2015 Season Countdown: #62 Ian Bunting

Ian Bunting

I just want to apologize for the somewhat inconsistent posting for the past few days. Normally I like to put up at least two posts per day (6:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.), but my schedule has been thrown off a bit and I sometimes don't have a chance to write until later in the morning. Also, this week's recruiting updates will be posted on Wednesday and/or Thursday. Thanks for reading!
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Name: Ian Bunting
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 243 lbs.
High school: Hinsdale (IL) Central
Position: Tight end
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #94
Last year: I ranked Bunting #57 and said he would be a backup tight end. He redshirted.

Bunting was very thin last year (and even this spring) which partially prevented him from seeing the field. I thought he might see the field with Jake Butt coming off of a torn ACL and no other proven tight ends, but the coaches stuck with A.J. Williams, Keith Heitzman, and Khalid Hill until Butt returned. It was not a very productive group, but it also was not a very productive team overall. In the meantime, Hill emerged a little bit before suffering his own ACL injury. Bunting was able to redshirt, and he has added 13 lbs. to his frame since last year.

Bunting is still a little bit thin, and this spring it did not seem that he would be heavily relied upon. Despite his considerable size and athleticism, he was not terribly productive in high school and played wide receiver up through his junior year. Still, Williams is not a receiving threat, Heitzman is gone, and Hill is still recovering. Butt is a good option, and the coaches have also moved linebacker Chase Winovich and defensive end Henry Poggi to tight end. I think Bunting has a decent shot at being a receiving threat, but with the glut of tight ends and his lack of experience, he is not extremely valuable to this team. I am looking forward to seeing what Jim Harbaugh can do with a player like Bunting in the long run, though.

Prediction: Backup tight end

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).

2014 Season Countdown: #57 Ian Bunting

Ian Bunting (image via Scout)

Name: Ian Bunting
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 230 lbs.
High school: Hinsdale (IL) Central
Position: Tight end
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #94
Last year: Bunting was a senior in high school. He had 10 receptions for 165 yards. He was a 247 Composite 4-star, the #11 tight end, and the #315 player overall.
Final TTB Rating: 78

Bunting committed to Michigan in April 2013, shunning offers from the likes of Florida State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Oregon, among numerous others. He played mostly wide receiver as a junior and put up some decent numbers, but he moved to tight end for his senior year, where his receiving numbers dropped significantly. He also earned an invitation to Nike's The Opening last July.

Bunting's role for 2014 seems a little up in the air. He was recruited to Michigan as a "U-back" type who could split out, play in the slot, play a little on the line, etc. Michigan already has a jumbo wide receiver in Devin Funchess, and Bunting doesn't have quite the athleticism of Funchess. The Wolverines also have a pretty good tight end in sophomore Jake Butt, who is recovering from an ACL tear and won't be back until a few games into the season. Other options are limited with blocking specialist A.J. Williams, converted defensive end Keith Heitzman, and rough-around-the-edges Khalid Hill. In my opinion, the coaches have to get Bunting ready for the beginning of the year so he can be a receiving threat from the tight end position, which is severely lacking without Butt. However, once the big sophomore returns, Bunting should be able to take a back seat.

Prediction: Backup tight end; 4 catches, 38 yards

Video: Ian Bunting raps

Incoming freshman tight end Ian Bunting tries his hand at rapping in the video below. On the one hand, 17-year-old kids are going to do things like post videos of themselves, post to Instagram, etc. That's what teenagers do. On the other hand, videos like this are something that might come back to haunt you in 5 or 10 or 20 years.

National Signing Day schedule for Michigan commits

Paramus (NJ) Catholic cornerback Jabrill Peppers

Here's a list of approximate signing/faxing times for Michigan's commits. When the National Letters of Intent are confirmed to have been sent/received, I will update the post.

Brady Pallante - DT - Naples (FL) Barron Collier: Signed at 7:39 a.m.

Maurice Ways - WR - Detroit (MI) Country Day: Signed at 8:07 a.m.

Ian Bunting - TE - Hinsdale (IL) Central: Signed at 9:40 a.m.

Noah Furbush - LB - Kenton (OH) Kenton: Signed at 8:01 a.m.

Lawrence Marshall - DE - Southfield (MI) Southfield: Signed at 10:53 a.m.

Jared Wangler - LB - Warren (MI) De La Salle: Signed at 9:00 a.m.

Jabrill Peppers - CB - Paramus (NJ) Catholic: Signed at 8:00 a.m.

Chase Winovich - LB - Clairton (PA) Thomas Jefferson: Signed at 7:03 a.m.

Juwann Bushell-Beatty - OT - Paramus (NJ) Catholic: Signed at 8:27 a.m.

Unless Michigan pulls any surprises late in the day (or after today, which is rare), that wraps it up for the 2014 recruiting class.

Final ESPN 300 released for 2014

Michael Ferns (#10), Wilton Speight (#19), Jabrill Peppers (#5), Juwann Bushell-Beatty (#73), and Bryan Mone (#52)
all appear in the final ESPN 300 for 2014; Jared Wangler (#2) is not ranked on the list

ESPN made its final update to their list of the top 300 prospects in the nation. Here's what the ESPN 300 looked like in August, and here's the movement for Michigan's commits since then:

- Drake Harris dropped from #72 to #85
- Bryan Mone dropped from #76 to #91
- Lawrence Marshall dropped from #112 to #121
- Michael Ferns dropped from #123 to #129
- Juwann Bushell-Beatty dropped from #122 to #142
- Mason Cole dropped from #146 to #165
- Ian Bunting dropped from #118 to #200
- Wilton Speight dropped from #128 to #257

Here's the rest of Michigan's offerees:

