TDs………..Was one of the top sophomores in Oklahoma, rushing for over 1,300 yards and 14 TDs…………Great acceleration and change-of-direction. Good speed, quickness and soft hands. Tough to get a solid hit on him…………….3.2 GPA……………………..Impressive at the July 2008 Hoover (AL) National Select 7-on-7 Championships…………Scheduled to attend the July 2008 Florida Friday Night Lights Camp…………………….As of November his favorites are Florida, Alabama, Florida State, Michigan and Auburn………...Northwest Florida Daily News:  “Dandy Dozen: Roy Finch August 13, 2008 – 8:57PM By ADAM PRUIETT NICEVILLE – Roy Finch knows how to make a first impression. On his first carry in a Niceville football uniform, the 5-foot-8, 170-pound junior halfback exploded for a 56-yard touchdown run against Crestview in a spring game. Now, Finch, who transferred to Niceville from Edmond North High in Edmond, Okla., is eager to cash-in for the Eagles when it really counts. He arrives at Niceville with a highly-touted reputation and much expectation. “I don’t really think it’s pressure,” said Finch, a 2008 Daily News Dandy Dozen selection. “I don’t really think about stuff like that. I was nervous before the Crestview game, but I scored on my first carry. I just go into the season and play the way I know I can play.” How can he play? As a sophomore last season, Finch started every game for Edmond North and accumulated 1,600 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns while touching the ball in a variety of ways. At Niceville, he’ll do much the same, rushing the ball, catching it and returning punts. “Wherever the coach puts me, that’s where I play,” Finch said “I just try to contribute to the team, help us to win. My goal is just winning games.” Niceville coach John Hicks anticipates seeing some magic from his new arrival. “Roy is so explosive and can change directions so well,” Hicks said. “He gives you the one thing that a lot of players can’t, and that’s the ability to make a guy miss. That usually results in big plays.”.”

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Name:	Jerald Robinson
Class:	2010
Position:	WR
Height:	6′1
Weight:	170
Forty:	4.55
City/School:	Canton South
State:	Ohio
National Ranking Position:	45
Rating:	5
Links:	http://scoutingohio.com/Gerald_Robinson_Canton_South.htm
News And Notes:	One of the top junior WR prospects in Ohio……….Through 4 games as a junior he had 8 receptions and 2 TDs, and averaged 31 yards per catch………….Returning junior starter at WR…………….As a sophomore he had about 600 yards receiving and 4 TDs. He was the leading receiver on the team……………..A polished WR. Softs hands, runs crisp routes, is fast and very athletic………..Rated by one analyst as among the top 15 overall sophomore prospects in Ohio…………..Camped at Ohio State in 2008………….Impressive at the May 18, 2008 Cleveland NUC and was invited to participate at the Ultimate 100 NUC…………Also stars in basketball and track………….3.4 GPA…………He really likes Ohio State………………He visited Michigan for the 2008 Northwestern game.

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Outstanding Class of 2010 talent at Pahokee

Pahokee is a program that just seems to reload with talent every year.  The Class of 2009 has the likes of Nur’keese Richardson, Vincent Smith and Brandin Hawthorne.  There are a several juniors who are high-level BCS prospects.  Keep an eye on the following youngsters:

DeJoshua Johnson WR 6′0 180 4.38 Pahokee Florida

One of the top junior WRs in Florida and overall prospects in Palm Beach County……………….Already has early offers from the Florida “Big Three”……..Junior starter at WR in a program loaded with D-I caliber skill athletes……………One of several key juniors to watch…………….One of 12 sophomores on a 14-0 state champion Class 2B team and he had 3 receptions for 104 yards and 1 TD…………..He has great speed and does a nice job with the ball in his hands. A real deep threat……………..Plays for a team that churns out D-I skill talent (Martavoius Odoms, Nurkeese Richardson, Vincent Smith, etc…..).

Doral Willis OL/DL 6′0 328 5.83 Pahokee Florida

One of the top junior linemen in Florida…………Already has early offers from UCLA and Oregon…..Junior starter at OG and DT………….Sophomore starter on a 14-0 Class 2B state champion team…………….Top sophomore newcomer on a 14-0 Class 2B state champion team…………..One of 2 sophomores on the pre-season roster of a 13-0 2B team……………Hearing from the likes of USC before his junior year

Zachery Allen LB/DL 6′2 200 Pahokee Florida

One of the top junior LB prospects in southeastern Florida……………..Described by one analyst as “a taller Brandin Hawthorne”……Has really come on strong as a junior…………….One of several key juniors to watch on a 14-0 state champion Class 2B team (DE)

