Michigan football team's 14th commitment is Ohio linebacker Mike McCray
A four-star prospect has committed to the Michigan football program. Do not adjust your TV set. This is not a rerun.
Ohio linebacker Mike McCray committed to the Wolverines on Monday, according to Rivals and Scout. He waited until Tuesday afternoon to release his decision, which was first reported by Scout.
McCray is Rivals' No. 44 overall player in the country, which makes him the second-highest rated player in Michigan's acclaimed 2013 class.
"I've been feeling like Michigan was the right school for me for two weeks now, and there's no reason for me to wait any longer," McCray told Scout. "It's the right time for me to commit, and I'm very excited to be a Wolverine."
Michigan now has picked up 11 verbal commitments in the past 17 days, and 14 overall, for its 2013 class. The next-closest team in the Big Ten is Ohio State with five. Michigan State has two.
The Wolverines didn't have any commitments at this time last year. They didn't pick up their first until offensive tackle Ben Braden pledged to the program March 24 and didn't gain their 14th until June 24.
Most impressively, Michigan actually is outpacing the 2012 class not only in quantity, but also quality. Twelve of the 14 commits are four-star recruits, which matches the number of four- and five-star recruits from 2012 -- with 332 days remaining until next signing day.
Michigan now has commitments from three of Ohio's top-13 prospects, according to Scout: Safety Dymonte Thomas (No. 2), tight end Jake Butt (No. 10) and McCray (No. 13). That's only one fewer than Ohio State (although three of the Buckeyes' commits are in the top five).
McCray's father, as it happens, was a captain for Ohio State in the 1980s. The Buckeyes did not offer the younger McCray, however, according to The Wolverine.
McCray is the first linebacker of the 2013 class. He is 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, which makes him nearly college-sized heading into his senior season at Trotwood-Madison High School.
That's the alma mater of two other Wolverines players, projected starters Roy Roundtree (receiver) and Brandon Moore (tight end). Former Michigan tailback Mike Shaw also graduated from the school.
McCray projects to be a strong-side linebacker, or could develop into a defensive end if he continues to grow. In defensive coordinator Greg Mattison's 4-3 scheme, there is not a lot of overlap between the two positions anyway. Jake Ryan played both at times last season.
McCray chose Michigan from a group of finalists that included Arizona, Oklahoma, Tennessee, South Carolina and Illinois.
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
Tom
Mon, Mar 12, 2012 : 1:22 a.m.
Was Hoke's favorite children's story the tortoise and the hare? Who won that race?
genetracy
Thu, Mar 8, 2012 : 2:30 a.m.
A 4 star recruit for another future 8 - 4 team.
Albee Macaw
Thu, Mar 8, 2012 : 1:29 a.m.
Steve McQueen at 9:45 PM on March 6, 2012 ha ah... jealous much... have fun with your 4 commits and unhealthy stress proned glamour boy coach Look at the 4 The Buckeyes have commits from. Their all 5 star. It is good Urb is being selective and giving what would be practice squad players to Michigan. If the Urbanator out recruited the fat man in 1.5 months compared to over a year imagine what he will do w/ a full off season? That 1 year ban has really deterred the best athletes away from TOSU I see. Let's see. We recruited a better class for 2012 and what we have for 2013 are 5 star players and the best Ohio has. Yes the thought of the Jokester recruiting a player that we did not even recruit is very troublesome. Right. Oh also please send you charitable money to the OSU charity of your choice for allowing your basketball team to share the title. Make the check large as what it's been almost 3 decades since you have even sniffed a title. That long ago I bet the Jokester actually had a waist below 46 inches. Oh to be a young man again.
GoBigBlue
Thu, Mar 8, 2012 : 5:04 a.m.
"Look at the 4 The Buckeyes have commits from. Their all 5 star." Dude, try doing a little research before spewing this type of nonsense. Oh st has 4 commits. The only 5 star is Burrows. The other 3 kids are 4 star kids on rivals. That only leaves you 9 short of Michigan who sits at 12 4 star commits of the 14 total so far. Oh and we all know Morris has a 5th star coming. Read it and weep bud. GO BLUE!
RWBill
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 11:32 p.m.
That's an incredible job recruiting, again. Do you really mean that there IS a lot of overlap between the two positions?
ted
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 4:19 p.m.
Who's the next to commit ? who's expected to make their decision next and is leaning Michigan ?
ted
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 5:25 p.m.
he's visiting this weekend isn't he ?
RudeJude
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 5:04 p.m.
Would it be too much to ask for Ty Isaac to commit? I'm sure hoping he goes Blue.
ted
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 4:44 p.m.