5-stars:
1. Leonard Fournette - RB - Louisiana (LSU)
2. Jabrill Peppers - CB - New Jersey (Michigan)
3. Cameron Robinson - OT - Louisiana (Alabama)
4. Myles Garrett - DE - Texas (Texas A&M)
5. Andrew Brown - DT - Virginia (Virginia)
6. Da'Shawn Hand - DE - Virginia (Alabama)
9. Adoree' Jackson - CB - California
10. Quin Blanding - S - Virginia (Virginia)
11. Jalen Tabor - CB - Washington, DC (Florida)
12. Bo Scarbrough - ATH - Alabama (Alabama)
14. Lorenzo Carter - DE - Georgia

4-stars:
17. Malachi Dupre - WR - Louisiana
18. Jamal Adams - S - Texas (LSU)
24. John Smith - S - California
25. Solomon Thomas - DE - Texas
26. Damian Prince - OT - Maryland
33. Lorenzo Featherston - DE - North Carolina (Florida State)
36. K.C. McDermott - OT - Florida (Miami)
39. Casey Tucker - OT - Arizona
43. Josh Malone - WR - Tennessee (Tennessee)
45. Marshon Lattimore - ATH - Ohio (Ohio State)
50. Edward Paris, Jr. - S - Texas (LSU)
53. Joe Mixon - RB - California (Oklahoma)
58. Damon Webb - CB - Michigan (Ohio State)
60. Malik McDowell - DE - Michigan
70. Jalen Hurd - RB - Tennessee (Tennessee)
72. Nyles Morgan - LB - Illinois (Notre Dame)
74. Jamarco Jones - OT - Illinois (Ohio State)
76. Alex Bars - OT - Tennessee (Notre Dame)
80. Elijah Hood - RB - North Carolina (North Carolina)
83. Artavis Scott - WR - Florida (Clemson)
85. Drake Harris - WR - Michigan (Michigan)
91. Bryan Mone - DT - Utah (Michigan)
94. Corey Holmes - WR - Florida (Notre Dame)
95. Parrker Westphal - CB - Illinois (Northwestern)
99. Andy Bauer - OT - Missouri (Missouri)
101. Jeb Blazevich - TE - North Carolina (Georgia)
107. Tyler Luatua - TE - California (Notre Dame)
118. Saeed Blacknall - WR - New Jersey (Rutgers)
120. Wesley Green - CB - Georgia
121. Lawrence Marshall - DE - Michigan (Michigan)
123. Nick Watkins - CB - Texas (Notre Dame)
127. Braden Smith - OG - Kansas
129. Michael Ferns - LB - Ohio (Michigan)
130. Dante Booker, Jr. - LB - Ohio (Ohio State)
136. Kyron Watson - LB - Illinois (Kansas)
137. Jeff Jones - RB - Minnesota (Minnesota)
139. Steven Parker - S - Oklahoma
140. Dravon Henry - ATH - Pennsylvania (West Virginia)
142. Juwann Bushell-Beatty - OT - New Jersey (Michigan)
143. Kevin Crosby - TE - South Carolina (South Carolina)
144. Bentley Spain - OT - North Carolina (North Carolina)
158. Roderick Johnson - OT - Missouri
162. Bryson Allen-Williams - LB - Georgia (South Carolina)
165. Mason Cole - OG - Florida (Michigan)
167. Demarre Kitt - WR - Georgia (Clemson)
169. Jacory Washington - TE - Louisiana (LSU)
172. Demetrius Knox - OG - Texas (Ohio State)
174. Andrew Williams - DE - Georgia
179. Dexter Wideman - DT - South Carolina (South Carolina)
180. Dwight Williams - LB - California (UCLA)
183. Erick Smith - S - Ohio (Ohio State)
184. Adarius Pickett - CB - California (UCLA)
187. Otaro Alaka - LB - Texas (Texas)
194. Mattrell McGraw - S - Louisiana
196. Kiy Hester - ATH - New Jersey (Miami)
200. Ian Bunting - TE - Illinois (Michigan)
204. Devon Thomas - RB - Oklahoma (Oklahoma State)
211. Khairi Clark - DT - Florida (Florida)
218. Christian McCaffrey - ATH - Colorado (Stanford)
244. Montae Nicholson - ATH - Pennsylvania (Michigan State)
246. Darrion Owens - LB - Florida (Miami)
250. Jermaine Roberts - CB - Louisiana (Texas)
257. Wilton Speight - QB - Virginia (Michigan)
262. Brandon Simmons - S - Texas (Stanford)
269. D'Andre Payne - CB - Washington, DC (Tennessee)
270. Garrett Dickerson - TE - New Jersey (Northwestern)
274. Nic Weishar - TE - Illinois (Notre Dame)
278. Jalen Brown - WR - Arizona (Oregon)
282. Jonathan Hilliman - RB - New Jersey (Boston College)
286. Isaiah McKenzie - ATH - Florida
292. Quincy Wilson - S - Florida (Florida)
295. Mark Andrews - WR - Arizona (Oklahoma)

Final Top 247 for 2014 released

Tarpon Springs (FL) East Lake offensive guard Mason Cole jumped 25 spots in the latest Top 247

247 Sports finalized its top 247 players for 2014. Here's what it looked like back in October. Movement for Michigan commits:

- Jabrill Peppers dropped from #3 to #4
- Bryan Mone dropped from #46 to #82
- Mason Cole jumped from #111 to #86
- Drake Harris dropped from #43 to #87
- Michael Ferns dropped from #191 to #197
- Lawrence Marshall jumped from #229 to #220
- Ian Bunting dropped from #224 to #229
- Juwann Bushell-Beatty dropped off the list

