Michigan has more recruits than rest of Big Ten combined on ESPN's list of top 150 football prospects
ESPN released its ranking of the top 150 high school football recruits in the country on Tuesday, and it's no surprise Michigan fared very well.
The Wolverines placed 11 of its class of 2013 recruits on the list, easily the most in the country. Texas and Florida were next closest at seven apiece, and Texas A&M and Alabama each had six.
Michigan also dominated its Big Ten brethren, far outpacing league runner-ups Ohio State (five), Penn State (three) and Northwestern (one). It had more recruits on the list than the rest of the league combined, an impressive feat this early in the recruiting cycle.
Michigan coach Brady Hoke has expressed concern about his team's depth at offensive line. The Wolverines' entire five-man 2013 offensive line class is ranked among the top 150 recruits in the nation by ESPN.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
It also outmuscled Michigan State and Ohio State on the regional recruiting trail, which has been an emphasis of coach Brady Hoke. The Wolverines feature commitments from the top three players in their own state, and five of the top eight (MSU's top recruit is No. 10).
Most impressively, though, they have poached four of the top six players in Ohio. The Buckeyes have the top two.
Strong stuff. Where Michigan's class is strongest, though, is sure to please Hoke the most.
The Wolverines' entire five-man offensive line class made the list, with Detroit Cass Tech's David Dawson leading the way at No. 92. Logan Tuley-Tillman followed at No. 97, then Chris Fox at No. 105, Kyle Bosch No. 112 and Patrick Kuger No. 121.
In other words: The next-best Big Ten team (Ohio State) featured five players on the list. Michigan matched that many in just offensive lineman.
It had three of the top five offensive guards, including top-ranked Dawson. Bosch was ranked No. 4 and Kugler No. 5.
That powerful offensive line class follows a 2012 recruiting cycle in which Michigan's four-man class ranked No. 4 in the country according to Rivals.
After playing last year with basically two primary backups on its offensive line, Michigan could do the same this year, unless a freshman steps into the rotation. That tenuous depth has been a constant source of consternation for Hoke.
Reinforcements appear to be on the way.
And, they could be blocking for blue-chip quarterback Shane Morris, who was tabbed by ESPN as the No. 3 pocket quarterback in the country. He's ranked as the No. 37 overall prospect, which actually is lower than his perch according to Rivals (No. 16) and Scout (No. 28).
That didn't seem to damper his spirits, though, considering the overall strength of the class that surrounds him -- and the big boys that will protect him.
"S/O to #Team134 for having 11 commits on the #ESPNU150!!!! Most in the nation!!!!" he tweeted shortly after the list was revealed.
Michigan recruits among ESPN's Top 150
QB Shane Morris (Warren DeLaSalle HS) No. 37
CB Gareon Conley (Massillon, Ohio) No. 63
LB Mike McCray (Trotwood, Ohio) No. 75
OL David Dawson (Detroit Cass Tech) No. 92
OL Logan Tuley-Tillman (Peoria, Ill.) No. 97
S Dymonte Thomas (Alliance, Ohio) No. 98
OL Chris Fox (Parker, Colo.) No. 105
CB Jourdan Lewis (Detroit Cass Tech) No. 107
OL Kyle Bosch (Wheaton, Ill.) No. 112
DE Taco Charlton (Pickerington, Ohio) No. 115
OL Patrick Kugler (Wexford, Pa.) No. 121
The full list can be found here.
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
michboy40
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 5:38 p.m.
We are going to be downright nasty in a couple years. We still don't have the depth and experience, but we are certainly piling up the bodies!
The1Cool
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 4:27 p.m.
I wasn't one to get too excited about highly-rated recruits. But, with this coaching staff it is exciting b/c I have every reason to believe they will coach the crap out of these kids.
Blue Marker
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 7:56 p.m.
Way too early on this but these kids seem to be of high character as well. Judging for comments, interviews and such. Time will tell.
Robert Granville
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 3:42 p.m.
Why are we still talking about 2013? That's old stuff. Only schools that aren't Michigan are still struggling to fill their 2013 class. Hoke is already recruiting high school sophomores and freshman. Jayru Cambell anyone?
Robert Granville
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 3:41 p.m.
The Ohio and little brother fans are hilarious. They have the same thing to say every time. Ohio: We didn't want them or Urban will flip them. Sparty: We owned RichRod, therefore we will continue to win with far less talent. All a Michigan fan can say is good luck. All of our rivals will need it.
ted
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 3:19 p.m.
No commits this past weekend is very worrisome. I suspect it means there are no longer players interested in Michigan.
