The first thing on most Wolverines fans minds today is: What type of reaction did the weekend visitors have regarding the trip and the Michigan program?
Weekend Visitors to Ann Arbor were: In-state RB Thomas Rawls, DT Darin Cooper, and TE Chris Barnett. Also visiting were commits Keith Heitzman and Antiono Poole.
TomVH from Mgoblog has interviews with Cooper and Barnett after their trips. Thomas Rawls also got his Michigan offer this weekend as well. Which should mean he got his qualifying test score.
My feeling is Mr. Rawls is 100% Blue and we will find out for sure on signing day. Sam Webb from the Detroit News and Scouts believes Thomas is one of the best RB's in the Midwest. I also think Chris Barnett has a good chance of being in this class Most believe it's down to Arkansas and Michigan as the final 2 for this 4 star TE. Some of the guys that were on the visit with him believe Michigan has a great shot.
As for Darin Cooper, I think Michigan is back in his recruitment but there are only a couple of days before signing day. I personally don't understand why Michigan can't recruit defensive tackles. This has been a need for at least 3 years and Michigan continues to whiff on this position since Big Will Campbell signed his LOI. Back to Mr. Cooper, Michigan has been up and down in his recruitment so it's hard to say if he will sign with Michigan or not. Clearly, Michigan gives him a great path to playing time so we will see. Having him take his last visit to Michigan and Iowa's overworking investigation has to play somewhat into Michigan's favor.
- Another visitor that Michigan fans are interested in is Jake Fisher. As you know, Michigan was in on Jake early and he committed. Then RR and staff was let go and he opened up his recruitment and took trips to Florida and Oregon. The Florida trip went well and he was offered, but the new Gators head coached didn't do a in home with Jake. He just got back from Oregon and the Michigan fans are very worried about that trip. (there were rumors he was close to committing to the Ducks on the trip). If I had to guess it's down to the Wolverines and the Ducks. Is distance a factor? Both schools have a new relationship with Jake. Michigan has been home twice and he just got off a plane from Eugene. This one might come down to the wire. New: Everyone is fair game right now. I'm going to sit down with my parents and talk everything over. I'm either going to announce the day before signing day, or on signing day.
- Trayion Durham, FB did not visit Ann Arbor this weekend and picked Kent State. It sounds like there were some academic issues for Trayion and the reason he picked Kent State over places like Michigan and Wisconsin.
So to recap as of Monday Morning: Updated with announcement times
Michigan looks good for: RB Thomas Rawls (9:30 AM NSD), TE/LB Frank Clark (10-11AM NSD), LB Leilon Willingham (7:00 PM MT NSD)
Michigan is still in the hunt for: DT Darin Cooper (NSD), OL Jake Fisher (8:00PM NSD), and TE Chris Barnett (Saturday).
OL Chris Bryant committed to the Wolverines on Friday. Which gives Michigan 17 commitments with 5 spots left. Would Michigan take all 6 names above on NSD? The answer is YES!
Should be a fun week, sit back and enjoy the ride!