5-stars:
1. Myles Garrett - DE - Texas (Texas A&M)
2. Leonard Fournette - RB - Louisiana (LSU)
3. Cameron Robinson - OT - Louisiana (Alabama)
4. Jabrill Peppers - ATH - New Jersey (Michigan)
7. Da'Shawn Hand - DE - Virginia (Alabama)
8. Quin Blanding - S - Virginia (Virginia)
9. Andrew Brown - DT - Virginia (Virginia)
13. Dante Booker - LB - Ohio (Ohio State)
19. Jalen Tabor - CB - Washington, DC (Florida)
20. Lorenzo Carter - DE - Georgia
24. Adoree' Jackson - CB - California
27. Joe Mixon - RB - California (Oklahoma)
30. Malachi Dupre - WR - Louisiana
32. Jalen Hurd - RB - Tennessee (Tennessee)

4-stars:
35. Bo Scarbrough - ATH - Alabama (Alabama)
38. Malik McDowell - DE - Michigan
40. Damian Prince - OT - Maryland
41. Solomon Thomas - DE - Texas
43. Damon Webb - CB - Michigan (Ohio State)
44. Marshon Lattimore - ATH - Ohio (Ohio State)
45. John Smith - ATH - California
49. Josh Malone - WR - Tennessee (Tennessee)
55. Jeff Jones - RB - Minnesota (Minnesota)
59. K.C. McDermott - OT - Florida (Miami)
61. Erick Smith - S - Ohio State (Ohio State)
63. Edward Paris - S - Texas (LSU)
64. Dexter Wideman - DT - South Carolina (South Carolina)
75. Jamarco Jones - OT - Illinois (Ohio State)
77. Elijah Hood - RB - North Carolina (North Carolina)
82. Bryan Mone - DT - Utah (Michigan)
86. Mason Cole - OG - Florida (Michigan)
87. Drake Harris - WR - Michigan (Michigan)
88. Artavis Scott - WR - Florida (Clemson)
95. Bryson Allen-Williams - LB - Georgia (South Carolina)
97. Nyles Morgan - LB - Illinois (Notre Dame)
103. Bentley Spain - OT - North Carolina (North Carolina)
111. Mark Andrews - WR - Arizona (Oklahoma)
121. Braden Smith - OG - Kansas
122. Roderick Johnson - OT - Missouri
123. Sam Hubbard - ATH - Ohio (Ohio State)
124. Lorenzo Featherston - DE - North Carolina (Florida State)
127. Garrett Dickerson - DE - New Jersey (Northwestern)
133. Kyle Berger - LB - Ohio (Ohio State)
142. Jalen Brown - WR - Arizona (Oregon)
150. Isaiah McKenzie - WR - Florida
154. Alex Bars - OT - Tennessee (Notre Dame)
155. Devon Thomas - RB - Oklahoma (Oklahoma State)
159. Demetriux Knox - OG - Texas (Ohio State)
163. Dravon Henry - ATH - Pennsylvania (West Virginia)
174. Adarius Pickett - CB - California (UCLA)
184. Wesley Green - CB - Georgia
190. Parrker Westphal - CB - Illinois (Northwestern)
192. Jay Hayes - DT - New York (Notre Dame)
196. Saeed Blacknall - WR - New Jersey (Rutgers)
197. Michael Ferns - LB - Ohio (Michigan)
199. Darrion Owens - LB - Florida (Miami)
212. Nic Weishar - TE - Illinois (Notre Dame)
220. Lawrence Marshall - DE - Michigan (Michigan)
221. Kenny Young - LB - Louisiana
222. Otaro Alaka - LB - Texas (Texas)
223. Juwann Winfree - WR - New Jersey (Maryland)
229. Ian Bunting - TE - Illinois (Michigan)
230. Khairi Clark - DT - Florida (Florida)
231. Steven Parker - S - Oklahoma
238. Shai McKenzie - RB - Pennsylvania (Virginia Tech)
243. Montae Nicholson - S - Pennsylvania (Michigan State)

Recruit Tracker: Ian Bunting

November 1, 2013: Central lost to Oswego (IL) Oswego by a score of 42-14. Bunting had 4 receptions for 110 yards. He finished the season with 11 catches for 158 yards. Central ends the year at 5-5.

October 25, 2013: Central beat Downers Grove (IL) North by a score of 20-14. Bunting had 1 catch for 25 yards and 7 pancake blocks. Central is now 5-4.

October 18, 2013: Central lost to Oak Park (IL) River Forest by a score of 28-10. Bunting did not play in the game. Central is now 4-4.

October 11, 2013: Central beat Hinsdale (IL) South by a score of 17-7. Central is now 4-3.

October 5, 2013: Central lost to LaGrange (IL) Lyons by a score of 35-14. Bunting had 1 catch for 8 yards, 4 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 quarterback hurry. Central is now 3-3.

September 28, 2013: Central lost to Glen Ellyn (IL) Glenbard West by a score of 37-7. Bunting had 1 tackle. Central is now 3-2.

September 20, 2013: Central beat Hinsdale (IL) Proviso West by a score of 31-0. Bunting had 3 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 fumble recovery. Central is now 3-1.

September 13, 2013: Central beat Elmhurst (IL) York by a score of 30-7. Bunting had 1 tackle and 1 tackle for loss. Central is now 2-1.

September 6, 2013: Central beat Addison (IL) Trail by a score of 36-14. Bunting had 2 receptions for 10 yards, a 2-point conversion, and 1 sack on defense. He now has 3 catches for 15 yards. Central is now 1-1.

August 30, 2013: Bunting's Hinsdale (IL) Central squad lost to Bolingbrook (IL) Bolingbrook by a score of 17-6. Bunting had 1 reception for 5 yards. That game also featured 2014 Michigan cornerback target Parrker Westphal. Central is 0-1.