It appears that E.J. Levenberry, a 6.0 has Michigan as his leader, but won't decide til next year.
umgoblue47
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 2:57 a.m.
recruits aren't exactly beating the door down to oscar meyer which speak's volumes about your coach and program. McCray is up to ohio's standards and if your buddy the vest had not mucked up ohio you would have been able to have more recruits and you would have offered him! to call these kids garbage speaks volumes on who you really are! GO BLUE!!!!!!
Terry Star21
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 4:50 a.m.
The big problem is (oscar, too funny) meyer can't make promises to the recruits that he will be there more than two years at ohio.....that itself makes the recruits double guess. They are choosing Michigan because they want solid, committed coaching and want to be winners. This leaves ohio playing the wide position of - 'left out'......
r treat
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 2:34 a.m.
We need skill players! We've loaded up on lb's and the o line now we need receivers and running backs. The future is bright...
RudeJude
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 5:05 p.m.
Ty Isaac! Hoke is building a line for this monster running back. He seems to have good character, which is one of the reasons he hasn't committed yet as he plans to visit other places, but this kid has all-american written all over him.
Albee Macaw
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 2:25 a.m.
Thanks for taking the 3 and 4 star guys. That leaves all the 5 star guys for Ohio State. Typical. Your gold is Ohio sates garbage. Fact that he did not even warrant an offer from the Buckeyes even though his Dad was a captain w/ them speaks volumes. He is below their standards as a player.
RudeJude
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 5:10 p.m.
I like that Michigan's recruiting success has caused these Buckeye's to patrol like they are. Funny, I'm not feeling any need to go and criticize the Buckeye's commits on one of their sites. Their presence is a good barometer for Michigan's recruiting success. I'm guessing a few more will show up when we land another big recruit. Go Blue!
AMaizing_Blue
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 3:25 p.m.
Pretty soon here we will hear about TSIO's fan base verbally harrassing and threatening kids who commit to UofM out of Ohio. Just like they did to Kalis. That is the fact that speaks volumes, Albee.
RJ12688
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 12:41 p.m.
haha.. same old O$U slappy gibberish. I can't wait to see ohio's ALL 5 star recruiting class... cause 4 star guys are clearly all just garbage that ohio would never recruit...
Scott
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 5:45 a.m.
Call the psych ward. Albee has lost it.
Ted Bundy
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 4:56 a.m.
Lol! U buckeyes are too predictable...
umgoblue47
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 3:10 a.m.
i guess it is pretty slow on bucknut sights with no recruits beating the door down to oscar meyerville. . . dead silence. . . get use to it!! GO BLUE!!!!!!
Steve McQueen
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 2:45 a.m.
ha ah... jealous much... have fun with your 4 commits and unhealthy stress proned glamour boy coach
Albee Macaw
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 2:27 a.m.
Oops. Ohio States.
BornInA2
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 1:26 a.m.
Hail! It sure is going to be fun watching what this coaching staff gets these kids to do over the next few years!
goldenblue
Tue, Mar 6, 2012 : 11:11 p.m.
Bo is looking down from heaven and is smiling.Brady and staff have done a great job here.All is well with our program!HAIL:-)
Steve McQueen
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 2:45 a.m.
Bo is probably schooling St. Peter on D Line play....
OldBittyBates
Tue, Mar 6, 2012 : 11:06 p.m.
What in the world is going on? This commitment stat is way beyond anything close to realistic. How is Brady Hoke gunning down the competition so easy? We aren't even 7 days into March 2012! Slightly more than a month has gone by since early February signing day. Good golly, we're practically out of spots left for the 2013 roster. If we can add a few 5 star candidates and continue this surge we will be rated #1 nationally when next February rolls around. I hope we stomp that school in Ohio once again. Go Blue!
golfer
Tue, Mar 6, 2012 : 10:32 p.m.
lets hope michigan has a good year. i think we will be ok. the only thing is be careful these kids can still change their minds. which i do not even think they will.
michboy40
Tue, Mar 6, 2012 : 10 p.m.
How is this guy the #44 player in the country, but only the #13 player in Ohio? Is Ohio really that deep? And how does he not have an Ohio offer. Not complaining!, just curious.
RWBill
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 11:38 p.m.
And yes, Ohio is a monster HS football state. Probably in quantity only trailing TX, FL, and CA.
Ted Bundy
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 5:02 a.m.
Funniest thing is, I've never once trolled on a O$U board in my life. I guess at least these guys don't pretend to be on the fence UM fans like Aarox and a few others. I give ya haters some credit but not much.
Ted Bundy
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 5 a.m.