Dennis Hall WR 5′9 163 4.60 Pahokee Florida

One of the better junior WRs in Florida………….One of several key juniors to watch…………….As a sophomore on a 14-0 state champion Class 2B team, he had 10 receptions for 173 yards and 3 TDs…………..One of 2 freshmen on a 13-0 2B team that did not provide any stats……….WHO IS THAT?: Wide receiver Dennis Hall (5-9, 171, Fr.) and Micanor Regis are cousins with former Pahokee and Florida State star and current NFL wide receiver Anquan Boldin

Richard Ash DL/OL 6′3 260 Pahokee Florida

One of he top junior linemen in southeastern Florida……………Junior starter at DT………….One of several key juniors to watch on a 14-0 state champion Class 2B team (OL)

Antonio Ford DL/OL 6′3 265 Pahokee Florida

One of the better junior linemen in southeastern Florida……Junior starter………One of several key juniors to watch on a 14-0 state champion Class 2B team (OL)

Class of 2010: Michigan Lands Two Outstanding Wide Receivers

It has been a great week on the recruiting front for Rich Rodriguez and his staff.  Last week they landed versatile Cass Tech prospect Thomas Gordon, who will likely play safety at Michigan.  This week they have picked up early verbals from two of the top junior WRs in the nation – Ricardo Miller and Jeremy Jackson.

Who are some other junior prospects that Michigan fans should keep man eye on?  Prospects such as Dior Mathis, William Gholston, Austin White, Marvin Robinson and Chistian Lombard are names well-known to fans of Michigan recruiting.  What about some off-the-radar prospects who could eventually receive offers?  I’ll be identifying some of these prospects over the next few weeks, starting today.

Below are my bios on the two most recent Michigan verbals and a few “sleepers” to watch out for.

Name:	Ricardo Miller
Class:	2010
Position:	WR
Height:	6′3
Weight:	203
Forty:	4.50
City/School:	Orlando Dr. Phillips
State:	Florida
College Commitment:	Michigan
Top Offers:	USF, MICH, CFU, FLA, UCLA, TEN, STAN
National Ranking Position:	6
Rating:	5
News And Notes:	One of the top overall junior prospects in Florida and WRs in the nation………He committed to Michigan in September…………..Projects as a WR in college………..Through 4 games as a junior he had 8 receptions for 135 yards and 4 TDs…………Sophomore co-starter at TE and also played some DE on a 7-5 6A team. He had 4 receptions for 75 yards and 1 TD……………Runs the sprints in track………..Impressive at July 2008 Florida Friday Night Lights camp…………. Very impressive at the July 2008 USF Sling and Shoot. In fact, he was considered by some to be the top rising junior in attendance……….Very impressive at the 2008 Michigan summer camp (Ran a 4.50 forty and won the WR Smokehouse Award for fastest forty)………….Very impressive at the June 2008 Central Florida 7-on-7 tournament……..Put together well, is fast, quick, physical, great body balance and has soft hands…………His mother is a Michigan alum………….3.7 GPA.

Name:	Jeremy Jackson
Class:	2010
Position:	WR
Height:	6′3
Weight:	188
Forty:	4.58
City/School:	Ann Arbor Huron
State:	Michigan
College Commitment:	Michigan
Top Offers:	MICH, LSU, EMU, MIN, CMU, IA, TOL, NCAR, FLA, TEX, LOU, STAN, NEB
National Ranking Position:	10
Rating:	5
News And Notes:	One of the top junior in Michigan…………..He committed to Michigan in October 2008……..As a sophomore starter at WR, he had 41 receptions for 535 yards and 3 TDs…………..Very impressive as one of the few sophomores at the 2008 U.S. Army Combine………..Nice frame, long arms, soft hands, smooth and good speed. Reminds some of Michigan WR Adrian Arrington………….Was offered a scholarship by Michigan (Lloyd Carr) in the summer of 2007…………………………The son of Michigan RB coach Fred Jackson………….Impressive at the 2008 Michigan (4.58 forty) and Texas camps…………….Scheduled to attend the July 2008 Florida Friday Night Lights Camp……………..Camped at Michigan in 2007……….Attended 2008 Michigan spring game………..Really like Michigan but also thinking about heading south and will camp in 2008 at Texas and Florida (Has a Friday Night Lights invitation)

Name:	DeJoshua Johnson
Class:	2010
Position:	WR
Height:	6′0
Weight:	180
Forty:	4.50
City/School:	Pahokee
State:	Florida
Top Offers:	x
National Ranking Position:	59
Rating:	5
News And Notes:	One of the top junior WRs in southeastern Florida……………….Junior starter at WR in a program loaded with D-I caliber skill athletes……………One of several key juniors to watch…………….One of 12 sophomores on a 14-0 state champion Class 2B team and he had 3 receptions for 104 yards and 1 TD…………..He has great speed and does a nice job with the ball in his hands. A real deep threat……………..Plays for a team that churns out D-I skill talent (Martavoius Odoms, Nurkeese Richardson, Vincent Smith, etc…..)………Not putting up the huge numbers that he should as a senior once some of the talented seniors graduate.