247 Sports: Top 247 for 2014 updated

Jabrill Peppers is the #3 player in the country

247 Sports released its updated top 247 players for the class of 2014. Here's what it looked like back in July.

Movement for Michigan commits:
- Drake Harris moves up from #44 to #43
- Bryan Mone jumps from #49 to #46
- Mason Cole moves up from #112 to #111
- Michael Ferns drops from #188 to #191
- Lawrence Marshall moves up from #231 to #229

1. Cameron Robinson - OT - Louisiana (Alabama)
2. Leonard Fournette - RB - Louisiana
3. Jabrill Peppers - CB - New jersey (Michigan)
4. Lorenzo Carter - DE - Georgia
5. Andrew Brown - DT - Virginia (Virginia)
6. Da'Shawn Hand - DE - Virginia
8. Quin Blanding - S - Virginia (Virginia)
9. Myles Garrett - DE - Texas
12. Joe Mixon - RB - California
16. Dante Booker - LB - Ohio (Ohio State)
17. Damian Prince - OT - Maryland
22. Jalen Hurd - RB - Tennessee (Tennessee)
24. Adoree' Jackson - CB - California
26. Edward Paris - S - Texas (LSU)
30. John Smith - S - California
34. Marshon Lattimore - CB - Ohio
36. Malachi Dupre - WR - Louisiana
37. Solomon Thomas - DE - Texas
42. Jalen Tabor - CB - Washington, DC
43. Drake Harris - WR - Michigan (Michigan)
44. Jamarco Jones - OG - Illinois (Ohio State)
45. Lorenzo Featherston - DE - North Carolina
46. Bryan Mone - DT - Utah (Michigan)
50. K.C. McDermott - OT - Florida (Miami)
52. Bo Scarbrough - ATH - Alabama (Alabama)
53. Malik McDowell - DE - Michigan
61. Josh Malone - WR - Tennessee
71. Jamal Adams - S - Texas
75. Mark Andrews - WR - Arizona (Oklahoma)
76. Elijah Hood - RB - North Carolina (North Carolina)
80. Damon Webb - CB - Michigan (Ohio State)
82. Roderick Johnson - OT - Missouri
86. Nyles Morgan - LB - Illinois
87. Andy Bauer - OT - Missouri (Mississippi)
90. Braden Smith - OG - Kansas
93. Kyle Berger - LB - Ohio (Ohio State)
111. Mason Cole - OG - Florida (Michigan)
112. Dwight Williams - LB - California
119. Bentley Spain - OT - North Carolina (North Carolina)
133. Saeed Blacknall - WR - New Jersey (Maryland)
135. Demetrius Knox - OG - Texas (Ohio State)
137. Derrick Nnadi - DT - Virginia
140. Devon Thomas - RB - Oklahoma (Oklahoma State)
144. Artavis Scott - WR - Florida (Clemson)
145. Parrker Westphal - CB - Illinois
149. Dexter Wideman - DT - South Carolina (Florida State)
158. Montae Nicholson - S - Pennsylvania
167. Adarius Pickett - CB - California (UCLA)
169. Garrett Dickerson - TE - New Jersey
172. Alex Bars - OT - Tennessee (Notre Dame)
175. Tyler Luatua - TE - California
181. Wesley Green - CB - Georgia
182. Bryson Allen-Williams - LB - Georgia (South Carolina)
183. Jay Hayes - DT - New York (Notre Dame)
186. K.J. Williams - WR - Pennsylvania (Syracuse)
187. Otaro Alaka - LB - Texas (Texas)
191. Michael Ferns - LB - Ohio (Michigan)
200. Joe Henderson - DE - Ohio (Tennessee)
202. D'Andre Payne - CB - Washington, DC (Tennessee)
207. Shai McKenzie - RB - Pennsylvania
208. Juwann Bushell-Beatty - OT - New Jersey (Michigan)
211. Nic Weishar - TE - Illinois (Notre Dame)
214. Darrion Owens - LB - Florida (Miami)
215. Demarre Kitt - WR - Georgia (Clemson)
217. Juwann Winfree - WR - New Jersey (Maryland)
219. Sam Hubbard - ATH - Ohio (Ohio State)
220. Steven Parker - S - Oklahoma
224. Ian Bunting - TE - Illinois (Michigan)
229. Lawrence Marshall - DE - Michigan (Michigan)
230. Kenny Young - LB - Louisiana
233. T'Kevian Rockwell - LB - Texas (Baylor)

ESPN 300 for 2014 updated

Jabrill Peppers

ESPN updated its top 300 players for 2014. Here's what it looked like back in June. Here's the movement for the Michigan commits:

- Drake Harris dropped from #71 to #72
- Bryan Mone dropped from #73 to #76
- Lawrence Marshall dropped from #110 to #112
- Ian Bunting dropped from #116 to #118
- Juwann Bushell-Beatty dropped from #121 to #122
- Michael Ferns dropped from #122 to #123
- Wilton Speight dropped from #127 to #128

5-stars:
1. Leonard Fournette - RB - Louisiana
2. Jabrill Peppers - CB - New Jersey (Michigan)
3. Cameron Robinson - OT - Louisiana
4. Da'Shawn Hand - DE - Virginia
5. Andrew Brown - DT - Virginia (Virginia)
6. Adoree' Jackson - CB - California
7. Myles Garrett - DE - Texas
10. Quin Blanding - S - Virginia (Virginia)
11. Lorenzo Carter - DE - Georgia

