Michigan football team picks up 2nd 2012 receiver commitment of month
With less than two months remaining before National Signing Day, the Michigan football team still did not have a receiver in its 2012 class.
Now, the Wolverines have picked up two in the past three weeks and could be done actively recruiting the position after Missouri prospect Jehu Chesson announced on Wednesday he has verbally committed to the program.
Chesson is a 6-foot-3, 180-pound wideout from Ladue, Mo. He is ranked a three-star prospect, according to each of the major recruiting services, and is the 82nd-best receiver according to Scout.
He is No. 89 at his position, according to Rivals, and No. 51 according to ESPN.
Chesson's other finalists included Northwestern and Iowa, the latter of which he visited last weekend. His other offers were from Akron, Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Oklahoma State and Purdue, according to Rivals.
Scout indicates he also had an offer from UCLA and interest from Florida.
Chesson is the second receiver to commit to Michigan this month, following four-star Amara Darboh of West Des Moines, Iowa.
The Wolverines' 2012 class ranks No. 2 in the country, according to Scout, and No. 3 according to Rivals.
They have 24 commitments, and have about four spots remaining, three of which are expected to go to a cornerback, offensive lineman and tight end. The latter of the three became a soft spot in an otherwise stellar class after Pharaoh Brown's verbal commitment was dropped for taking a visit to Oregon.
Five-star offensive tackle Jordan Diamond and four-star tight end Sam Grant are two of the team's top remaining targets. Grant is currently committed to Boston College, but was visited by the Wolverines earlier this month.
It's possible Michigan would accept another receiver for the class, especially if either Stefon Diggs or Monty Madaris chooses the Wolverines. But, they also can afford to stand pat at two and direct their resources elsewhere.
National signing day is Feb. 1.
Related content: Get to know the members of the Michigan football team's 2012 recruiting class
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
OldBittyBates
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 6 p.m.
Of the OL I would prefer Zach Banner over any. But why are they bringing in so many offensive line personnel? Perhaps they plan on converting a few over to the defensive side. The Michigan strategy doesn't seem to be working out so well these days. It is confusing to say the least. With only two picks left, let's hope they get excellent quality at the extreme areas of need.
Tru2Blu76
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 3:10 p.m.
Musing: it seems that the recruiting seasons are really the beginning of the times when, later, we have plenty of 20-20 hindsight supplying belated "wisdom." A couple years after a class arrives, it's always either "We knew he wouldn't make it at Michigan" or - more happily, "Isn't it great that Michigan's recruiting grabbed this guy." LOL! Whatever - "pre hind sight" makes me feel good about Michigan's recruiting today. The next year's sophs-juniors and seniors look like a good bunch who will keep Michigan BACK at the top level while the freshmen coming in at least offer hope of MORE top level teams in the future. They are all going to learn what it means to play for Michigan. They are all going to learn to sing The Victors and what GO BLUE! really means.
Scott
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 8:44 a.m.
Why would Michigan need more offensive line recruits for the class of 2012? Just looking at rivals they have the 4th, 10th, 13th, 37th, and 41st best O Lineman in the country. On the current roster they have 4 scholarship OL who will be Juniors next year, 3 who will be seniors, and 1 red shirt scholarship freshman. that's 8- 2 deep, not including any of the 5 incoming freshman who may be good enough to start. Sure they want depth, but they'll will be top OL recruits for 2013 and 2014 who may be capable of starting and playing well their first or second year. In this day an age of parity do you want so much talent sitting on the bench or transferring after a year because they know they won't get playing time. And why would another O lineman want to come to Michigan to compete with the freshman they have coming in for playing time?
Matt Patercsak
Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 2:34 p.m.
Brady hoke said he has never been to a place lacking such depth at the offensive line position. they currently lave 8 scholarship lineman on the team. which is awful. you like to have twice that amount. and they are undersized as they were recruited for zone blocking in the spread. Hoke is recruiting monsters, who weigh as much as incoming freshman, as seasoned vets already on the team, who are just going to get better. those rankings you posted about where our O-line stands nationally are far too low for Michigan. you shouldnt get below 25th nationally.
81wolverine
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 12:15 a.m.
This commit is good news for Michigan. I think Chesson is a great kid that will fit in very well at Michigan. But in terms of other recruits, this article misses a big one - Josh Garnett, a great offensive lineman from Washington who has Michigan in his top 3 with ND and Stanford. Josh is a super prospect - very smart, wants to study medicine, and has great size and skill. He would be a huge pick up for Michigan, and IMO, is a better prospect than Diamond.
DonAZ
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 5:34 a.m.
Over at MGoBlog.com -- <a href="http://mgoblog.com/mgoboard/josh-garnett-tweet-year" rel='nofollow'>http://mgoblog.com/mgoboard/josh-garnett-tweet-year</a> Josh Garnett just tweeted this "Today a reporter asked me why I like michigan. My response 1) Because I love @erikmagnuson77 he's my boo and 2) I hate Ohio State" One can hope that is a good sign.
Mick
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 4:10 a.m.
agreed big time
Mick
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 9:41 p.m.
