2015 Season Countdown: #48 Brian Cole II

Brian Cole

Name: Brian Cole II
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 200 lbs.
High school: Saginaw (MI) Heritage
Position: Wide receiver
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #81
Last year: Cole was a senior in high school. He was a 247 Composite 4-star, the #5 athlete, and #73 overall.
TTB Rating: 84

Cole was a tantalizing prospect coming out of high school. A top-100 athlete, he spurned some quality programs for Michigan. That included Michigan State, who were thought to be the leaders at one point. He did a little bit of everything for Heritage - running back, wildcat quarterback, receiver, safety, punter, returner, etc. He did not play great competition at Heritage, but he was extremely productive even when defenses understood he was by far the team's biggest threat. Cole also reportedly had some discipline issues and missed some time as punishment.

Cole enrolled early this past January and participated in spring ball. He did not stand out in the spring game, and he received only sporadic buzz in the spring, with practice observers saying he will be good someday. That day will not necessarily come in 2015. He needs to mature a little bit physically, and he is not polished as a wide receiver. Michigan's staff plans to use him in the slot, where he can run some short routes, use his running skills, and maybe pop down the seam once in a while. I don't think Cole is ready to be a starter just yet, so I think he will be coming off the bench to begin. He also has potential as a returner, but Jabrill Peppers - and Dennis Norfleet, if he gets reinstated - should be able to handle the return duties this season.

Prediction: Backup slot receiver

Recruiting Snapshot: Michigan

Brian Cole, Jim Harbaugh, and Tyree Kinnel (left to right)

Yeah, that's right. Michigan. What is up with Michigan's recruiting?

2015 Team Ranking: #38. Michigan signed six 4-stars and eight 3-stars in February. The 14 total signees is Michigan's smallest class in the Rivals era, which began in 2002.

Cream of 2015 Crop: The biggest fish is Saginaw (MI) Heritage wide receiver Brian Cole, who was a 4-star, the #5 athlete, and #74 overall. Cole was a speedy jack of all trades in high school, playing running back, receiver, safety, returner, and punter. He enrolled early in the spring and got positive reviews, although he needs to get stronger in order to match up against college players. The Wolverines also pulled in a late steal in the form of Albuquerque (NM) Eldorado quarterback Zach Gentry, a 6'7", 230 lb. pro-style quarterback who's a 4-star, the #8 player at his position, and #175 overall.



2016 Team Ranking: #31. Michigan has three 4-stars and three 3-stars committed.

Cream of 2016 Crop: Michigan's highest rated recruit so far is Downers Grove (IL) South offensive tackle Erik Swenson, who committed to Michigan in November 2013 and has since pulled in an offer from Alabama. He's a 4-star, the #17 offensive tackle, and #158 overall. Slightly behind him is Avon (IN) Avon quarterback Brandon Peters, who chose Michigan over LSU in early April 2014. Peters is a 4-star, the #9 pro-style guy, and #185 overall.

Michigan releases spring 2015 roster

Brady Pallante is a fullback now. Brady Pallante is not #23.

Michigan released its spring roster on Monday as the Wolverines begin spring practice on Tuesday (LINK). Here are some notable updates to the roster.

Ian Bunting: Bunting is up to 6'7" and 243 lbs. Michigan needs help at tight end this fall, so 243 lbs. is a good sign of him developing physically. He should be up over 250 lbs. by the fall.

Brian Cole: Cole, a true freshman early enrollee, is wearing #81. He's listed at 6'2", 200 lbs.

Ross Douglas: Douglas was recruited as a cornerback, moved to slot receiver, moved to running back, and now is back at corner. Still wearing #29, he is now listed as Ross Taylor-Douglas.

Derrick Green: Green is listed at 5'11" and 234 lbs.

Ty Isaac: Isaac is listed at 6'3" and 240 lbs.

Alex Malzone: Malzone, a true freshman early enrollee, is wearing #12. He's listed at 6'2", 218 lbs.

Brady Pallante: Pallante came to Michigan as a nose tackle prospect and is now listed as a redshirt freshman, 6'0", 276 lb. fullback wearing #45.

Terry Richardson: Richardson is listed as a redshirt junior cornerback and is finally nearing close-to-acceptable weight at 174 lbs. at 5'9".

Matt Thompson: Thompson is a new addition as a walk-on quarterback from Cincinnati (OH) Indian Hills. He's listed at 6'5", 214 lbs. as a redshirt freshman. Here are Thompson's Hudl highlights from his senior year (LINK). His delivery is a little bit wonky, but he doesn't look too bad for a walk-on. He's not a bad guy to have available for running a scout team and such. It also looks like he's hit a growth spurt since high school.

Ryan Tice: Tice is a 6'1", 177 lb. walk-on who enrolled early out of Saline (MI) Saline. I mainly note this because Michigan graduated both their punter and kicker, so Tice might be competing for one of those jobs, along with walk-on Kenny Allen (punter) and 2015 signee Andrew David (kicker).

2015 Recruiting Grades: Offense

Zach Gentry (image via Maxpreps)

With the 2015 class about wrapped up, I'll offer some final takeaways from the recruiting cycle. With something like this, it's difficult to separate Brady Hoke's recruiting efforts through early December from Jim Harbaugh's efforts over the last five weeks of the cycle. So the grades and feedback I provide are geared toward the program's job of recruiting, not necessarily a specific coach.

Starters are listed in italics.

QUARTERBACK
Lost from 2014: Russell Bellomy (transfer), Devin Gardner (graduation)
Commits: Zach Gentry, Alex Malzone
Grade: A-
Comments: Michigan needed to add talent and numbers to the quarterback position to engender competition, and they did that. Gentry (#8 pro-style quarterback, #175 overall) is the raw talent at 6'7", 230 lbs. with a reported 4.6 forty and a strong arm. Malzone (#13 pro-style quarterback, #295 overall) is the local field general with good skills all around but nothing that really stands out. Other than getting a truly elite prospect, Michigan did about as well as they could. Toss in the possible arrival of Houston transfer John O'Korn, and all these guys won't finish their careers at Michigan, but at least one should emerge looking good.