4-stars:
17. Jalen Tabor - CB - Washington, D.C.
20. Bo Scarbrough - ATH - Alabama (Alabama)
22. Damian Prince - OT - Maryland
25. Jamal Adams - S - Texas
26. Malachi Dupre - WR - Louisiana
27. Lorenzo Featherston - DE - North Carolina
31. Solomon Thomas - DE - Texas
38. Casey Tucker - OT - Arizona
39. Jalen Hurd - RB - Tennessee (Tennessee)
41. John Smith - ATH - California
45. K.C. McDermott - OT - Florida (Miami)
47. Elijah Hood - RB - North Carolina (Notre Dame)
51. Marshon Lattimore - ATH - Ohio
52. Alex Bars - OT - Tennessee (Notre Dame)
54. Edward Paris, Jr. - S - Texas (LSU)
57. Andy Bauer - OT - Missouri (Mississippi)
58. Damon Webb - CB - Michigan (Ohio State)
62. Nick Watkins - CB - Texas
64. Nyles Morgan - LB - Illinois
66. Jamarco Jones - OT - Illinois (Ohio State)
67. Malik McDowell - DT - Michigan
68. Tyler Luatua - TE - California
72. Drake Harris - WR - Michigan (Michigan)
76. Bryan Mone - DT - Utah (Michigan)
77. Corey Holmes - WR - Florida (Notre Dame)
84. Artavis Scott - WR - Florida (Clemson)
88. Kevin Crosby - TE - South Carolina (South Carolina)
90. Ja'von Harrison - ATH - Florida (Virginia Tech)
92. Parrker Westphal - CB - Illinois
94. Jeb Blazevich - TE - North Carolina (Georgia)
99. Josh Malone - WR - Tennessee
100. Joe Mixon - RB - California
104. Demarre Kitt - WR - Georgia (Clemson)
105. Kyron Watson - LB - Illinois (Kansas)
112. Lawrence Marshall - DE - Michigan (Michigan)
113. Saeed Blacknall - WR - New Jersey
115. Wesley Green - CB - Georgia (South Carolina)
118. Ian Bunting - TE - Illinois (Michigan)
121. Braden Smith - OT - Kansas
122. Juwann Bushell-Beatty - OT - New Jersey (Michigan)
123. Micheal Ferns - LB - Ohio (Michigan)
128. Wilton Speight - QB - Virginia (Michigan)
131. Dravon Henry - ATH - Pennsylvania
134. Bentley Spain - OT - North Carolina (North Carolina)
139. Roderick Johnson - OT - Missouri
146. Mason Cole - OT - Florida (Michigan)
156. Dante Booker - LB - Ohio (Ohio State)
162. Khairi Clark - DT - Florida (Florida)
163. Jacory Washington - TE - Louisiana (LSU)
166. Demetrius Knox - OG - Texas (Ohio State)
168. Andrew Williams - DE - Georgia
172. Jermaine Roberts - CB - Louisiana (Texas)
174. Bryson Allen-Williams - LB - Georgia (South Carolina)
177. Dwight Williams - LB - California
179. Adarius Pickett - CB - California
180. Dexter Wideman - DT - South Carolina (Florida State)
181. Otaro Alaka - LB - Texas (Texas)
193. Mattrell McGraw - S - Louisiana
196. Kiy Hester - ATH - New Jersey (Rutgers)
203. Quincy Wilson - S - Florida
208. Devon Thomas - RB - Oklahoma (Oklahoma State)
231. Erick Smith - S - Ohio
237. Steven Parker - S - Oklahoma
252. Montae Nicholson - S - Pennsylvania
264. Christian McCaffrey - RB - Colorado (Stanford)
271. Petera Wilson - LB - Tennessee
274. Brandon Simmons - S - Texas (Stanford)
278. D'Andre Payne - CB - Wahshington, D.C. (Tennessee)
279. Garrett Dickerson - TE - New Jersey
281. Kyle Berger - LB - Ohio (Ohio State)
286. Jonathan Hilliman - RB - New Jersey
295. Mark Andrews - WR - Arizona (Oklahoma)

247 Sports Top 247 for 2014 updated

Ian Bunting

247 Sports updated its 2014 top 247 players. Here's what it looked like back in May.

Movement for Michigan commits:

- Jabrill Peppers jumped from #8 to #3
- Drake Harris dropped from #37 to #44
- Mason Cole dropped from #106 to #112
- Michael Ferns dropped from #179 to #188
- Juwann Bushell-Beatty jumped from #222 to #205
- Ian Bunting jumps from off the list to #224
- Lawrence Marshall dropped from #217 to #231

5-stars:
1. Cameron Robinson - OT - Louisiana
2. Leonard Fournette - RB - Louisiana
3. Jabrill Peppers - CB - New Jersey (Michigan)
4. Lorenzo Carter - DE - Georgia
5. Da'Shawn Hand - DE - Virginia
6. Andrew Brown - DT - Virginia (Virginia)
8. Quin Blanding - S - Virginia (Virginia)
9. Myles Garrett - DE - Texas
12. Joe Mixon - RB - California
16. Dante Booker - LB - Ohio (Ohio State)
17. Damian Prince - OT - Maryland
22. Jalen Hurd - RB - Tennessee (Tennessee)
24. Adoree' Jackson - CB - California
26. Edward Paris - S - Texas (LSU)
30. John Smith - ATH - California

