Michigan football team's 2013 recruiting blitz continues with addition of Columbus receiver
More on Michigan's recruiting barrage: Commit Nos. 1 and 2 | Historic Six | No. 7 Jake Butt | No. 8 Logan Tuley-Tillman
The Michigan football team's recruiting extravaganza has slowed.
But not stopped.
The Wolverines picked up a ninth commitment since the weekend when Ohio receiver Jaron Dukes verbally committed to the program, according to Scout. That brings the 2013 class to 12 players overall, which is three times as many as any other Big Ten school.
Ohio State is the next closest at four commits. Dukes, ironically, is a native of Columbus, Ohio. He is the first offensive skill player ever to commit to the Wolverines from that city, according to The Wolverine.
Michigan currently has two players from Columbus: Starting right guard Patrick Omameh and reserve defensive end Chris Rock.
Dukes, unlike the eight prospects who committed in the past four days, is not a four-star recruit. He has yet to be ranked by Rivals and Scout.
The Marion-Franklin High School star is the first receiver to join Michigan's 2013 class. He stands around 6-foot-4, according to Rivals and Scout analysts, which is the kind of big-bodied size the team is lacking at the position.
In fact, if that height is accurate, that makes him Michigan's tallest receiver among current or incoming scholarship players. The next tallest are little-used Jeremy Jackson and incoming freshman Jehu Chesson at 6-3.
Dukes held offers from Illinois and Toledo, according to Rivals.
Comments
Ken
Sat, Feb 25, 2012 : 6:41 a.m.
Not impressed with the UM haul. OSU kicked our butt on recruiting this year after being way back. Meyer is simply a better coach and recruiter. It will be a long 10 years as long as Meyer is at OSU.
rej73
Sat, Feb 25, 2012 : 1:03 p.m.
If Oscar Meyer lasts 5 years there it will be big news, and eventually his deceptive recruiting and oversigning will catch up with him just like it has everywhere he has been. Or do you really think there is less pressure at Ohio than at Florida?
Wally the Wolverine
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:40 p.m.
@Rude Jude: Just saw your link to the tweets of our recruits. Regarding the language they spew forth, there's an old saying that says foul language is nothing more than a lazy mind trying to express itself forcefully. If that indeed is the case, it looks like we all have been introduced to our next class of General Studies or Independant Studies majors.
RudeJude
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 7:03 p.m.
Sadly, it may be the case. I guess, my point was that while I'm not happy to see Michigan behavior in Michigan's recruits, it's clearly not unique to Michigan. (If you look at the bottom of the link I sent you, you'll see links to those other schools I mentioned, showing their players exhibhit similar behavior. It seems this kind of behavior is become a part of the culture of the college football player.
Tru2Blu76
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:19 p.m.
Everything in athletics is a "maybe" or "might be." Before I even got into high school, our track coach called me into his office (I was still a ninth grader) and told me college scouts were interested in seeing me on the football team. Well, I confess: I had no interest at all in playing football. I had already set the middle school shot put record (by three feet!) AND was anchor on the 220 x 880 relay. I was only interested in continuing in track and field and wanted to set the high school shot put record. Knee injury prevented that - and I didn't become a football fan until around the time of Super Bowl I. Point is: "maybe" and "might be" are not the basis for making pronouncements one way or the other. I saw other good athletes make great success, but I saw others fail to make it all the way many times as well. For now, I'm with those who say that Coach Hoke has made amazing strides for Michigan football. We have seen nothing so far to make us doubt that he'll continue to do so. The 2012 (Team 133) Wolverines will be mostly seniors and juniors who were inherited by Coach Hoke - he's developed them into a top 25 team from a much lower ranking. Trust: that Coach Hoke will do even better with the stellar recruits he's continuing to attract to Michigan.
MRunner73
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:35 p.m.
Thanks for that TruBlu...I was a zero star track guy in HS and JUCO transfer, took engineering classes in JUCO. I got my varsity letter at Michigan and contributed. It was nice to be good enough to run with the big boys but it shows you that any athlete willing to be hard worker can improve and fit role expected of them. Coach Hoke is not done amazing us.
lugemachine
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 10:56 a.m.
Events both recent and not-so-recent have made us forget the notion of player development. Even as far back as Henne and Hart, Michigan fans began to grow accustomed to players starting as freshmen. Then RichRod came along and he had no choice but to start freshmen (not getting into the whole "cupboard was bare" argument.. just stating a fact). If this kid is a sleeper recruit and doesn't develop into a genuine threat until his second or third year (which could be a RS sophomore season) I'm perfectly fine with that. Two to three seasons of a Braylon Edwards clone works for me! I'll not question this coaching staff and the direction it's taking the team. You recruit for the future, not for the present.