RUNNING BACK
Lost from 2014: Justice Hayes (transfer)
Commit: Karan Higdon
Grade: C
Comments: The unfortunate thing here is that Michigan had two top-150 running back talents committed at different times, and the Wolverines let both of them slip through their fingers. The first one, Damien Harris, ended up signing with Alabama. The second one, Mike Weber, was darn close to flipping from Ohio State to Michigan at the last minute, but he ultimately stuck with the Buckeyes around 10:30 a.m. because Higdon had committed to Michigan at 8:00 a.m. Michigan stole Higdon (#40 running back, #479 overall) himself at the last minute from Iowa, so there's something to be said for getting someone on the board, at least. Still, this could have looked better.

WIDE RECEIVER
Lost from 2014: Devin Funchess (early NFL draft entrant)
Commits: Brian Cole, Grant Perry
Grade: B+
Comments: Michigan might have hit a home run with Cole (#5 athlete, #75 overall), who was a jack-of-all-trades player in high school and will have to learn the receiver position in college. Perry (#109 wide receiver, #864 overall) is a solid role player plucked from Northwestern at the last minute. Otherwise, both Hoke and Harbaugh swung and missed at the big-timers in the class.

TIGHT END
Lost from 2014: Keith Heitzman (transfer)
Commit: Tyrone Wheatley, Jr.
Grade: B
Comments: Michigan let Chris Clark slip through their fingers, although Clark was wishy-washy and seemed to be all over the place with his recruitment. The Wolverines may have dodged a bullet, because Wheatley - as the son of a coach on staff - might be less likely to flake out if things don't go smoothly from day one. Wheatley (#12 tight end, #313 overall) has a fair amount of talent himself, although some think he's better suited for defense. It would have been nice to get two tight ends with Heitzman transferring, A.J. Williams being a senior in 2015, and starter Jake Butt a junior who could possibly go pro if he stays healthy.

OFFENSIVE LINE
Lost from 2014: Kyle Bosch (transfer)
Commits: Grant Newsome, Jon Runyan Jr., Nolan Ulizio
Grade: B
Comments: The offensive line recently went from being "way too young" to being "maybe too old" now that four projected starters will be fifth-year guys (2) or fourth-year guys (2), joined by sophomore left tackle Mason Cole and redshirt junior utility man Erik Magnuson. With a couple backups looking stuck there for a reason, Michigan needed to bring in some fresh talent. Newsome (#22 offensive tackle, #235 overall) is a possible star, whereas Runyan (#122 offensive tackle) and Ulizio (#137 offensive tackle) look like they could be passable players in a few years. This probably isn't the class that will turn around Michigan's fortunes immediately, but they're functional. Michigan essentially ignored a national prospect with high interest (USC-bound Chuma Edoga) and a local, guru-approved guy with high interest (Wisconsin-bound David Moorman), so hopefully they picked the right ones to pursue. If Newsome pans out like I think he should, he'll make this class look pretty good.

Rivals 250 for 2015 finalized

Saginaw (MI) Heritage wide receiver Brian Cole (image via 247Sports.com)

Rivals released their top 250 prospects at noon on Tuesday (LINK). The top 100 was revealed yesterday (LINK). Here's what the top 250 looked like back in December (LINK). Movement for Michigan commits:

- Brian Cole fell from #91 to #101
- Grant Newsome jumped from #220 to #191
- Tyree Kinnel fell from #211 to #225

Here are the rest of the guys Michigan has offered:

101. Brian Cole - ATH - Michigan (Michigan)
108. Garrett Taylor - CB - Virginia (Penn State)
120. Dexter Williams - RB - Florida
123. Jashon Cornell - DE - Minnesota (Ohio State)
135. Clelin Ferrell - DE - Virginia (Clemson)
152. Juwan Johnson - WR - New Jersey (Penn State)
155. Matt Burrell, Jr. - OG - Virginia (Ohio State)
156. Miles Boykin - WR - Illinois (Notre Dame)
158. Preston Williams - WR - Georgia (Tennessee)
162. John Reid - CB - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
167. Jaason Lewis - RB - Virginia (Arizona State)
168. Darrin Kirkland, Jr. - LB - Indiana (Tennessee)
170. Dre'Mont Jones - DE - Ohio (Ohio State)
174. Tim Settle - DT - Virginia (Virginia Tech)
180. Josh Barajas - LB - Indiana (Notre Dame)
191. Grant Newsome - OT - New Jersey (Michigan)
193. Pat Allen - OT - Maryland
194. Auden Tate - WR - Florida (Florida State)
198. Ryan Bates - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
202. Keaton Sutherland - OT - Texas (Texas A&M)
206. Zach Robertson - OG - California (Arizona State)
215. Johnny Frasier - RB - North Carolina (Florida State)
221. Hjalte Froholdt - DT - Florida (Arkansas)
223. Connor Williams - C - Texas (Texas)
225. Tyree Kinnel - S - Ohio (Michigan)
243. Darrell Taylor - DE - Virginia (Tennessee)
246. Asmar Bilal - LB - Indiana (Notre Dame)
247. Arden Key - DE - Georgia
249. Joshua McMillon - LB - Tennessee (Alabama)

Top 247 for 2015 finalized

Saginaw (MI) Heritage wide receiver Brian Cole

247 Sports released their final list of the top 247 prospects of 2015 (LINK). Here's what it looked like in March of 2014 (LINK).