4-stars:
34. Marson Lattimore - CB - Ohio
36. Malachi Dupre - WR - Louisiana
37. Solomon Thomas - DE - Texas
39. Bo Scarbrough - ATH - Alabama (Alabama)
43. Jalen Tabor - CB - Washington, D.C.
44. Drake Harris - WR - Michigan (Michigan)
45. Malik McDowell - DE - Michigan
46. Jamarco Jones - OG - Illinois (Ohio State)
47. Lorenzo Featherston - DE - North Carolina
49. Bryan Mone - DT - Utah (Michigan)
52. K.C. McDermott - OT - Florida (Miami)
61. Josh Malone - WR - Tennessee
71. Jamal Adams - S - Texas
75. Mark Andrews - WR - Arizona
76. Elijah Hood - RB - North Carolina (Notre Dame)
80. Damon Webb - CB - Michigan (Ohio State)
82. Roderick Johnson - OT - Missouri
86. Nyles Morgan - LB - Illinois
87. Andy Bauer - OT - Missouri (Mississippi)
91. Braden Smith - OT - Kansas
94. Kyle Berger - LB - Ohio (Ohio State)
112. Mason Cole - OG - Florida (Michigan)
113. Dwight Williams - LB - California
120. Bentley Spain - OT - North Carolina
133. Saeed Blacknall - WR - New Jersey
135. Demetrius Knox - OG - Texas
140. Devon Thomas - RB - Oklahoma (Oklahoma State)
144. Artavis Scott - WR - Florida (Clemson)
145. Parrker Westphal - CB - Illinois
149. Dexter Wideman - DT - South Carolina
158. Montae Nicholson - S - Pennsylvania
167. Adarius Pickett - CB - California
169. Garrett Dickerson - DE - New Jersey
171. Alex Bars - OT - Tennessee (Notre Dame)
175. Tyler Luatua - TE - California
181. Wesley Green - CB - Georgia (South Carolina)
182. Bryson Allen-Williams - LB - Georgia (South Carolina)
183. Jay Hayes - DT - New York (Notre Dame)
185. K.J. Williams - WR - Pennsylvania (Syracuse)
186. Otaro Alaka - LB - Texas (Texas)
188. Michael Ferns III - LB - Ohio (Michigan)
197. Joe Henderson - DE - Ohio (Tennessee)
198. D'Andre Payne - CB - Washington, D.C. (Tennessee)
204. Shai McKenzie - RB - Pennsylvania
205. Juwann Bushell-Beatty - OT - New Jersey (Michigan)
211. Nic Weishar - TE - Illinois (Notre Dame)
214. Darrion Owens - LB - Florida (Miami)
215. Demarree Kitt - WR - Georgia (Clemson)
217. Juwann Winfree - WR - New Jersey
219. Sam Hubbard - LB - Ohio (Ohio State)
220. Steven Parker - S - Oklahoma
224. Ian Bunting - TE - Illinois (Michigan)
231. Lawrence Marshall - DE - Michigan (Michigan)
232. Kenny Young - LB - Louisiana
233. Jalen Brown - WR - Arizona
235. T'Kevian Rockwell - LB - Texas (Baylor)

Nike's The Opening 2013

Drake Harris

Nike's The Opening, an invite-only camp for elite recruits, will take place this coming weekend. A lot of media will come out after this weekend, since recruiting analysts and ESPN descend on Oregon for the weekend.

Here's a list of Michigan offerees who are participating, so you may want to keep an eye out for these guys:

Jamal Adams - S - Texas
Bryson Allen-Williams - OLB - Georgia (South Carolina)
Kyle Berger - OLB - Ohio (Ohio State)
Quin Blanding - S - Virginia (Virginia)
Jeb Blazevich - TE - North Carolina (Georgia)
Dante Booker - LB - Ohio (Ohio State)
Andrew Brown - DT - Virginia
Ian Bunting - TE - Illinois (Michigan)
George Campbell - WR - Florida*
Lorenzo Carter - DE - Georgia
Khairi Clark - DT - Florida (Florida)
Kevin Crosby - TE - South Carolina (South Carolina)
Malachi Dupre - WR - Louisiana
Leonard Fournette - RB - Louisiana
Wesley Green - CB - Georgia (South Carolina)
Da'Shawn Hand - DE - Virginia
Drake Harris - WR - Michigan (Michigan)**
Ja'Von Harrison - ATH - Florida (Virginia Tech)
Joe Henderson - DE - Ohio (Tennessee)
Corey Holmes - WR - Florida
Elijah Hood - RB - North Carolina (Notre Dame)
Jalen Hurd - RB - Tennessee (Tennessee)
Adoree' Jackson - CB - California
Demetrius Knox - OG - Texas
Tyler Luatua - TE - California
Josh Malone - WR - Tennessee
Mattrell McGraw - S - Louisiana
Shai McKenzie - RB - Pennsylvania
Joe Mixon - RB - California
Nyles Morgan - LB - Illinois
Montae Nicholson - ATH - Pennsylvania
Edward Paris, Jr. - S - Texas (LSU)
Adarius Pickett - CB - California
Damian Prince - OT - Maryland
Cameron Robinson - OT - Louisiana
Artavis Scott - WR - Florida
Brandon Simmons - S - Texas (Stanford)
John Smith - ATH - California
Bentley Spain - OT - North Carolina
Jalen Tabor - CB - Washington, D.C.
Solomon Thomas - DE - Texas
Troy Vincent, Jr. - CB - Maryland
Damon Webb - CB - Michigan (Ohio State)
Andrew Williams - DE - Georgia
Dwight Williams - LB - California
Petera Wilson - LB - Tennessee
Quincy Wilson - S - Florida
Richard Yeargin III - DE - Florida

*2015 prospect
**Drake Harris is not attending the event. He has to take a summer class that overlaps with the event, and the summer class is what will allow him to graduate in December and enroll early at Michigan.

ESPN 300 released for 2014

Paramus (NJ) Catholic cornerback Jabrill Peppers is the #2 player in the country

ESPN, which had already released its top 150 players, posted its top 300 players on Monday.