Larry Weisenthal
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 7:15 a.m.
Star ratings for high school juniors don't factor in potential. Lots of 16 year old boys still have a lot of growing to do. The best HS juniors are disproportionately kids who had early puberty. Jeremy Lin started out HS at 5'3"; went to 6'1" in HS; later 6'3"
RJ12688
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5:35 a.m.
Another nice pick up for UM. Its crazy to see that people actually complain that UM is going after bigger receivers. Our best WR last year was a big guy named Hemingway if you remember.. Big athletic WRs are always the best way to go. They may not be as quick, but they dont need to be. The WRs that gave UM the most trouble last were all big, strong, athletic players. Not 5'9 180 lbs quick guys. The best teams all have big WRs on the outside. I will admit that small quick guys in the slot can be beneficial for match up reasons.
GoBigBlue
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:23 a.m.
I posted this on an earlier recruiting thread that was dieing out so I thought I'd repost here. In a post commitment interview with Logan Tuley-Tillman over on rivals they asked him what it was about Michigan that set it apart from his other options. Below is his response: "There's just one quote that really summarizes all of it: 'This is Michigan.' It's the pageantry, the history, and all the success they've had," Tuley-Tillman said. "There's a lot of people that can try to compete against it, but nobody can come close to it." This gave me chills! The future is looking very very good. Brady Hoke and staff are second to none in my humble opinion. Go Blue! Also, I like the idea of a 6' 4" WR who can run. But that's just me.
RudeJude
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:55 p.m.
Rightmind250, Tom Crean is his brother-in-law. They are family. If someone asked me a question about betraying my family, I'd answer with a resounding, "hell no," too.
RudeJude
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:50 p.m.
I'm thinking Plaxico Burress when I see this kid. I don't remember him being exceptionally fast when Michigan fell to them up in East Lansing, only that he was exceptionally tall, able to rip those passes right out of the air. Maybe Hoke and Borges are looking for diversity in their receiving corp. We have our tall guy, now maybe we get our elite speedster next?
rightmind250
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:31 p.m.
Apparentl Harbough doesn't feel the same way about is alma mater. He was the team manager for IU last night. ." Then when Crean was asked if he was concerned Harbaugh was a Michigan spy, the ex-Wolverines quarterback shouted, "Hell no."
Terry Star21
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:36 a.m.
Excellent GoBig...this is why teams such as ohio and msu will always be chasing us.......always ! And we stole this kid Jaron - watch his improvement !
Rick Steelinksi
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 1:10 a.m.
Would enjoy hearing Michigan fans opinion on this Notre Dame topic - Recruiting bad behavior: This hasnt been discussed yet - our recruits on twitter: <a href="http://www.chatsports.com/notre-dame-fighting-irish/a/Notre-Dame-coach-Brian-Kelly-HUMILIATED-by-his-players-Must-see-10-133-113" rel='nofollow'>http://www.chatsports.com/notre-dame-fighting-irish/a/Notre-Dame-coach-Brian-Kelly-HUMILIATED-by-his-players-Must-see-10-133-113</a>
RudeJude
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:28 p.m.
To be honest, it's only the sexist and homophobic comments I cannot stand, which, admittedly, makes up the majority of these tweets. The trash talk about Ohio State brings a smile to my face. I'm guessing they are all complimenting each other and discussing how nice the weather is down in the trenches, rights? ; ) I think this is just a taste of reality. And Erik Magnuson really, really hates Ohio. I cannot wait for November! Get'em Mags!!! Go Blue!
RudeJude
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:22 p.m.
As does Alabama, as Does Ohio State, as does LSU, as does Oregon, as does...
RudeJude
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:21 p.m.
We have the same issue, that's what I think about it. <a href="http://www.chatsports.com/michigan-wolverines/a/Michigans-2012-football-recruiting-class-exposed-on-Twitter-10-2-1947" rel='nofollow'>http://www.chatsports.com/michigan-wolverines/a/Michigans-2012-football-recruiting-class-exposed-on-Twitter-10-2-1947</a>
Chad Williams
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 12:12 a.m.
Just stop with the over excitement before a the big letdown. Hoke and his staff proved they can coach up someone elses talent. In 2 years or so it will be all hokes guys playing. Talent does matter and there is a difference in Qb running a 4.3 and 4.9. Hoke needs more players with things that he cant coach. Instinct and speed etc are things bo cant teach. After this year primarily rr players we will see how smart and how great he has recruited. Another thing rr was here for 3 years so since 1997 how many big ten national championships and rose bowl victories? Going back to power football and ignoring that having a little athleticism boosts a team. Bama plays power football by all means but those are some super athletes. Being big just doesn't cut it. Its about the hybrid now ask ny giants and there d line.
happyguy1
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 1:19 a.m.