Name:	Malik Cross
Class:	2010
Position:	RB/DB/WR
Height:	5′11
Weight:	186
Forty:	4.55
City/School:	Oxon Hill
State:	Maryland
Top Offers:	OLD DOM
National Ranking Position:	114
Rating:	5
Junior Local Honors:	33 Maryland Juniors to Watch (MdPreps.com; July 2008)
News And Notes:	One of the top junior skill athletes in Maryland………………..As a sophomore, he rushed for 1,653 yards and 9 TDs. He also had 853 yards and 3 TDs as a receiver and made 43 tackles on defense………….His older brother, Walter Cross, played at Michigan…………………..Could play either RB, WR or CB in college

Name:	Brennan Clay
Class:	2010
Position:	RB/DB
Height:	6′0
Weight:	182
Forty:	4.55
City/School:	San Diego Scripps Ranch
State:	California
Top Offers:	BAY, STAN, WISC
National Ranking Position:	32
Rating:	5
Sophomore Local Honors:	6 California Sophomores To Watch (August 2007); Top 100 Area Sophomores (San Diego Union-Tribune; November 2, 2007)
News And Notes:	One of the top juniors in California…………….Plays for the same program as Michigan verbal Tate Forcier…………As a freshman starter, he ran for 8 TDs and returned a kickoff for another…………….An explosive back who possesses fine speed and soft hands……….32 vertical………….21-3 long jumper as a freshman…………Very impressive at the June 2008 B2G Elite Program (All-B2G Team). He was named the Most Versatile Performer as he looked great playing both RB and WR…………In the season-opener he had 10 carries for 60 yards for a team that finished 6-5. Is the only freshman on the roster…………He was offered by Baylor as a sophomore…………..Scripps Ranch (6-4) at (1) Oceanside (8-1): The Falcons have some offensive weapons in sophomore RB Brennan Clay and junior QB Robert Forcier.

Name:	Zak Tait
Class:	2010
Position:	OL/DL
Height:	6′4
Weight:	300
Forty:
City/School:	Knoxville Catholic
State:	Tennessee
Top Offers:	AL, TEN, MARSH
National Ranking Position:	21
Rating:	5
Junior Local Honors:	1-Murphy Fair-PS-3A-AS (DL)
Sophomore Local Honors:	1-TSWA-3A-AS (DL)
News And Notes:	One of the top juniors in Tennessee……………….He is a big Rich Rodriguez fan …….During the 2007 season he suffered a major injury halfway through the season, incurring tears of the ACL, MCL and PCL. Fortunately, there was no meniscus or cartilage damage. He was taken out of school to recover, will re-enroll in September 2008 as a junior and sit out the 2008 season to recover and hopefully play as a “redshirt” senior in 2009. Update: As of September 2008 his rehab is progressing and he expects to return for 2009 spring drills……………Sophomore starter in 2006 at OG and showed fine athletic ability and the quickness to effectively pull while playing in the wing-T…………February 2007 e-mail from his dad: Hi Jim. A friend of mine in Michigan referred me to your blog. Great initiative.I have a 6-4, 300 lb OG/DT that can run. Class of 09. Knoxville Catholic High School. Knoxville, TN. TSSAA 1st Team AAA All-State, All Region, etc. Good program (H. Smith-Safety to ND, and TJ Franklin-OT to Cincinnati). B level competition, but getting stronger each year in the Knoxville area.In the interest of full disclosure…he is my kid. Zak Tait………………..Freshman starter at OG on a 11-2 3A team and was very good……….Excellent leadership skills………….325 bench in March 2008 while recovering from knee surgery………As of September he likes Alabama, LSU, Georgia, Notre Dame, Florida, and Michigan (he likes the way Rich Rodriguez coaches)

Name:	Seth Cunningham
Class:	2010
Position:	DB
Height:	6′0
Weight:	170
Forty:	4.35
City/School:	Lakewood St. Edward
State:	Ohio
College Commitment:
Top Offers:	x
National Ranking Position:	85
Rating:	5
News And Notes:	One of the top junior CB prospects in Ohio………….Will also play WR as a junior……….Sophomore starter at CB for a powerful progam that went just 4-5, and he recorded 37 tackles, 3 INTs and 3 PBUs………..Outstanding speed (10.70 100 meters, 21.69 200 meters) and has good size and strength………..2.7 GPA………..His father is from Michigan and he likes Michigan………….As of August he was hearing from Ohio State, Illinois, Michigan and Notre Dame.