Movement for Michigan commits:

- Drake Harris jumped from #96 to #71
- Bryan Mone dropped from #72 to #73
- Lawrence Marshall dropped from #107 to #110
- Juwann Bushell-Beatty dropped from #120 to #121
- Michael Ferns dropped from #112 to #122
- Wilton Speight dropped from #125 to #127
- Mason Cole dropped from #145 to #146

5-stars:
1. Leonard Fournette - RB - Louisiana
2. Jabrill Peppers - CB - New Jersey (Michigan)
3. Andrew Brown - DT - Virginia
4. Da'Shawn Hand - DE - Virginia
5. Adoree' Jackson - CB - California
6. Myles Garrett - DE - Texas
7. Cameron Robinson - OT - Louisiana
10. Lorenzo Carter - DE - Georgia
11. Quin Blanding - S - Virginia (Virginia)

4-stars:
16. Jalen Tabor - CB - Washington, D.C.
18. Damian Prince - OT - Maryland
19. Bo Scarbrough - ATH - Alabama (Alabama)
24. Jamal Adams - S - Texas
26. Lorenzo Featherston - DE - North Carolina
28. Malachi Dupre - WR - Louisiana
33. Solomon Thomas - DE - Texas
37. Tyler Luatua - TE - California
39. Casey Tucker - OT - Arizona
40. Jalen Hurd - RB - Tennessee (Tennessee)
45. K.C. McDermott - OT - Florida (Miami)
49. Marshon Lattimore - ATH - Ohio
50. Andy Bauer - OT - Missouri (Mississippi)
51. Elijah Hood - RB - North Carolina (Notre Dame)
52. Edward Paris, Jr. - S - Texas (LSU)
55. Alex Bars - OT - Tennessee (Notre Dame)
57. Damon Webb - CB - Michigan (Ohio State)
60. John Smith - ATH - California
62. Nick Watkins - CB - Texas
64. Nyles Morgan - LB - Illinois
66. Jamarco Jones - OT - Illinois
68. Malik McDowell - DE - Michigan
71. Drake Harris - WR - Michigan (Michigan)
73. Bryan Mone - DT - Utah (Michigan)
77. Corey Holmes - WR - Florida
87. K.C. Crosby - TE - South Carolina (South Carolina)
88. Ja'von Harrison - ATH - Florida (Virginia Tech)
89. Artavis Scott - WR - Florida
91. Parrker Westphal - CB - Illinois
94. Jeb Blazevich - TE - North Carolina (Georgia)
102. Demarre Kitt - WR - Georgia (Clemson)
103. Kyron Watson - LB - Illinois (Kansas)
110. Lawrence Marshall - DE - Michigan (Michigan)
111. Saeed Blacknall - WR - New Jersey
113. Wesley Green - CB - Georgia
116. Ian Bunting - TE - Illinois (Michigan)
119. Braden Smith - OT - Kansas
120. Jacory Wahsington - TE - Louisiana (LSU)
121. Juwann Bushell-Beatty - OT - New Jersey (Michigan)
122. Michael Ferns III - LB - Ohio (Michigan)
126. Josh Malone - WR - Tennessee
127. Wilton Speight - QB - Virginia (Michigan)
130. Dravon Henry - ATH - Pennsylvania
131. Bentley Spain - OT - North Carolina
137. Joe Mixon - RB - California
139. Roderick Johnson - OT - Missouri
146. Mason Cole - OT - Florida (Michigan)
147. Khairi Clark - DT - Florida
156. Dante Booker - LB - Ohio (Ohio State)
163. Andrew Williams - DE - Georgia
165. Jermaine Roberts - CB - Louisiana (Texas)
169. Dexter Wideman - DT - South Carolina
170. Dwight Williams - LB - California
172. Otaro Alaka - LB - Texas (Texas)
186. Mattrell McGraw - S - Louisiana
189. Kiy Hester - ATH - New Jersey
193. Demetrius Knox - OG - Texas
194. Adarius Bennett - CB - California
197. Quincy Wilson - S - Florida
202. Devon Thomas - RB - Oklahoma (Oklahoma State)
227. Erick Smith - S - Ohio
233. Steven Parker - S - Oklahoma
248. Montae Nicholson - S - Pennsylvania
261. Christian McCaffrey - RB - Colorado (Stanford)
269. Petera Wilson - LB - Tennessee
272. Brandon Simmons - S - Texas (Stanford)
276. D'Andre Payne - CB - Washington, D.C. (Tennessee)
277. Garrett Dickerson - TE - New Jersey
279. Sam Mustipher - OG - Maryland (Notre Dame)
285. Jonathan Hilliman - RB - New Jersey
295. Mark Andrews - TE - Arizona
299. Kyle Berger - LB - Ohio (Ohio State)

Ian Bunting, Wolverine

Hinsdale (IL) Central wide receiver/tight end Ian Bunting
(image via Twitter)

Hinsdale (IL) Central tight end Ian Bunting committed to Michigan on Tuesday.  Bunting chose the Wolverines over offers from Florida State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, and USC, among others.

Bunting stands 6'6" and 210 lbs.  As a junior in 2012, Bunting had 16 catches for 412 yards and 4 touchdowns.

RATINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 83 grade, #5 TE, #114 overall
Rivals: 3-star, #14 TE
Scout: 3-star, #17 TE
247 Sports: 4-star, 90 grade, #11 TE

Bunting visited Michigan in November 2012 for the Northwestern game, but he didn't receive an offer from the Wolverines until March.  At the time of that in-season visit, he had just one offer, which had come from Purdue.  When he visited again last weekend, it was thought that Notre Dame was his leader, but he was impressed enough to commit a few days afterward.

Bunting is a long and lean prospect.  He's listed from 6'5" to 6'7" and from 210 to 215 lbs., but he plays like a wide receiver.  When he gets an unimpeded release off the line of scrimmage, he's very difficult to cover.  He can run past some defensive backs, and jump balls are no contest for someone with his size and athleticism; if defenses cover him with a linebacker, that will be a huge mismatch.  He's a very flexible player who picks up his knees when he runs, can bend at the knees to block, and can adjust well to the ball in the air.  I also like the way Bunting runs routes; he changes direction well for such a tall guy, and he shows a dedication to proper footwork.  As a blocker, he shows the willingness to be physical and he keeps a nice, wide base when engaged with defenders.

There's not much to dislike about Bunting.  He will add weight as his body matures, so it will be interesting to see whether that changes his athleticism; he won't be a mammoth bruiser, but he should probably be 240-245 lbs. by the time his college career ends.  I also wonder how he would react to press man coverage, because no defensive backs seem willing to test him in that respect.  He will have to learn how to shed press man defenders if he doesn't know already.