I think the unqualified overexcitement deserves as much credence as the unqualified pessimism being exhibited.
TcFlint
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 11:49 p.m.
Two other recruits for Michigan this past weekend are from Pickerington, OH (just about 20 minutes SE of Columbus, technically a suburb). Both are 4 star recruits.
BigWolverine13
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 11:27 p.m.
Here's another perspective: <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1076720-michigan-football-columbus-receiver-becomes-commit-no-12" rel='nofollow'>http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1076720-michigan-football-columbus-receiver-becomes-commit-no-12</a>
turbonerd
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 11:10 p.m.
Welcome Jaron! Go Blue!
zimmats
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 10:52 p.m.
coaches clearly see something in him. this kid could be 6'6," 220 lbs w/in a couple yrs, with 4.6 speed. nothing wrong with that. also "when Marion Franklin played Trotwood-Madison, it was said that Dukes torched Ohio State defensive back commit Cameron Burrows multiple times to the tune of six catches, 173 yards, and two touchdowns." .... hopefully we get a couple real burners at WR before this class is filled to complement this guy. Welcome Jaron!
Terry Star21
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:43 a.m.
Actually zim, this just came up; "For his size, Dukes showed "surprising (4.6) speed," noted scout.com's Dave Berk. "
Terry Star21
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:33 a.m.
zimmats....agree 100%, we stole this kid - watch for that improvement. ted....pay attention, he said within a couple tears 4.6.
ted
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 12:25 a.m.
he does not run a 4.6
happyguy1
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 10:46 p.m.
There's a ridiculous amount of security that far too many people derive from the star ratings of athletes. Yes, it's nice to have a roster chock full of 4 to 5 stars. However, there are just as many 2 and 3 stars who've suceeded in the college and pro games as 4 and 5 stars. Coach Hoke hasn't given me any reason to doubt him and I'm not about to start now. Did we learn nothing from the Jeremy Lin story? Also, it's really absurd to throw cold water on what has been an outstanding recruiting haul. I really think there's no pleasing some fans. If Hoke wins a championship next year, someone will find fault in some way (some games were too close, schedule turned out to be easier than expected, we're still not a good team unless we win 3 championships back to back to back, but for the fact that every team we played was having a subpar day, etc.). Come on, people, relax just a little and be happy that Michigan is doing well in football AND basketball, both on the field of play and in the recruiting arena.
Bruce Kennedy
Sat, Feb 25, 2012 : 1:36 a.m.
Your post hits home with me. I remember when I lived in San Diego, and Jim Rome hadn't gone National yet, he was criticizing how the Wolverines were not winning correctly, I believe it was during one of the Fab Five seasons. I took exception to this and called him to voice my opinon that I could care less how they won just as long as they were winning. Needless to say he did not share my opinion and hung up on me. But that obviously didn't change my mind. It reinforces your point that no matter what Michigan, or anyother team who is successful, does they will still have to endure detractors.
1bit
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:39 a.m.
This is required reading when discussing star rankings (and goes, somewhat, to your point): <a href="http://mgoblog.com/diaries/what%E2%80%99s-5-star-really-worth-predicting-future-team-success-recruiting-rankings" rel='nofollow'>http://mgoblog.com/diaries/what%E2%80%99s-5-star-really-worth-predicting-future-team-success-recruiting-rankings</a>
garrisondyer
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 11:10 p.m.
AND hockey. Some day all three will win the championship in the same year, and that will become the greatest 12 months of sports since 1997-1998 when football, hockey, and the Wings all won their respective championships (twice for the Wings!).
heartbreakM
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 10:40 p.m.
Well, just wait until we flip Trey Burke to be the secret weapon on the football team. He will hang out in the backfield, dish the ball to Denard, kick field goals, and block. Trey will be the first skill position Columbus player!! Of course, that is until Urban Meyer comes and takes him away.
ted
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 12:37 a.m.
That was AWESOME Sky !
Sky Slone
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 12:08 a.m.
lol... urban meyer couldn't flip any of our commits in the 2012 class.... this is MgoBlue baby and we got a michigan man leading things now... OH WE ABOUT TO GET FUNKY!
Eric Cali
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 10:22 p.m.
Some info on this new commit. I actually like him a lot. <a href="http://hokesmadmagicians.blogspot.com/2012/02/commitment-12-wr-jaron-dukes.html" rel='nofollow'>http://hokesmadmagicians.blogspot.com/2012/02/commitment-12-wr-jaron-dukes.html</a>
Terry Star21
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 10:13 p.m.