Movement for Michigan commits:
- Brian Cole dropped from #34 to #65
- Grant Newsome fell from #181 to #220

5-stars:
5. Iman Marshall - CB - California
6. Josh Sweat - DE - Virginia (Florida State)
8. Terry Beckner, Jr. - DE - Illinois
9. Kevin Toliver II - CB - Florida (LSU)
11. CeCe Jefferson - DE - Florida
12. Malik Jefferson - LB - Texas (Texas)
13. Jarrett Stidham - QB - Texas (Baylor)
15. Rasheem Green - DT - California
16. Josh Rosen - QB - California (UCLA)
20. Justin Hilliard - LB - Ohio (Ohio State)
23. Blake Barnett - QB - California (Alabama)
25. Osa Masina - LB - Utah
27. Mitch Hyatt - OT - Georgia (Clemson)
29. Preston Williams - WR - Georgia (Tennessee)
31. Kendall Sheffield - CB - Texas (Alabama)

33. Keisean Lucier-South - DE - California (UCLA)
35. George Campbell - WR - Florida (Florida State)
37. Arden Key - DE - South Carolina
38. Jalen Dalton - DE - North Carolina (North Carolina)
39. Tyron Johnson - WR - Louisiana (LSU)
41. Christian Kirk - WR - Arizona (Texas A&M)
42. Ronald Jones II - RB - Texas (USC)
44. Johnny Frasier - RB - North Carolina (Florida State)
45. Damien Harris - RB - Kentucky (Alabama)
49. Minkah Fitzpatrick - CB - New Jersey (Alabama)
54. Jacques Patrick - RB - Florida (Florida State)
57. DaMarkus Lodge - WR - Texas
61. Jerome Baker - ATH - Ohio (Ohio State)
64. Shy Tuttle - DT - North Carolina (Tennessee)
65. Brian Cole - ATH - Michigan (Michigan)
67. Keaton Sutherland - OT - Texas (Texas A&M)
68. Dre'Mont Jones - DE - Ohio (Ohio State)
71. Roquan Smith - LB - Georgia
76. Abdul Bello - OT - Florida (Florida State)
81. Soso Jamabo - RB - Texas
87. Garrett Taylor - CB - Virginia (Penn State)
90. Hjalte Froholdt - DT - Florida (Arkansas)
91. Clelin Ferrell - DE - Virginia (Clemson)
93. Matt Burrell - OG - Virginia (Ohio State)
97. Drew Richmond - OT - Tennessee (Ole Miss)
98. Jashon Cornell - DE - Minnesota (Ohio State)
106. Henry Roberts - OT - Washington (Washington)
107. Ray-Ray McCloud III - ATH - Florida (Clemson)
108. Josh Barajas - LB - Indiana (Notre Dame)
112. Jeffery Holland - LB - Florida
115. Juwan Johnson - WR - New Jersey (Penn State)
116. Darian Roseboro - DE - North Carolina (North Carolina State)
123. Kirk Merritt - RB - Louisiana
131. Mike Weber - RB - Michigan (Ohio State)
133. Deondre Francois - QB - Florida (Florida State)
136. Anthony Wheeler - LB - Texas (Texas)
139. Dexter Williams - RB - Florida
142. Isaiah Prince - OT - Maryland
143. Ryan Bates - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
156. John Reid - CB - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
157. Hale Hentges - TE - Missouri (Alabama)
162. Tim Settle - DT - Virginia (Virginia Tech)
163. Jordan Whitehead - CB - Pennsylvania (Pitt)
175. Keenan Walker - OT - Arizona (Arizona)
178. Jake Fruhmorgen - OT - Florida (Clemson)
179. Shaun Crawford - CB - Ohio (Notre Dame)
182. Darrin Kirkland, Jr. - LB - Indiana (Tennessee)
184. Marcus Lewis - CB - Washington, DC
187. Asmar Bilal - LB - Indiana (Notre Dame)
205. Adonis Thomas - LB - Georgia (Alabama)
209. Chris Clark - TE - Connecticut
210. Joe Burrow - QB - Ohio (Ohio State)
213. Darrin Paulo - OT - California
219. Auden Tate - WR - Florida (Florida State)
220. Grant Newsome - OT - New Jersey (Michigan)
226. Darrell Taylor - DE - Virginia (Tennessee)
229. Mook Reynolds - CB - Virginia (Virginia Tech)
239. Rashad Roundtree - S - Georgia (Georgia)
241. Devonaire Clarington - TE - Florida (Texas)

Video: 2015 Under Armour All-America Game

Final ESPN 300 for 2015 released

Saginaw (MI) Heritage wide receiver Brian Cole is Michigan's top ranked commit.

Here's a look at the final ESPN 300 for the 2015 class (LINK), which I have been tracking over the last couple years. Here's what it looked like back in July (LINK). Movement for Michigan commits is here:

- Brian Cole fell from #139 to #148
- Tyree Kinnel fell from #192 to #196
- Grant Newsome fell from #242 to #253

5-stars:
2. Terry Beckner, Jr. - DT - Illinois
4. Iman Marshall - CB - California
7. George Campbell - WR - Florida (Florida State)
9. CeCe Jefferson - DE - Florida
10. Kevin Toliver II - CB - Florida (LSU)
11. Josh Sweat - DE - Virginia (Florida State)
12. Kendall Sheffield - CB - Texas (Alabama)
14. Blake Barnett - QB - California (Alabama)
17. Justin Hilliard - LB - Ohio (Ohio State)
18. Mitch Hyatt - OT - Georgia (Clemson)
19. Tim Settle - DT - Virginia (Virginia Tech)