Michigan will likely use Bunting like they use Devin Funchess, splitting him out wide, moving him around in the backfield, and sending him downfield as a deep threat at times.  I think those two have very similar skills. Michigan should be able to redshirt him in 2014 to add some weight, but if he's not being used as an in-line blocker, there's not much of a reason to keep him off the field if he can contribute.  Funchess did just fine at about 228 lbs. in 2012, and Bunting has another year and a half to add that 10-20 lbs.

Recruits have stated that the coaches only plan to take one tight end in the 2014 class, so Bunting will likely be the only player for the position unless something changes with the roster.  He's the seventh commitment in a class that will probably be around 16 or a few more.  Walk-on wide receiver Brad Anlauf also attended Hinsdale Central High School.

TTB Rating: 78 (ratings explanation)

Visitors: April 19-21, 2013

Scottsdale (AZ) Desert Mountain wide receiver/tight end Mark Andrews (image via 247 Sports)

Mark Andrews - TE - Scottsdale (AZ) Desert Mountain: Andrews is a 6'6", 230 lb. prospect with offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Florida State, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Oklahoma, among others.  He's taking a trip through the midwest to see Michigan, Notre Dame, and Ohio State, even though Arizona appears to be his leader.  As a junior in 2012, he had 81 receptions for 1,590 yards and 22 touchdowns; his quarterback is Kyle Allen, a highly regarded player with offers from several Pac-12, Big 12, and SEC schools.  Andrews plays wide receiver and has a desire to play wideout in college, but he will most likely end up at tight end in college.

Ian Bunting - TE - Hinsdale (IL) Central: Bunting is a 6'6", 210 lb. prospect with recent offers from Florida State, Oklahoma, Oregon, and USC, to go along with his Michigan offer and numerous others.  As a junior in 2012, he had 16 catches for 412 yards and 4 touchdowns.  He would probably play the U-back position like Devin Funchess, since he is long, lean, and rather athletic.  According to the 247 Composite rankings, he's a 4-star and the #11 tight end in the class.

Ricky DeBerry - DE - Richmond (VA) St. Christopher's: DeBerry is a 6'2", 235 lb. prospect for the class of 2015 with offers from Arizona State, Clemson, Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Penn State, Tennessee, and Virginia Tech, among others.  He is considered to be one of the top few prospects for the 2015 class and plays in the same league as 2014 quarterback commit Wilton Speight.

Garrett Taylor - CB - Richmond (VA) St. Christopher's: Taylor, standing 6'0" and 180 lbs., is a classmate of DeBerry's.  He plays wide receiver and cornerback and has offers from Clemson, Iowa, Oklahoma State, Penn State, Tennessee, and Virginia Tech, among others.

Kyron Watson - LB - East St. Louis (IL) East St. Louis: Watson is a 6'1", 220 lb. prospect who picked up a Michigan offer last week.  He may not make it to Michigan this weekend, but he does want to visit Ann Arbor soon.  According to the 247 Composite rankings, he's a 3-star, the #44 outside linebacker, and the #592 player overall.  UPDATE: Watson is rescheduling his visit.

Parrker Westphal - CB - Bolingbrook (IL) Bolingbrook: Westphal is a 6'2", 186 lb. prospect with offers from Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Vanderbilt, among others.  As a junior in 2012, he had 51 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, 3 pass breakups, 4 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery.  He has visited Michigan numerous times and is coached by former Michigan cornerback Todd Howard.  247 Sports' Composite rankings place him as a 4-star, the #12 cornerback, and the #127 player overall.

Recruiting Update: March 18, 2013

Phoenix (AZ) Mountain Pointe wide receiver Jalen Brown

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2014
Phoenix (AZ) Mountain Pointe wide receiver Jalen Brown was offered by Michigan.  Brown is a 6'2", 170 lb. prospect with offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, among others.  As a junior in 2012, he had 67 receptions for 1,235 yards and 18 touchdowns; on defense he had 26 tackles and 5 interceptions.  He's the #57 overall player to Rivals and the #126 overall player to 247 Sports.  Mountain Pointe is also the home of 2014 offensive guard prospect Natrell Curtis, a big-time recruit, and former offensive line target Kenny Lacy, who signed with UCLA in February.  He's a very good route runner with good body control while the ball is in the air.

Hinsdale (IL) Central tight end Ian Bunting was offered by Michigan.  He's a 6'7", 215 lb. prospect who has been picking up offers at a fast pace recently, including ones from Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, and Wisconsin, among others.  As a junior in 2012, he had 16 receptions for 412 yards and 4 touchdowns.  Bunting visited Michigan for the Northwestern game last November.

Grand Rapids (MI) Christian wide receiver Drake Harris was offered by Michigan.  Harris is a 6'4", 180 lb. prospect with offers from all over the place, and he has been discussed ad nauseum on this site and others.  One of the top couple prospect in the state and one of the top few wide receivers in the nation, his recruitment has been followed closely by many.  He visited Michigan's campus for three weeks in a row despite being "committed" to Michigan State, but that commitment was due largely to his prowess on the basketball court; he now plans to pursue a football career instead.  He has plans to visit several schools, but Michigan should remain a school of interest throughout the process.

Jenks (OK) Jenks safety Steven Parker was offered by Michigan.  He's a 6'2", 185 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, and Texas A&M, among others.  As a junior in 2012, he had 52 tackles, 1 sack, and 3 interceptions.  He's the #114 overall player to Rivals and #220 to 247 Sports.

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2015
Many (LA) Many offensive tackle Garrett Thomas was offered by Michigan.  He's a 6'6", 295 lb. prospect whose lone current offer comes from Michigan.  Thomas is a very powerful blocker, and he looks like a future right tackle or perhaps an offensive guard.

MISCELLANEOUS
Here's a list of the visitors from this past weekend.