Zak Tillman
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 4:20 a.m.
Wishful thinking as usual. All of our recruits are probably overrated or not being sought after by any other D1 program in the country either. And none of them will pan out in your mind huh. Welcome back to mediocrity OSU and MSU. OSU fans are probably getting Cooper flashbacks at this point.
Blue Marker
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 7:54 p.m.
I can never tell if you're serious or not. If not, that's the driest sense of humor I've seen in a while. Signing day is 10 months away.
Tru2Blu76
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 6:21 a.m.
As a previous AnnArbor.com article pointed out: this is the beginning of 2012 and already Michigan has topped the charts in recruiting for the 2013 class! Hoke and company have easily matched and even outmatched big-name coaches across the country! It's also important to remember that recruiting is just part of the larger story. Brady Hoke arrived in January 2011 with a "nobody .500 record." Remember the big story: Would Robinson leave because of the new coach's new program? There were even YouTube parodies showing Hoke as a mediocre coach with a mediocre record and a background from "nowhere." From that start, he has massively and comprehensively built a coaching staff and a team which, this year, may become a threat to any team in the country. IMO: we are looking at the next great Michigan legendary coach.
Steve McQueen
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 2 a.m.
"The Wolverines placed 11 of its class of 2013 recruits on the list," but wait a minute...according to ohio fans, those are all guys that couldnt play for Meyer. Lol.
GoBigBlue
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 3:09 p.m.
Lol nice one Rude.
RudeJude
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 10:57 a.m.
Meyer has his own list, completely separate from these guys, all six- and seven-star recruits, who can breath fire and fly. ; )
Terry Star21
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 1:01 a.m.
Six of four comments against Michigan so far, the competition is devastated, frightened and much bewildered - as well they should be; listen to some of those comments....LOL. "It also outmuscled Michigan State and Ohio on the regional recruiting trail, which has been an emphasis of coach Brady Hoke".........thank you Kyle, just like on the field and scoreboard these coming years...... MgoBlueForTiM......the best recruits find the best team.
Cliff
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 11:33 p.m.
I'm sure a lot of Michigan fans will have a big wet dream tonight because of this article.
Zak Tillman
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 4:17 a.m.
And Im sure a lot of MSU fans will be pissing their beds tonight because of this article. Seriously we know you are getting worried. Your team is no longer bringing in the talent that they were when RichRod was at UofM, they are all going to play for Hoke now. And that concerns you. Sorry your joke of a coach cant compete with a real Michigan Man. Take care little bro.
Steve McQueen
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 2:06 a.m.
actually cliff... your homoerotic imagery would be a turn on...if I were a gay man which I am not.
Terry Star21
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 1:02 a.m.
I see your fear.....lol
Big Tex
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 11:08 p.m.
Lordy, but this is great news! UM's puttin' the recruitin' trophy up there with the ones they got for all them September Heismans.
ethanblue
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 2:28 a.m.
And next to Woodson's Heisman, and Howard's...saw them in person, and they are pretty impressive. It's okay. Michigan isn't the one touting their class; the news is the one making a big deal. The coaches had these guys committed way before the rankings came out, and in many cases they offered these guys way before the scouting sites saw how good they were. Be scared. Hoke and Mattison got a guy like Taco Charlton when he wasn't heavily recruited or seen as an elite prospect by the media masses. Be scared. Hoke and company know how to recruit good character athletes who want to be part of a team renaissance. These are many kids who understand that team success will bring them individual lauding and high chances at NFL careers. Be scared.
Steve McQueen
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 2:05 a.m.
The same September Heismans who have historically crushed sparty 3 out of every 4 games in October. lol
Terry Star21
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 1:02 a.m.
It really frightens you....I love it !
unclefred
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 8:22 p.m.
The commits to team 134 are already forming relationships through social media, other forms of communications, and mutual campus visits. Further a number of them knew each other before they committed. In other words they are already becoming a team. They are not just a bunch of high school juniors waiting to finish their senior year and then show up in August 2013. They are already motivating each other to work to up their skills and meet the academic requirements so that they can play together. Several of them will play against each other in their senior year and are looking forward to their last game against each other before they are on the same team. Hoke has made it clear to each of these players that if they should not commit until they are sure they want to play for Michigan, because any exploration of another team will cause their offer to be pulled. At Michigan commitment means something. Perhaps a couple of these guys will get "flipped" but that means leaving a group that already views each other as teammates. I think it's a lot less likely any of this group will leave than many expect.
Terry Star21
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 1:03 a.m.
Good writing....remember we signed all our recruits last year !