4-stars:
22. Keisean Lucier-South - DE - California (UCLA)
24. Arden Key - DE - South Carolina
27. Minkah Fitzpatrick - CB - New Jersey (Alabama)
28. Soso Jamabo - RB - Texas
29. Roquan Smith - LB - Georgia
30. Tyron Johnson - WR - Florida (LSU)
31. Malik Jefferson - LB - Texas (Texas)
33. Jashon Cornell - DE - Minnesota (Ohio State)
34. Ronald Jones II - RB - Texas (USC)
35. Christian Kirk - WR - Arizona (Texas A&M)
36. Damien Harris - RB - Kentucky (Alabama)
37. Jarrett Stidham - QB - Texas (Baylor)
38. Preston Williams - WR - Georgia (Tennessee)
39. Shy Tuttle - DT - North Carolina (Tennessee)
41. Rasheem Green - DT - California
42. Deondre Francois - QB - Florida (Florida State)
46. Jeffery Holland - LB - Florida
49. Jacques Patrick - RB - Florida (Florida State)
50. Josh Rosen - QB - California (UCLA)
54. Adonis Thomas - LB - Georgia (Alabama)
55. Abdul Bello - OT - Florida (Florida State)
57. DaMarkus Lodge - WR - Texas
58. Drew Richmond - OT - Tennessee (Ole Miss)
64. Jalen Dalton - DE - North Carolina (North Carolina)
66. Anthony Wheeler - LB - Texas (Texas)
67. Jerome Baker - LB - Ohio (Ohio State)
75. Rashad Roundtree - S - Georgia (Georgia)
77. Osa Masina - LB - Utah
78. Dexter Williams - RB - Florida
80. Johnny Frasier - RB - North Carolina (Florida State)
89. Jake Fruhmorgen - OT - Florida (Clemson)
91. Keenan Walker - OT - Arizona (Arizona)
94. Matt Burrell, Jr. - OG - Virginia (Ohio State)
98. Hjalte Froholdt - DT - Florida (Arkansas)
109. Hale Hentges - TE - Missouri (Alabama)
111. Chris Clark - TE - Massachusetts
112. Devonaire Clarington - TE - Florida (Texas)
125. Sterling Jenkins - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
129. Ryan Bates - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
136. Clelin Ferrell - DE - Virginia (Clemson)
138. Christian Pellage - OT - Florida (South Carolina)
139. Garrett Taylor - CB - Virginia (Penn State)
140. Mike Weber - RB - Michigan (Ohio State)
142. Jordan Whitehead - CB - Pennsylvania (Pitt)
145. Ty'Son Williams - RB - South Carolina (North Carolina)
146. Kirk Merritt - ATH - Louisiana
148. Brian Cole - ATH - Michigan (Michigan)
157. Ray-Ray McCloud III - RB - Florida (Clemson)
158. Tyler Jordan - C - Florida (Florida)
159. Marcus Lewis - CB - Washington, DC
161. Dre'Mont Jones - DE - Ohio (Ohio State)
168. Kendrick Norton - DT - Florida
169. Shaun Crawford - CB - Ohio (Notre Dame)
171. Joshua McMillon - LB - Tennessee (Alabama)
173. John Reid - CB - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
184. Darian Roseboro - DE - North Carolina (North Carolina State)
195. Juwan Johnson - WR - New Jersey (Penn State)
196. Tyree Kinnel - S - Ohio (Michigan)
210. Pat Allen - OT - Maryland
213. Devante Peete - WR - Florida
223. Isaiah Prince - OT - Maryland
242. Ryan Davis - WR - Florida
247. Rashard Causey, Jr. - CB - Florida (Florida International)
253. Grant Newsome - OT - New Jersey (Michigan)
255. Cameron Townsend - LB - Texas (Texas)
273. Cameron Ordway - CB - Tennessee (Ole Miss)
276. Darrin Kirkland, Jr. - LB - Indiana (Tennessee)
278. Zach Robertson - OG - California (Arizona State)
298. Joe Burrow - QB - Ohio (Ohio State)

2015 Under Armour All-American Game Rosters

Saginaw (MI) Heritage wide receiver Brian Cole will be Michigan's only commit in the UA All-American Game

ESPN chose the teams for the 2015 Under Armour All-American Game (LINK). It will be played on January 2, 2015, in St. Petersburg, FL and aired on ESPN at 4:00 p.m. Included in the game will be one current Michigan commit,  four guys who decommitted from Michigan, and a lot of Michigan offerees.

TEAM HIGHLIGHT (WHITE)
Blake Barnett - QB - Texas (Alabama)
Deondre Francois - QB - Florida (Florida State)
Jarrett Stidham - QB - Texas (Texas Tech)
Damien Harris - RB - Kentucky*
Ronald Jones II - RB - Texas
Ray-Ray McCloud III - RB - Florida (Clemson)
George Campbell - WR - Florida (Florida State)*
Brian Cole - WR - Michigan (Michigan)
Hale Hentges - TE - Missouri (Alabama)
Abdul Bello - OL - Florida (Florida State)
Christian Pellage - OL - Florida (South Carolina)
Drew Richmond - OL - Tennessee (Ole Miss)
Keenan Walker - OL - Arizona (Arizona)
Clelin Ferrell - DE - Virginia (Clemson)
Terry Beckner, Jr. - DT - Illinois
Tim Settle - DT - Virginia
Malik Jefferson - LB - Texas (Texas)
Anthony Wheeler - LB - Texas
Shaun Crawford - CB - Ohio (Notre Dame)*
Iman Marshall - CB - California
Kendall Sheffield - CB - Texas

TEAM ARMOUR (BLACK)
Josh Rosen - QB - California (UCLA)**
Soso Jamabo - RB - Texas
Jacques Patrick - RB - Florida (Florida State)
Tyron Johnson - WR - Louisiana
Christian Kirk - WR - Arizona (Texas A&M)
DaMarkus Lodge - WR - Texas
Preston Williams - WR - Georgia (Tennessee)
Chris Clark - TE - Connecticut*
Ryan Bates - OL - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
Sterling Jenkins - OL - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
Tyler Jordan - OL - Florida (Florida)
Jalen Dalton - DE - North Carolina (North Carolina)
Josh Sweat - DE - Virginia (Florida State)**
Shy Tuttle - DT - North Carolina (Tennessee)
Jeffery Holland - LB - Florida
Joshua McMillon - LB - Tennessee (Alabama)
Adonis Thomas - LB - Georgia (Alabama)
Minkah Fitzpatrick - CB - New Jersey (Alabama)
Kevin Toliver II - CB - Florida (LSU)
Rashad Roundtree - S - Georgia (Georgia)

*Decommitted from Michigan
**Will not play due to injury

Rivals 100 for 2015 updated

Avon (CT) Old Farms tight end Chris Clark (image via DetroitNews.com)

Rivals released their updated top 100 prospects for the class of 2015 (LINK). Here's what it looked like back in August (LINK).