Things are continuing right on schedule and looking great. Wow, columbus, ohio - that's gotta hurt ! Now will come the ohio fans saying, 'we didn't want him, didn't fit our program, etc.' Right.
Terry Star21
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 10:18 p.m.
Actually, not being ranked kept him off the radar. I am impressed with his 6'-4" size and even if he doesn't get the 'stars' I think Hoke/Borgess and company can hone him to be a very great player. Look forward to seeing him. Welcome Jaron !
Eric Cali
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 9:58 p.m.
According to 247sports, with 12 commits so far, Michigan is ranked #1 for 2013 recruiting, in which Jaron Dukes is rated 3 stars. I think he can easily go higher in coming months.
Scott
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 9:57 p.m.
I'm befuddled by the different recruiting sites. They list him at 6'2, 6'3 and 6'4. He looks all of 6'4. None have him ranked in any way. How many big tall receivers with long strides and good hands are there out there? I guess this indicated Khalid Hill will likely be used as a TE instead of the "big" WR Michigan wants.
D21
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 9:36 p.m.
"I think Michigan's just a little bit earlier than some of the other schools in offering a few of the 2013 kids," Marion-Franklin football coach Brian Haffele explained. "Michigan knows that they have to get in a little earlier on a Columbus kid, or even an Ohio kid in general. You know and I know that if Michigan offered him, Urban's gonna come in and offer him." ACE: Do you want to expand on that? Take me through what you saw in Ann Arbor. JARON: I'll tell you what I saw. I saw a love for Michigan. Everybody I talked to loves the university, loves everything about it. They were a family, you could tell there was a bond everywhere you went, you could just feel it. It was just a great place to be. They took me through the facilities, they showed me the field, academic center, athletic center, I talked to the dean, everything—it was just great. ACE: Who hosted you on the visit and what coaches were you talking to? JARON: It was myself, Coach Heck, Coach Montgomery, and another coach, I think he was the linebackers coach. ACE: What was your impression of the coaching staff? JARON: (laughs) We were just over there having a good time, laughing and talking, making sure Michigan will be a place that I will be happy at. It was just having a great time getting to know the school and everything, not putting pressure on me, just letting me enjoy seeing the campus and everything for right now. ACE: What would you say was the high point of the visit? Can you pick out a particular thing that stood out to you? JARON: Easily. Easily I can say the highest point was me starting from the very top of the tunnel, running down the tunnel, jumping, and just walking out onto the field. I went from the 'M' in the center of the field, to end zone, to end zone, and back to the center, and a tear came down my face. That was from Mgoblog, however, Jaron also said he'd like to visit other schools and that remains to be seen.
golfer
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : midnight
Better rethink the statement I want to visit other schools. The last person whom said that had his scholarship pulled. Once commited to Michigan other schools visit stops.
ted
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 9:31 p.m.
Sorry...."our recruiting".
aawolve
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:03 a.m.
Ha, that was the least of that post's problems.
ted
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 9:27 p.m.
What a disappointment this is. Just when when we thought are recruiting had finally taken off in a new direction we get get a big, slow, un-ranked wideout. This guy is not going to be any sort of threat against the corners and safetys of the likes of Alabama, Lsu, OSU, USC.. We need the elite skill position players and this is where Hoke's recruiting faces the reality that we cannot bring in the elite skill position prospects that the best teams in the country seem to continually get.
ted
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 9:03 p.m.
Mun...and I don't know if you noticed but teams like Florida, LSU, Alabama, USC,Oregon Oklahoma, and Texas are LOADED with them ! They know you have to have them.
ted
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 9 p.m.
mun...let me refresh your memory. Or maybe just inform you because it's clear you haven't watched any offense from last year or know anything about the players on the team. Odums, Roundtree, Smith out of the backfield, Gallon. Maybe you need to know what your talking about instead of using the old cliche of "how did that work in the RR era for ya?" It worked pretty darn good Mun ! Pretty darn good !
ted
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 8:51 p.m.
Mun...when used properly they did very well. Speed is vital to an offense. If you don't know this by now then you don't know much about football.
mun
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 4:46 p.m.
"we get get a big, slow, un-ranked wideout." So, how did those speedy players of the Rich Rod era work out for ya?
JustfortheRecord
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:20 a.m.
also ted, I think you'll be ok. won't that little norfleet fellow be running all around with this big and tall guy?
JustfortheRecord
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:17 a.m.
I probably don't know much, but it seems like whenever we play a big loafy and tall receiver (like that kid from Iowa) he sure does catch a lot of passes.