Adam DiBartolomeo
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 8:17 p.m.
Very excited to see this team in about 2-3 years. The Defense is going to be nasty! Get Shane Morris some weapons on the outside and it will be a pretty solid all around team!
Blue Marker
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 7:39 p.m.
I've been following recruiting for 10 years or more and have never seen Michigan do anything like this. The program is in the best shape it's been in for at least 5 years. The positive vibe surrounding the Wolverines is undeniable. Let our rivals say what they want, the more they talk the more scared they sound. Just enjoy what this coaching staff has put together and get ready for more! Go Blue!
heartbreakM
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 12:44 p.m.
@81: Part of the reason that they got 5 linemen in one class is because of the woeful lack of depth that was left to them, and they just got after it. Usually, in the last 35 years, Michigan lines were pretty heavily recruited year to year and never needed to play "catch up". That being said, this recruiting is really remarkable. None of us know what the future will look like, but these kids are all saying the right thing, coming from great high school teams, and seem to buy into the Michigan thing. That alone bodes well for the future.
81wolverine
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 12:04 p.m.
I've been following Michigan recruiting for over 35 years, and I've ALSO never seen anything like this!! You always have to see what happens in 4 years before judging a class, but I've never seen us pull in 5 offensive linemen of this caliber in one year EVER. But to fill out this class, I really think it will be critical to get a couple high caliber skill guys like Treadwell and Isaac. They're keys.
DB
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 6:51 p.m.
First off, Coach Hoke & Company are just tearing it up on the recruiting trail! Secondly, as I predicted on another another site, David Dawson really pushed his way up that list. C. Fox was originally second to Morris (McCray on some sites). But man! We doing some real damage! And just think, Isaac, Treadwell, and Green are all "realistic" possibilities. One question tho ESPN, Do u honestly have O'Daniel ahead of Levenberry Jr? He's not even in the list!!! Thats tragedy! This is why I'm not too into all the stars and rankings. But anyway, I'm proud of what my Wolverines are doing. Now lets go translate all this talent to the field. GO BLUE!!? To all of my foes: bama, msu, notre dame, and ohio, READ IT AND WEEP IT!
DB
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 1:55 a.m.
U have to understand that recruits are one aspect, and coaching is another. We have both now. GO BLUE!!!
Cliff
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 11:35 p.m.
This is nothing new. Michigan always get better recruits, yet they still haven't been able to beat state the past few years.
Travis
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 6:44 p.m.
In order... Heitzmann - look it up, OSU has offered most of those Ohio kids. Meyer may flip a few, but Hoke may return the favor. It is early and UM may lose a couple of recruits, but this is a great sign either way. sandokan - on what do you base you thought that Hoke cannot develop players (other than your MSU fandom)? UM coaches are not concerned with the number of stars, they are looking for players that fit their system and want to be Wolverines. Mattison, Borges and Hoke have already proven they can develop players. Cherish the memories from the past 4 years, little brother.
Steve McQueen
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 2:04 a.m.
wrong mind... again you are wrong...you know that more guys were offered than Dymonte..you just cant admit that you are getting skunked in your own state. The Truth hurts you so much wrongmind
rightmind250
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 8:33 p.m.
Travis, The only player on that list offered by Meyer was Dymonte. Others may have had offers by the previous staff. The only player Meyer is still pursuing is Dymonte. He's not going to try and flip anybody else on UM's list.
UlyssesWrong1
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 6:27 p.m.
I wish the Big 10 recruited better talent so we wouldn't constantly get out matched in recent out of conference competition. But I always assumed they picked good character, smart kids, even if they weren't the best athletes available (which still means something in this world, right?
Zak Tillman
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 4:11 a.m.
I am torn on this topic, I would also like to see the BIG bringing in more elite talent like the SEC and Big 12 but at what cost. We know we are better then the SEC because we do things the right way in the BIG (overall, obviously there are exceptions). Eventually the SEC will be shown for what they really are and those "Titles" will start being stripped one by one. I would rather win one doing things the right way then win 10 only to have them taken away because we cheated to get them.
UlyssesWrong1
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 11:14 a.m.
Scott Laux I voted your comment down, I'm talking about the Big 10 as a conference. We're posting on an article about the RECRUITS WE JUST SIGNED obviously you and I both can see they're highly ranked.
UlyssesWrong1
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 11:12 a.m.
I'm talking about the Big 10 as a conference. Michigan typically does just fine with recruiting, but let's not turn a blind eye to the rest of the Big 10. Outside of Michigan, OSU, Penn State, and Wisconsin, the rest of the Big 10 seems to be content recruiting lesser talent. Which is doing it 'the right way' I guess?