Movement for Michigan commits:

- Chris Clark fell from #54 to #67
- Brian Cole fell from #89 to #91

5-stars:
1. Josh Rosen - QB - California (UCLA)
4. Iman Marshall - CB - California
10. Blake Barnett - QB - California (Alabama)
11. Damien Harris - RB - Kentucky
12. Jacques Patrick - RB - Florida (Florida State)
13. Cece Jefferson - DE - Florida
14. Tyron Johnson - WR - Louisiana
15. Minkah Fitzpatrick - CB - New Jersey (Alabama)
16. Mitch Hyatt - OT - Georgia (Clemson)
17. Soso Jamabo - RB - Texas
18. Ray-Ray McCloud III - ATH - Florida (Clemson)
22. Malik Jefferson - LB - Texas
25. Rasheem Green - DT - California
28. Drew Richmond - OT - Tennessee (Ole Miss)
29. Christian Kirk - WR - Arizona
30. Kevin Toliver II - CB - Florida (LSU)
31. Josh Sweat - DE - Virginia
32. Keisean Lucier-South - DE - California (UCLA)
33. Rashad Roundtree - S - Georgia (Georgia)

4-stars:
35. George Campbell - WR - Florida (Florida State)
39. Darian Roseboro - DE - North Carolina (North Carolina State)
40. Terry Beckner, Jr. - DT - Illinois
41. Jerome Baker - LB - Ohio (Ohio State)
44. Isaiah Prince - OT - Maryland
45. Justin Hilliard - LB - Ohio (Ohio State)
46. Kendall Sheffield - CB - Texas
49. DaMarkus Lodge - WR - Texas
50. Osa Masina - LB - Utah
55. Shy Tuttle - DT - North Carolina (Tennessee)
57. Jarrett Stidham - QB - Texas (Texas Tech)
63. Shaun Crawford - CB - Ohio (Notre Dame)
67. Chris Clark - TE - Connecticut (Michigan)
69. Jalen Dalton - DE - North Carolina (North Carolina)
71. Michael Weber - RB - Michigan
75. Deondre Francois - QB - Florida (Florida State)
78. Preston Williams - WR - Georgia (Tennessee)
79. Ronald Jones II - RB - Texas (Oklahoma State)
86. Garrett Taylor - CB - Virginia (Penn State)
89. Jake Fruhmorgen - OT - Florida (Alabama)
90. Jordan Whitehead - CB - Pennsylvania (Pitt)
91. Brian Cole - ATH - Michigan (Michigan)
93. Marcus Lewis - CB - Washington, D.C.

Visitors: Michigan vs. Utah

Donnie Corley

2015
Deshawn Baker-Williams - DT - Westland (MI) John Glenn: Baker-Williams is a 6'4", 300 lb. prospect who committed to Central Michigan in June. That was and is his only offer so far.

Brian Cole - WR - Saginaw (MI) Heritage: Cole recently was awarded his Under Armour All-American jersey (LINK), although he was suspended for Heritage's most recent game after receiving two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties last game. He is committed to Michigan.

Jack Dunaway - DE - Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice: Dunaway, a teammate of Alex Malzone's, is a 6'3", 212 lb. prospect who recently committed to be a walk-on at Michigan. His father was a tight end at Michigan in the mid-1980's.

Alex Malzone - QB - Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice: On Friday night, Malzone went 14/20 for 208 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 28-21 win over Shane Morris's old team, the Warren (MI) De La Salle Pilots. He is committed to Michigan.

Jalen Martin - WR - Harper Woods (MI) Chandler Park Academy: Martin is a 6'1", 192 lb. prospect with offers from Akron, Eastern Michigan, and Western Michigan. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #65 wide receiver, and #390 overall. He attends the alma mater of former Michigan wide receiver Csont'e York.

Jon Runyan, Jr. - OG - Philadelphia (PA) St. Joseph's: Runyan, Jr. committed to Michigan in June 2013 (LINK).

Mike Weber - RB - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Weber sat out last night's 50-0 win over Detroit (MI) Douglass. He is committed to Michigan.

Hit the jump for 2016, 2017, and 2018(!) visitors.

Video: Brian Cole receives his Under Armour jersey

Recruit Tracker: Brian Cole

Brian Cole

September 12, 2014: Heritage lost to Midland (MI) Dow by a score of 56-6. Cole sat out the first quarter for disciplinary reasons and got two unsportsmanlike penalties once he entered the game. That required an ejection and will result in a one-game suspension. Prior to being ejected, he had 3 carries for 19 yards, 1 tackle, 1 kickoff return for 15 yards, and a 62-yard punt. Heritage is now 1-2.

September 5, 2014: Heritage lost to Flint (MI) Powers Catholic by a score of 32-2. Cole had 8 carries for 31 yards, 7 tackles, 1 extra point block, and 1 tackle for loss that resulted in a safety. Heritage is now 1-1.

August 28, 2014: Cole's Saginaw (MI) Heritage team beat Saginaw (MI) Arthur Hill by a score of 28-6. Cole had 11 carries for 114 yards and 1 touchdown; 2 receptions for 56 yards and 1 touchdown; 4 tackles, 1 interception (returned 30 yards for 1 touchdown), and 1 fumble recovery; and 3 punt returns for 122 yards. Heritage is now 1-0.

Visitors: Michigan vs. Appalachian State

Detroit (MI) Cass Tech cornerback Lavert Hill

2015
Brian Cole - WR - Saginaw (MI) Heritage: Cole committed to Michigan in late July (LINK).

Wesley French - OG - St. Joseph (MI) St. Joseph: French is a 6'5", 300 lb. prospect with offers from a handful of MAC schools.

Tyree Jackson - QB - Muskegon (MI) Mona Shores: Jackson is committed to Buffalo (Recruiting Season).

Joeviair Kennedy - WR - Muskegon (MI) Muskegon: Kennedy is a 6'3", 195 lb. prospect with no offers at this time.

Tyree Kinnel - S - Huber Heights (OH) Wayne: Kinnel committed to Michigan a year ago (LINK).

Mike Weber - RB - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Weber committed to Michigan earlier this month (LINK).

Hit the jump for 2016 and 2017 prospects.