Because Oscar "recruits nationally" now... Hahaha! Waiting for the buckeyes to chime in is like watching any Jason or Halloween movie, they are both sooooo predictable.
Terry Star21
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 4:44 a.m.
michboy40....what did I say two weeks ago; "Every time we steal a recruit from right under urban's nose, the ohio slappies say, 'We didn't want him, didn't fit'.......losers are so predictable..LOL
Albee Macaw
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 2:31 a.m.
Urb is focused on 5 star guys and leaves the scrapes for you guys. Plus this kid played at an AA level in HS.
rightmind250
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 2:28 a.m.
Not fast enough to play linebacker for Urban. He doesn't need anymore defensive ends.
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Mar 6, 2012 : 9:51 p.m.
Excellent - but how are Michigan's chief rivals in the Big Ten doing with their recruiting (so far)? It'd be nice to see a comparison of all the B1G programs. Michigan is doing great but they aren't the only program out there doing their best to become competitive in the B1G and nationally.
GoBigBlue
Tue, Mar 6, 2012 : 9:51 p.m.
Truly I'm starting to feel spoiled. I can remember a time only a couple years ago when if we landed 4 or 5 - 4* top 100 commits I would be shocked and ecstatic. And we rarely got a sniff at a 5* top 20 kid. Now it's the norm. As it should be. I'm not totally enamored with the rivals and scouts of the world, but they do give a barometer of what type of talent these kids have. Remember, we finished with the #7 class this past yr on rivals, #4 I believe on scout. That class had 10 - 4* kids and 2 - 5* kids out of 24. This current class of 14 already has 12 - 4* top 200 kids! 6 of them are top 100! It's more impressive than I could have ever imagined in year 2 of a new staff. Go Hoke and staff! GO BLUE!!
D21
Tue, Mar 6, 2012 : 9:38 p.m.
So the WCIMFH lost out a player to our OOTBCIMFH (One Of The Best Coaches). GO BLUE!
heartbreakM
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 2:04 a.m.
Now that is funny. I didn't even notice that.
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Mar 6, 2012 : 9:30 p.m.
Brady Hoke is phenomenal and so is his staff. We are SO lucky that Dave Brandon had the vision to see Hoke's potential (which wasn't all that apparent at first, I'm sure everyone agrees). Does anyone know how Hoke's recruiting record so far stacks up against those of Bo - Moe - and Carr? I think he's bettered them all in this area. I'm so inspired, I'm going to buy a new TV before the season starts (and every dawgone subscription needed to access every game)! I'll be looking for Mike McCray and his team mates on my TV during a season not too far in the future. Go Blue!
RWBill
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 11:36 p.m.
Hopefully you won't have to pay for many subscriptions. If you have cable then all of the games will either be on ESPN/2 or BTN.
Scott
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 5:42 a.m.
Hope you get a 64 inch wall mounted flat screen. Denard's smile is two feet across every time he scores.
Terry Star21
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 4:55 a.m.
Thanks # 58.....hey, D21 have you seen those 80" TV's...wow !
Steve McQueen
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 2:42 a.m.
Lloyd was 0-0 as a college HC when he took over... two years later, his team won the NC. Gary Moeller (former Ohio team captain, when they won a NC under Woody) was something like 6-24-1 as HC at Illinois... Prior HC record coming in to Michigan is MOOT. What does matter is that the HC is tough on fundamentals, understands Michigan and how to recruit for Michigan.... Coach Hoke has all of that.
#58ontheroster
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 1:31 a.m.
Bo was 8-3 his first year. We ended up #8 in the AP Poll.
MRunner73
Tue, Mar 6, 2012 : 11:44 p.m.
I decided to join in on fun at the Big House and see the Maize and Blue plus wear the Maize and Blue. I ended up going to most home games and the 2011 season brought great excitement. I'll be sure to send you a wave if I am on camera...in 2012.
D21
Tue, Mar 6, 2012 : 9:40 p.m.
Enjoy shopping for one of the HDTV's. Pick out the one that best displays the Maize n Blue colors :)
Terry Star21
Tue, Mar 6, 2012 : 9:40 p.m.
First paragraph right on....Hoke wasn't really 'War' proven, and even with that season all the trolls from north and south kept reminding us of his previous records.....Oh how fun it will be to watch that berating of Hoke disappear more and more every year. Bo I think was 6-4 ? first year, if my memory serves Hoke had the third best first year - Fielding was undefeated and can't think of the other ? Where id DonAz anyway ?
umgoblue47
Tue, Mar 6, 2012 : 9:37 p.m.
the best one day recruiting bo had and or carr was 3 and i don't think any MICHIGAN coach has ever had this many recruits this early! GO BLUE!!!!!