GoBigBlue
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:19 a.m.
No worries guys, Teddy just wants Hoke to be Urban like. It's an uncontrollable lust. But he has always been a Hoke supporter I'm told. Give me a break. Let's trust the coaches who do this for a living and have already put together an outstanding 12 man class in FEBRUARY!
zimmats
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 1:13 a.m.
guys with long limbs look slower on tape too.
ted
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 12:33 a.m.
Sky...This kid does not run a 4.6. I have a really good eye for these things. And I can tell you by just watching him on film that he IS slow. And when it comes to quickness he hasn't got any ! I'm sure he's a great kid but that is not going to make you any quicker or faster.
zimmats
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 12:10 a.m.
plus it's significant to get a kid from columbus. you want the OH kids to feel comfortable coming here because there's so much talent in that state.
zimmats
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 12:06 a.m.
it's fair to be concerned about his speed, as he's been clocked as high as 4.9 but these long, lanky guys can add speed as they get older, and i think he's probably a legit 4.7 right now. you really can't argue with his size. also ted "when Marion Franklin played Trotwood-Madison, it was said that Dukes torched Ohio State defensive back commit Cameron Burrows multiple times to the tune of six catches, 173 yards, and two touchdowns." so maybe relax a little?
Sky Slone
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 11:57 p.m.
We actually have 10 commits in the rivals top 200... not 9... meaning that we have already surpassed our total amount from this years 2012 class! And that was a class that finished in the top 10.... so much to be excited for wolverines fans! Hoke is the real deal... and an AMAZING recruiter! The kids he's bringing in are high quality, highly skilled kids which he can mold into great players. Very excited!
Sky Slone
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 11:49 p.m.
I laugh at this. First off, a lot of kids don't have stars right now smart one. Glad to see your so educated on recruiting that you know better than Brady Hoke who led a team with a lack of depth, and glaring problems to an 11-2 season and a sugar bowl win! Only kids that have camped and gotten their names out their have gotten stars so far. This kid takes care of himself and works for a living on top of going to school, LIKE MOST OF US! He obviously didn't have time, and didn't care about stars, LIFE AND SUPPORTING HIMSELF WAS A LITTLE MORE IMPORTANT! That's where scouting comes into play. This kid runs a 4.6 and is 6'4" and your calling him slow? REALLY? How fast are you bud? Besides, in the red zone you need a big bodied receiver who can go up and get the ball on fade routs, this kid fits that description perfectly. He is a high character kid, concerned with the right things, and focused on the right things. I AM ECSTATIC ABOUT THIS... He is going to be a really good pick up! AND HE WILL HAVE A FOUR STAR RATING BY THE END OF THE PROCESS SO CHILL ABOUT THE STARS! I can't wait to see what Hoke and his staff can do once they start getting these kids on campus, working with them. He is adding depth to the roster, and doing it with very high quality guys. A top ten recruiting class this year. And with 9 commits in the rivals top 200 ALREADY, they are guaranteed another top 10 recruiting class this year. WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT THE LACK OF KNOWING THINGS IS! GO BLUE! FOR TRUE UofM fans, not bandwagon jumpers. Those who stay will be champions!
81wolverine
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 11:03 p.m.
Ted: Unless you're a high school football scout who has actually watched this kid and many others play, I'd defer to the U-M coaches who have done a lot of homework on him and believe he can be very successful with us. Be a little more positive if possible. Even if he is not the fastest guy out there, but is like Junior Hemingway, I'll take that any day of the week plus Saturdays and Sundays.
ted
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 10:18 p.m.
sorry Terry,but it is what it is...big slow and ineffective. Without speed this offense will colapse in on itself
Terry Star21
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 10:09 p.m.
Ted..you are funny. Saw that one coming.
Scott
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 10:04 p.m.
He looks pretty athletic in his films, also has a long stride which gives him deceptive speed. I'm more worried about no speed at RB and QB. I'm glad they signed Norfleet. he could be used at wide out to stretch the field. We still have Denard, then Gardner, and Bellomy. I hope Morris is redshirted and doesn't see the field until 2015 (his sophmore year). Freshman QB's in pro style offenses are bad news. Transitition slowly big Al; and keep speed on the team.
RudeJude
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 9:53 p.m.
I'm not as pessimistic as you. This kid hasn't been ranked, which means he most likely hasn't been through any scouting camps like some of our other junior commits.. I'm sure Hoke and Borges see something in him, or I doubt they'd take him so early. They could also have a special role in mind for him similar to what peole expect is in place for Khalid Hill. Drop the negativity, especially after our recent recruiting success. They most likely will take another two receivers. Let's see who they recruit! Go Blue