Rivals 100 for 2015 updated

Garrett Taylor

The Rivals 100 for 2015 has been updated (LINK). Here's what it looked like back in May (LINK).
Movement for Michigan commits:

- Garrett Taylor remains at #48
- Brian Cole jumps from #106 to #89

5-stars:
2. Josh Rosen - QB - California (UCLA)
3. Iman Marshall - CB - California
5. Josh Sweat - DE - Virginia
10. Damien Harris - RB - Kentucky
12. CeCe Jefferson - DE - Florida
13. Tyron Johnson - WR - Louisiana
14. Kevin Toliver II - CB - Florida (LSU)
15. Minkah Fitzpatrick - CB - New Jersey (Alabama)
16. Mitch Hyatt - OT - Georgia (Clemson)
17. Jacques Patrick - RB - Florida
18. Ray-Ray McCloud III - ATH - Florida (Clemson)
19. Rasheem Green - DT - California
22. Malik Jefferson - LB - Texas
24. Rashad Roundtree - S - Georgia
27. Drew Richmond - OT - Tennessee
29. Christian Kirk - WR - Arizona
30. Keisean Lucier-South - DE - California

4-star:
31. Terry Beckner, Jr. - DT - Illinois
36. Jerome Baker - LB - Ohio (Florida)
37. Blake Barnett - QB - Texas (Alabama)
41. Isaiah Prince - OT - Maryland
42. Darian Roseboro - DE - North Carolina
43. Kendall Sheffield - CB - Texas
45. DaMarkus Lodge - WR - Texas (Texas A&M)
47. Soso Jamabo - RB - Texas
48. Garrett Taylor - CB - Virginia (Michigan)
49. Justin Hilliard - LB - Ohio (Ohio State)
50. Jarrett Stidham - QB - Texas (Texas Tech)
51. Osa Masina - LB - Utah
54. Chris Clark - TE - Connecticut (Michigan)
57. Shy Tuttle - DT - North Carolina
64. Preston Williams - WR - Georgia (Tennessee)
66. Ronald Jones II - RB - Texas (Oklahoma State)
74. Deondre Francois - QB - Florida (Florida State)
78. George Campbell, Jr. - WR - Florida
85. Clelin Ferrell - DE - Virginia (Clemson)
89. Brian Cole - ATH - Michigan (Michigan)
90. Marcus Lewis - CB - Washington, DC
94. Jake Fruhmorgen - OT - Florida (Clemson)

Brian Cole, Wolverine

Saginaw (MI) Heritage wide receiver Brian Cole

Saginaw (MI) Heritage wide receiver Brian Cole committed to Michigan on Saturday. He chose the Wolverines over offers from Michigan State, Nebraska, Ohio State, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and others.

Cole is a 6'2", 190 lb. prospect. Stats are nowhere to be found (EDIT: Cole had 1,200 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on offense, plus 47 tackles and 5 interceptions on defense), and measurables are hard to come by because he has eschewed the camp circuit. For a highly touted recruit, he has kept mostly to himself and remained quiet on the trail.

RATINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 82 grade, #9 athlete, #139 overall, #1 in-state
Rivals: 4-star, #7 athlete, #107 overall, #2 in-state
Scout: 4-star, #5 wide receiver, #40 overall
247 Sports: 4-star, 97 grade, #2 athlete, #43 overall, #1 in-state

Back in January 2013, the Wolverines were the first to offer Cole, followed quickly by the Spartans and then Ohio State. Cole did not provide many interviews, and he didn't attend many camps where he might be in the spotlight, so it was hard for recruiting gurus to keep him in their sites. He made several unofficial visits to schools in the midwest, but it was thought that he would wait to sort through the process a little longer before making a selection. Word out of his "camp" suggested that he wanted to stay close to home, but neither the Wolverines or Spartans seemed to take a huge lead at any point. He finally pulled the trigger on his campus visit with 2015 quarterback commit Alex Malzone just prior to the BBQ at the Big House.

As far as strengths go, Cole has a lot of positive traits as an athlete (which is why he's ranked as an "athlete" by three of the four services). Cole plays running back, receiver, and safety for his high school team. He's a big kid who has some natural strength to glide through arm tackles. He has good speed and very good acceleration. His high school offense generally seems like a "Let's pitch it to Cole and watch him run" system, and Cole has a tendency to bounce everything outside. The competition at his level is not great, so his combination of speed and size makes him look like a man among boys. He also has very good feet and change of direction abilities in space, which will make him extremely difficult to corral in one-on-one situations.

On the negative side, Cole does not look like he has the ability to play running back (as some have suggested) because he bounces everything outside and tends not to drive his feet through contact. He will need to get better at powering through solid tackle attempts. I also do not see him as a defender due to a lack of tackling instincts; he just looks more comfortable being the prey rather than the predator. Perhaps the biggest adjustment needed will be the move to receiver, because while he shows some natural catching skills, he will have to familiarize himself with new stances, route running, coverages, etc.

Overall, I project Cole as a receiver, which is also where Michigan sees him playing. If he does end up playing defense, free safety looks like the strongest possibility due to his size and closing speed. The coaching staff plans to play him at slot receiver, and I think he could be very effective running after the catch. I also think he has some value as a kickoff returner due to his straight-line speed and even as a punt returner due to his impressive agility. It may take some time for him to adjust to the receiver position, but he has a very high ceiling.

Cole is Michigan's ninth commitment in the 2015 class and the first receiver. He follows a couple classes full of receivers, so he shouldn't be required to contribute extremely early. Michigan has zero senior receivers (although junior Devin Funchess is a possibility to enter the draft early), which means a redshirt may be available for him to transition to wideout. The Wolverines could conceivably be finished at the receiver position, though one more player is a possibility.

TTB Rating: 84 (ratings explanation)



Defensive highlights can be found on Hudl (LINK).

ESPN 300 for 2015 updated

Saginaw (MI) Heritage wide receiver Brian Cole is the #139 player in the country.

ESPN released their updated top 300 players for 2015. Here's what it looked like back in June (LINK). Movement for Michigan commits:

- Chris Clark drops from #108 to #109
- Garrett Taylor drops from #110 to #111
- Brian Cole drops from #137 to #139
- Tyree Kinnel drops from #188 to #192
- Grant Newsome drops from #240 to #242
- Darrin Kirkland, Jr. drops from #263 to #266

5-stars:
1. Josh Sweat - DE - Virginia
4. Terry Beckner, Jr. - DE - Illinois
5. Kevin Toliver II - CB - Florida (LSU)
7. CeCe Jefferson - DE - Florida
8. Iman Marshall - CB - California
9. Kendall Sheffield - CB - Texas
10. George Campbell - ATH - Florida
11. Justin Hilliard - LB - Ohio (Ohio State)
15. Tim Settle - DT - Virginia
16. Blake Barnett - QB - California (Alabama)
17. Mitch Hyatt - OT - Georgia (Clemson)
18. Jashon Cornell - DE - Minnesota (Ohio State)