Well I follow recruiting closely for a loooong time now. I'm really impressed with this kids potential. I love how he uses his hands to catch the ball and he has a great burst of speed it seems like, as for Darboh, he seems tough and goes over the middle fearlessly. I love these 2 guys, M type WR's. Is it pronounced Chess-on or Chay-son? As for Diamond, I'm not crazy about him for some reason, he seems wishy-washy to me and I just don't like guys like that and who also are attention seekers. I want Garnett or Kozan would be ok too. I love the comprehensiveness of this class, Hoke will be recruiting like a monster and intelligently. We have a monster recruiting staff, hands down, I don't care what Urban legend is doing, bring it on, I like our chances!
Mick
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 4:08 a.m.
Thanks guys, yeah I'm with you BigBlue, I like character guys, always have, that's the difference between M and ohio fans. DonAZ, I love being your recruiting guy, quite an honor, you're my math and numbers guy, although I love both too, but you're the man!
GoBigBlue
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 12:57 a.m.
Im with you Mick. I seem to be enamored with recruiting. When we land a BIG one it's like winning a Saturday fb game in a smaller way. And when we lose a BIG one it's the opposite. Fun to keep track of though. My favorite recruits are the ones who don't feel the need to play the hat game in front of there whole school and media. The kids who connect with the staff and the program and fall in love with both are the kids I enjoy seeing a commitment from. Kalis is such a recruit. He has spoken of his relationship with Hoke here lately and it's just great stuff to read. He basically feels like there is no one more genuine then our football coach. That is awesome to hear!
DonAZ
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 10:55 p.m.
Love it ... you're my recruiting-guy now. :-)
Terry Star21
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 9:29 p.m.
I was really hoping and counting on reading this article soon - another great seasonal gift to the faithful. It sure would be great to see the 'ole #1' be put to use again. I'm betting one of these two fine receivers earns that jersey soon - and the only thing better is if they both are so good that they both earn it (maybe one wears it home, other away), but what a great problem to have ! MgoBlueForTiM......great to be a Michigan faithful from here and forever.
blUeMaize_N_SD
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 8:15 a.m.
I might be in the minority here, but I was feeling that (bear with me and don't rip my head off as it is only an opinion) but Jeremy Gallon to bear the number 1 and Courtney Avery to dawn the number 2. Jeremy Gallon, 30 receptions for 450 yards, that is an average of 15 yds per clip!!! He only had 3 touchdowns, but it is going to be hard pressed for receivers to get many touchdown receptions inside the red zone with both DR and Fitz running things and since DR isn't the best deep route passer it is hard for them to get in the end zone. Punt return yardage of 10 yards as well. My vote is for the 1 jersey, he has two years to wear it also. As for Courtney Avery wearing the 2, sure the obvious choice is Countess, but when you see the 2 what do you think of, Woodson. He was every where in on every play very fortuitous due to him being around the ball. Avery does the same thing, he is there in big games too, look at Notre Dame, Nebraska and Ohio. Look Blake is the easy choice, step outside the box a bit.....give Avery a look.
Lorain Steelmen
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 8:57 p.m.
DonAZ....I am curoius about Diamond(OT). Does UM had a legit shot at this kid? Any read on how he's leaning at this point?
blUeMaize_N_SD
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 8:05 a.m.
@DonAZ, I thought I read that Boehm was higher on their target for OT. That they had an in with one of the current commits or freshman (I can't recall exactly right now) that has been working him. From what I understood Boehm would be the better target. Looked like he would be a beast of a tackle on our O-Line. (I am from Phoenix by the way, now living in SD, but nice to see the fellow Arizonans rooting cheering the MaizenBlue)
GoBigBlue
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 12:48 a.m.
Diamond is a hard one to read. After every visit he has made (Michigan, Oh St, ND, and 1 or 2 others), he has virtually said the same thing. He says it went well and he enjoyed the visit. This kid seems less into giving the recruiting interviewers the detailed thoughts that some others tend to give. He seems content to give the generic answer at pretty much every interview. I expect we will know nothing until Feb 1st, but I'm hoping his relationship with Chris Bryant (they attended the same hs) leans him our way. And I'm hoping Meyer doesn't land him if he does go somewhere else.
DonAZ
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 9:17 p.m.
Hey LS ... I personally do not. But here's a snippet from the guy ("Ace" over at MGoBlog): "The Wolverines are after several high-profile offensive linemen, including Josh Garnett, Jordan Diamond, Alex Kozan, Evan Boehm, Zach Banner, and Jeremiah Poutasi. It seemingly changes by the day which one or two of those prospects Michigan has the best shot at, so venturing a guess at this point is likely an exercise in futility." But another guy who's recruiting blog is in the banner of MGoBlog has this: "OL: Jordan Diamond (Diamond over the summer look like a prime target Michigan would get, but soon things started to change as more guys were committing leaving fewer spots. I know his timeline is not the greatest, but it will work with only a few limited spots left. Still, need to get him back on campus, but I think many people over look the connection he has with current Michigan linemen Chris Bryant.)" So he seems more optimistic. I can't vouch for the track record of either of these guys. "Ace" at MGoBlog.com seems to have some pretty thoughtful evaluations of recruits, so for now I'll toss a coin and say Diamond is still 50/50.