Steve McQueen
Tue, Mar 6, 2012 : 9:06 p.m.
Love it when another former Ohio team captain, has his kid wise up and come to the Leaders and Best. Hello to Gary Moeller too.... "Michigan State has two." Ha Ha. funny how the green trolls have disappeared today....
Tom
Mon, Mar 12, 2012 : 1:21 a.m.
How best to describe this "great" class? No pad All-Americans! How bad is it going to be sitting home watching a Sparty vs. BADger rematch in Indianapolis on October 1st? How anxious do you think that Saban is to put a hurt on the team that gained 184 yards vs. a mediocre VaTech team? 1.6 yards per carry in the Splenda Bowl! How funny was that?
sandokan
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 7:49 p.m.
Ok. Now you go and take the number one recruiting trophy and get ready for your annual beating in October. GO STATE!!
Terry Star21
Tue, Mar 6, 2012 : 9:44 p.m.
Yes, they are out there, sure was quiet 2002-07, a pin could drop....stay tuned ! Agree that when you're the best like Michigan, it really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks/does......
ArthGuinness
Tue, Mar 6, 2012 : 9:30 p.m.
Who cares where the green trolls are? Or what they say? Blue is on a recruiting tear compared to any team in the country right now.
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Mar 6, 2012 : 9:21 p.m.
The green trolls are out there: you'll find plenty of them on the YouTube boards where any Michigan fan posts videos having to do with Michigan (or, occasionally, with that green & white team in E. Lansing). Having little to do but pretend to be worthy (in any sense) - they'll be back here before long. ;-)
heartbreakM
Tue, Mar 6, 2012 : 9:01 p.m.
This is crazy. It's March. I can't believe how quick things have accelerated in the recruitment world. Good news for Michigan, but it is early!! Remember when Indiana basketball was roundly criticized for having a commit who was in 8th grade? (ended up being one of their stars in the early 2000s if I'm not mistaken, but don't remember his name (can't find it in the internet either). That's what is going to happen soon if we don't watch out!!
heartbreakM
Wed, Mar 7, 2012 : 2:02 a.m.
Damon Bailey was it. Was he all the way back in the 80s? It seems more recent but you are probably right. I am amazed at the momentum Hoke and M football has (a good thing) but I think this whole recruiting thing is not so slowly going haywire. These are still high school kids/young men. Remember when we were all in high school? I was nervous about just calling someone for a date!!
MRunner73
Tue, Mar 6, 2012 : 10:24 p.m.
Yea, now I know how Brady Hoke felt when he had only "half a year to recruit" in 2012. And we thought that was awesome...can you say" Flex some muscle"? At this rate, Hoke will be working on 2014 soon.
D21
Tue, Mar 6, 2012 : 9:42 p.m.
Damon Bailey back in 80's?
umgoblue47
Tue, Mar 6, 2012 : 9 p.m.
welcome to MICHIGAN MIKE McCRAY!! there are 6 to 9 more recruits coming on Friday the 10th the rumor is ty Isaac will commit? maybe this week end we can beat coach HOKE'S record of 6 commits in one day? GO BLUE AND GO COACH HOKE!!!!!!
AMaizing_Blue
Tue, Mar 6, 2012 : 8:29 p.m.
"It's the right time for me to commit, and I'm very excited to be a Wolverine." That's what I like to hear! Just like MRunner73 said, THE TRAIN IS ROLLING!!! See ya April 14th!
Terry Star21
Tue, Mar 6, 2012 : 8:26 p.m.
Put me in Coach, I'm ready to play; "I've been feeling like Michigan was the right school for me for two weeks now, and there's no reason for me to wait any longer," McCray told Scout. "It's the right time for me to commit, and I'm very excited to be a Wolverine." Originally was to wait until Thursday, but obviously Michigan too good to wait. To my Michigan friends on this site, I'm buying a lake house in Trotwood, Ohio this fall - come on down and we'll tailgate and enjoy the game on the tube.
Tom
Mon, Mar 12, 2012 : 1:16 a.m.
Terry....this is great! Spartans whip Little Sister by 21 on October 20th! Where'd you go to school?
MRunner73
Tue, Mar 6, 2012 : 8:16 p.m.
Bottom Line: The future looks very bright. The train is rolling! Go Blue!!!
D21
Tue, Mar 6, 2012 : 9:44 p.m.
Choo-choo goeth the Maize n Blue Express
Terry Star21
Tue, Mar 6, 2012 : 8:31 p.m.
Here's your super train; <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IZqRdznPs8&feature=player_embedded" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IZqRdznPs8&feature=player_embedded</a>