4-stars:
19. Josh Rosen - QB - California (UCLA)
22. Rasheem Greene - DT - California
27. Minkah Fitzpatrick - CB - New Jersey (Alabama)
28. Keisean Lucier-South - DE - California
30. Damien Harris - RB - Kentucky
31. Shy Tuttle - DT - North Carolina
32. Soso Jamabo - RB - Texas
33. Preston Williams - WR - Georgia (Tennessee)
36. Christian Kirk - WR - Arizona
38. Jarrett Stidham - QB - Texas (Texas Tech)
39. Malik Jefferson - LB - Texas
41. Jeffery Holland - LB - Florida
45. Keenan Walker - OT - Arizona (Arizona)
46. Jacques Patrick - RB - Florida
54. Arden Key - DE - Georgia
55. Deondre Francois - QB - Florida
58. Ronald Jones II - RB - Texas (Oklahoma State)
61. Matt Burrell, Jr. - OT - Virginia
63. Adonis Thomas - LB - Georgia
64. Drew Richmond - OT - Tennessee
69. Abdul Bello - OT - Florida (Florida State)
70. DaMarkus Lodge - WR - Texas (Texas A&M)
72. Jerome Baker - ATH - Ohio (Florida)
73. Hale Hentges - TE - Missouri (Alabama)
75. Devonaire Clarington - TE - Florida
79. Jaylon Lane - CB - Texas (Oklahoma State)
80. Rashad Roundtree - S - Georgia
82. Anthony Wheeler - LB - Texas
84. Dexter Williams - RB - Florida (Miami)
86. Johnny Frasier - RB - North Carolina
90. Jalen Dalton - DE - North Carolina
95. Jake Fruhmorgen - OT - Florida (Clemson)
98. Christian Pellage - OT - Florida
99. Hjalte Froholdt - DT - Florida
103. Sterling Jenkins - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
105. Ryan Bates - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
106. Clelin Ferrell - DE - Virginia (Clemson)
108. Tyler Jordan - OG - Florida (Florida)
109. Chris Clark - TE - Connecticut (Michigan)
111. Garrett Taylor - CB - Virginia (Michigan)
124. Osa Masina - LB - Utah
135. Ty'Son Williams - RB - South Carolina
136. Kirk Merritt - ATH - Louisiana
138. Jordan Whitehead - CB - Pennsylvania
139. Brian Cole - ATH - Michigan (Michigan)
141. Devante Peete - WR - Florida
150. Ray-Ray McCloud III - ATH - Florida (Clemson)
152. Marcus Lewis - CB - Washington, D.C.
161. Shaun Crawford - CB - Ohio (Notre Dame)
163. Joshua McMillon - LB - Tennessee
165. Darian Roseboro - DE - North Carolina
168. John Reid - CB - Pennsylvania
169. Michael Weber - RB - Michigan
191. Juwan Johnson - WR - New Jersey (Penn State)
192. Tyree Kinnel - S - Ohio (Michigan)
227. Rashard Causey, Jr. - CB - Florida (Florida Atlantic)
236. Isaiah Prince - OT - Maryland
238. Pat Allen - OT - Maryland
242. Grant Newsome - OT - New Jersey (Michigan)
256. Cameron Townsend - LB - Texas
259. Cameron Ordway - CB - Tennessee
266. Darrin Kirkland, Jr. - LB - Indiana (Michigan)

Visitors: June 27-29, 2014

Josh Imatorbhebhe (image via NGfootball.com)

2015
Brian Cole - WR - Saginaw (MI) Heritage: Cole is a 6'2", 190 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Tennessee, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #5 athlete, and the #64 player overall. UPDATE: Cole is not visiting this weekend. He will visit in late July instead.

Kieffer Longson - OG - San Ramon (CA) Dougherty Valley: Longson is a 6'7", 295 lb. prospect for 2015 with offers from Arizona State, BYU, Missouri, Ohio State, Utah, and several others. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #22 offensive guard, and #336 overall. Despite being 6'7", Longson plays more like a guard because he lacks some foot speed and agility to be an edge protector.

2016
Josh Imatorbhebhe - WR - Suwanee (GA) North Gwinnett: Imatorbhebhe is a 6'2", 202 lb. prospect for 2016 with offers from Cal, Kentucky, Michigan, Michigan State, Missouri, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Vanderbilt, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #44 wide receiver, and #264 overall. He's visiting Monday and Tuesday, June 24-25. His older brother, Daniel, is a 2015 wide receiver who is committed to Missouri.

2014 Sound Mind Sound Body Camp Attendees

St. Paul (MN) Cretin-Derham defensive end Jashon Cornell (image via MGoBlog)

The Sound Mind Sound Body Camp will be taking place on June 12th and 13th at Chandler Park Academy in Harper Woods, MI. This event continuously attracts a lot of the top talent in the midwest and some big-time prospects from around the country, too. Lots of college coaches will be in attendance, and the two head coaches of the in-state powers (Michigan's Brady Hoke and Michigan State's Mark Dantonio) will both be speaking. Several of these prospects will capitalize on the opportunity to head up the road and see the local universities.

This list includes players who intend to visit. There are too many to profile each one, but an asterisk denotes an offer from the Wolverines.