MRunner73
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 8:53 p.m.
Urban Meyer sets a torrid pace (recruiting) was the story line the other day. He needs to, in order to keep up with Hoke. In my sport, you better run at least a 4 minute mile if you want to beat a 4 minute miler, Meyer vs Hoke. Not to be outdone: Hoke is coaching his team prepping for the Sugar Bowl, not just 100% recruiting like Meyer these days. I know this is the black out period, per recruiting but kudos to Hoke and staff for bagging two more key commits. I like these three star guys; they try harder. I still think Drake Johnson from AA Pioneer will be a great fit at tailback. GO BLUE!!!
Michigan Man
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 12:54 a.m.
Long time Ann Arbor guy who now lives in Downers Grove - always like it when M finds a spot for an Ann Arbor kid - Drake Johnson, from what little I know, could play many different roles of M over the years - could they switch him to the defensive backfield + fast, really good special team guy or what the hell just leave him at tailback - lots of options it seems to me for Drake -
MRunner73
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 12:01 a.m.
Terry Star21: Very good point about breaking into the lead in a foot race. Being one stride ahead is all that counts, then getting to the finish line, first. Brady Hoke has this mythical lead over Meyer and remains focused to do what's going to best to move Michigan Football forward.
Terry Star21
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 9:43 p.m.
MRunner....if you are a runner, you understand that once you break unto the lead it doesn't matter what the people behind you are doing - only the task in front of you, getting to that victory counts. Hoke is recruiting and coaching as such, doesn't care who does what behind him -he is eyeing the crystal football, moving to the finish line first !
DonAZ
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 9:05 p.m.
@Saline -- I'll confess my allocation was purely arbitrary. But I'm not ready to concede your allocation, at least not in total. As I think on it more and more ... it seems desire/intent/effort (I'll mix all three for they're related) is a big piece of the success function. Poor desire can waste good genes. And poor desire can thwart good coaching. But with good desire then coaching can work on the genes to produce the best possible result. So I'll go 1/3rds -- genes, desire, coaching. But it's just musings on a Wednesday afternoon here in sunny Tucson. :-)
Saline Rosebud
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 8:57 p.m.
In Science and Engineering, it is 1% genius + 99% effort. In Football, I would put 1/2 in genes (sorry to say it but this is true), 1/4 in effort, and 1/4 in coaching. Jehu surely has the frame and good enough speed. Let's just hope he works his tail off and gets the best S&C and coaching.
DonAZ
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 8:43 p.m.
The other nice thing about this is it indicates the kind of geographic reach Hoke is achieving his first recruiting cycle at the helm: Michigan - 8 commits Ohio - 9 commits 1 each - Tennessee, Missouri, Kentucky, Iowa, Utah and California Hoke said he'd focus on Michigan and Ohio as his core and go from there. Well, it's shaping up like he's doing just that.
Tru2Blu76
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.
Don, just to let you know, some of us really appreciate the effort you put in to provide info on these forums. Particularly since it's hard for everyone to find the time. Good stuff, Don. Hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Michigan New Year.
DonAZ
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 9 p.m.
@Saline -- sure, I guess so. Is it a comprehensive national recruiting base? No, not yet. I'd like to see more CA and FL kids on that list. FWIW -- MSU's distribution: MI - 4 OH - 5 FL - 2 PA, IN, GA - 1 each
Saline Rosebud
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 8:52 p.m.
Are you saying that Hoke is doing the same thing as sparty is doing, that he is recruiting "Nationally"?
DonAZ
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 8:33 p.m.
From MGoBlog.com, which has some *excellent* recruiting analysis articles: <a href="http://mgoblog.com/content/hello-jehu-chesson" rel='nofollow'>http://mgoblog.com/content/hello-jehu-chesson</a> "Here's Rivals national analyst Keith Niebuhr after seeing Chesson perform at the Nike camp in Miami - STRENGTHS: Chesson made a splash Sunday in Coral Gables by running crisp routes and catching seemingly every pass thrown in his vicinity. He's tall and lean, was quicker than most receivers on hand, and got in and out of his breaks quite well. A hurdler in high school, his leaping ability showed up often during position drills. WEAKNESSES: Because Chesson is a bit wiry, getting stronger is a must so college corners can't push him around at the line of scrimmage." As Ace (from MGoBlog) writes -- "So, it seems we've got a tall wide receiver with good-to-great speed and solid hands who needs some work on strength and fundamentals. Chesson sounds like a player who could really excel with some good coaching and conditioning -- I'm having a hard time figuring out why he's rated so low when reading these evaluations." o Needs work on strength and fundamentals -- well, if that doesn't describe Hoke/Borges I'm not sure what does. o Could really excel with some good coaching and conditioning -- ditto There'll be some who'll post how Michigan is "settling" for a 3-star. I've gone back through 10 years of Michigan signing day lists and one thing stands out -- there's a LOT of 4 star and some 5-star players who didn't pan out at all. And there's a TON of 3-star kids who made names for themselves at Michigan and the NFL. The recipe for success -- 1 part raw talent, 2 parts desire and 2 parts coaching.