Scott Laux
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 10:33 p.m.
Yes guys like Kalis, Magnuson Pipkins, Kugler, Deveon Smith, Kugler, Bosch, Thomas Morris aren't top talent. I don't know why they are ranked as top and getting offers from SEC, Ohio State tand Pac ten schools. Must be mistakes. Their rankings by all the sites (rivals, scouts, ESPN) must be errors as well.
Hailmary
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 6:59 p.m.
Do you mean you wish the BTN would do what it takes to get better talent. I'm very happy with BTN play. We made a decent showing considering some of the competiion in the bowl games. I even though Whisky made a good game of it in the Rose Bowl.
sandokan
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 6:11 p.m.
And now what you are going to do with them? They need coaching. I don't think Bready can develop players, at least not yet. It is not like throwing scholarship to every 4 and five star high school kid and hope he start winning games for you just because he is a 4 or 5 star player. Plus these kids think they can play in their first year not realizing they can get hurt. I told you before and I am telling you now - take your recruitment trophy and get ready for the annual beating, this year in Ann Arbor. GO STATE
sid haque
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 4:41 a.m.
Sando as you know Big Brother took 4 of yrs RR(REST+RELAX)after all whipping our little brother for so long don't you think Big Brother deserve that much needed time off(i might say so) but now that Big Brother is FRESH and REJUVENATED it is time start whipping our little brother again and it will start this October in BIG BROTHER'S HOUSE.
Zak Tillman
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 4:06 a.m.
Up until 4 years ago I didn't know Michigan State fans existed, now 4 years of not being mediocre they all come out of their shanties and talk as if they have been a dominant team forever. Be upset with your coaching staff for not doing better on the recruiting trail, dont be a hater because big brother decided to stop fighting with one arm tied behind his back. Hope you enjoyed the RichRod era, it will be the last time MSU fans have a stretch like this.
JustfortheRecord
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 12:11 p.m.
Didn't Brady Hoke coach one of the best offensive lines in Michigan History that still has 2 lineman in the NFL - Hutchinson and Bakus? Seems like he can handle coaching from the ground up.
Steve McQueen
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 2:02 a.m.
wow this is the most foolish thing I have ever read on the internet...however that is no surprise coming from a sparty fan lol
Terry Star21
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 1:06 a.m.
You can almost smell the fear in this writer....love it..
Adam DiBartolomeo
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 8:10 p.m.
Sparty wants to shed the "Little Brother" moniker. Only way to do that is to WORRY ABOUT YOUR OWN TEAM!!! Act like you've been there. Oh wait, you haven't. GO BLUE!!
Blue Marker
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 7:29 p.m.
Sounds like wishful thinking. I know it must be a bummer to watch Michigan steady its self and getting ready to dominate again. Keep posting green and white smack while you can. In a deep dark place you don't want to acknowledge you know the end is coming. And once again no one outside of EL will care about MSU football.
Hailmary
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 6:54 p.m.
sando- the cycle is rapidly coming to an end so if you beat the great Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor this year I say to you, Enjoy it might be awhile.
Jacob Bodnar
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 6:53 p.m.
You act like there's some storied history of MSU beating Michigan. Four years in a row, impressive, but those were some of the worst four years in Michigan history. And I believe all the MSU fans were lauding their better than normal recruiting classes the last few years, that was until Hoke came in and started his recruiting tear, now you're saying "it doesn't matter."
Mike
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 6:41 p.m.
You're right... Brady can't develop these players. He's only had one of the best seasons in Michigan History and pulled in a top 10 class last year and is well on his way this year. The very short win streak is coming to an end.
Rien Heitzmann
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 5:52 p.m.
Its WAY to early to jump the gun and think those kids are going to honor those commitments. Trust me ... with the kids from Ohio (which is most of them) Urban Meyer has not made his pass yet. Great article but don't hold your breath!
goldenblue
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 2:08 a.m.
rein=lil bro;-)
Terry Star21
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 1:07 a.m.
Sorry this frightens you and most likely gives you nightmares, but you came to this site remember....
Scott Laux
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 10:28 p.m.
Yes God hasn't spoken to the recruits yet,. Once he does they will all go to play in Columbus.
Hailmary
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 6:49 p.m.
Rien we might lose some and who knows, take some more players from that ohio team like you said Rien, "it's way to early to jump the gun". Rien, you sound a tad fraustrated.
Mike
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 6:38 p.m.
Seriously? I count 4 of 11 being from Ohio. I think Urban has had his turn and they all passed. Sorry.