2015
Joshua Alabi - DE - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech*
Brian Alsobrooks - QB - Livonia (MI) Churchill
Kei Beckham - QB - Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison
Avonte' Bell - RB - Lansing (MI) Sexton
Levante Bellamy - RB - Indianapolis (IN) Brebeuf Jesuit
Shahid Bellamy - DT - Oak Park (MI) Oak Park: committed to Central Michigan
Jamal Brown - S - Chicago (IL) Phillips: committed to Western Michigan
Ray Buford - CB - Southfield (MI) Southfield
Jayru Campbell - QB - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: committed to Michigan State
Jordan Colbert - LB - Griffin (GA) Griffin: committed to Auburn
Brian Cole - ATH - Saginaw (MI) Heritage*
Jashon Cornell - DE - St. Paul (MN) Cretin Derham*
Daniel Crawford - TE - Macomb (MI) Dakota: committed to Northern Illinois
Anton Curtis - WR - Detroit (MI) East English Village
Paul Engram - LB - Southfield (MI) Southfield: committed to Western Michigan
Wesley French - OG - St. Joseph (MI) St. Joseph
Neville Gallimore - DT - St. Catharines (Ontario) Canada Prep Football Academy
Davontae Ginwright - S - Southfield (MI) Southfield
Eric Glover-Williams - CB - Canton (OH) McKinley: committed to Ohio State
Alex Grace - RB - Saginaw (MI) Swan Valley
DaQuan Hawkins - DT - Atlanta (GA) Westlake
Joshuwa Holloman - RB - Avondale (MI) Avondale
Obbie Jackson - WR - West Bloomfield (MI) West Bloomfield
Abdallah Jaffal - LB - Dearborn (MI) Fordson: committed to Western Michigan
Dior Johnson - S - Southfield (MI) Southfield
Shaq Jones - Philadelphia (PA) Imhotep
John Kelly - RB - Oak Park (MI) Oak Park
Darrin Kirkland, Jr. - LB - Indianapolis (IN) Lawrence Central*: committed to Michigan
Alex Malzone - QB - Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice*: committed to Michigan
Carter Masek - LB - Grand Rapids (MI) East Grand Rapids: committed to Miami-OH
Armani McNulty - CB - Bolingbrook (IL) Bolingbrook
Tyrone Miller - S - Saline (MI) Saline
D.J. Moore - WR - Philadelphia (PA) Imhotep
David Moorman - OT - Northville (MI) Northville: committed to Wisconsin
James Morgan - QB - Green Bay (WI) Ashwaubenon
Alec Murphy - RB - Nixa (MO) Nixa*
Alex Mussat - QB - Troy (MI) Troy
Riley Neal - QB - Yorktown (IN) Yorktown
Stanley Norman - CB - Junipero (CA) Serra
Michael Oliver - LB - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech
Jacques Patrick - RB - Orlando (FL) Timber Creek*
Grant Perry - WR - Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice
Kyle Pugh - LB - Chicago (IL) Bloom
T.J. Rahming - WR - Powder Springs (GA) McEachern
Reggie Rogers - S - Massillon (OH) Washington
Romello Ross - RB - Detroit (MI) Western
Matt Skibinski - OT - Livonia (MI) Churchill: committed to Miami-OH
Tyson Smith - CB - Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary's: committed to Michigan State
Equanimeous St. Brown - WR - Anaheim (CA) Servite
Kyonta' Stallworth - OT - Detroit (MI) King: committed to Michigan State
Jayson Stanley - WR - Fairburn (GA) Creekside
Immanuel Stinson - DE - Oak Park (MI) Oak Park
Damon Terry - WR - Lansing (MI) Everett: committed to Central Michigan
Tyriq Thompson - LB - Detroit (MI) King*
Brandon Tiassum - DT - Indianapolis (IN) Park Tudor: committed to Notre Dame
D'Andre Walker - DE - Fairburn (GA) Langston Hughes
Mike Weber - RB - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech*
Delvin Weems - RB - Tucker (GA) Tucker: committed to Marshall
Tyrone Wheatley, Jr. - TE - Canisius (NY) Manlius*
Darryl Williams - OT - Bessemer (AL) City
Preston Williams - WR - Hampton (GA) Lovejoy*

2016
Hassan Belton - LB - Blythewood (GA) Bluthewood
Messiah DeWeaver - QB - Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison
Matt Falcon - RB - Southfield (MI) Southfield
Jojo Garcia - DT - Woodbury (MN) East Ridge
Seth Green - QB - Woodbury (MN) East Ridge
Dele' Harding - LB - Elkton (MD) Eastern Christian Academy
Mecole Hardman - CB - Elberton (GA) Elbert County
Daelin Hayes - LB - Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary's*
Jesse Johnson - S - Detroit (MI) King
Juanye Johnson - OG - Muskegon (MI) Muskegon
Thiyo Lukusa - OT - Traverse City (MI) West*
Jalen Martin - WR - Harper Woods (MI) Chandler Park Academy
Ostell Martin - OT - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech
Michael Onwenu - DT - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech
Kalebb Perry - WR - Mount Pleasant (MI) Mount Pleasant
Martell Pettaway - RB - St. Clair Shores (MI) South Lake
David Reese - LB - Farmington (MI) Farmington
Patrice Rene - S - Ottawa (Ontario) St. Peter
Naseir Upshur - WR - Philadelphia (PA) Imhotep*

2017
Donovan Johnson - CB - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech
Emani Mason - OT - Detroit (MI) East English Village
Donovan Peoples-Jones - WR - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech
Joshua Ross - LB - Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary's*
Jamyest Williams - RB - Archer (GA)

In-state Preview of 2015 Recruiting

Saginaw (MI) Heritage wide receiver/defensive back Brian Cole is generally considered to be the top prospect in the state

Now a yearly tradition (see my 2014 list), here's my preview of in-state recruiting for the class of 2015. I have done my best to track prospects over the past year or two, and this is a list of nearly 70 rising seniors who have the potential to play Division I football. That number has jumped from 23 in 2013 to 44 in 2014 to its current number. As you can imagine, this was a pretty exhausting exercise, so I hope you enjoying reading/scanning the list, watching some of these guys play, and perhaps seeing some people you know or some kids who go to your alma mater. The state may not have the "star power" of guys like Drake Harris, Malik McDowell, and Damon Webb from the 2014 class, but I think this is a deeper group of players than the past couple seasons.

One note: I started compiling offer lists and such in mid-January, so some new offers may have come rolling in over the past couple weeks that are not noted for guys in the first quarter of the alphabet. Enjoy!

Joshua Alabi - DT - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Alabi is a 6'5", 270 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Ohio State, Penn State, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and Wisconsin. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #37 offensive tackle, #293 overall, and the #4 player in the state. For such a big-time prospect, there's not much film on Alabi from beyond his sophomore year. I have read that he wants to play defense, but some people around him are trying to convince him that he has a higher ceiling as an offensive lineman. Personally, I agree with those who think he fits better on offense. Cass Tech has generally been a Michigan pipeline, but Michigan State and Tennessee are the two front-runners.