2015 Season Countdown: #82 Juwann Bushell-Beatty

Juwann Bushell-Beatty
(image via Maizeandbluenews.com)

Name: Juwann Bushell-Beatty
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 319 lbs.
High school: Paramus (NJ) Catholic
Position: Offensive tackle
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #76
Last year: I ranked Bushell-Beatty #91 and said he would redshirt. He redshirted.

One of my bigger concerns with Bushell-Beatty was the amount of bad weight he had on him coming out of high school. He looked somewhat out of shape during his senior year of football, and that continued on into the Under Armour All-American Game, where he struggled with quicker players. Bushell-Beatty redshirted his freshman year, like most thought he would.

Still pretty heavy at 319 lbs., it's not clear whether he has remade his body and added some muscle or whether he still has a long way to go with his conditioning. I think we will see a more beefed-up line under Jim Harbaugh, but the hogs up front will still have to be in pretty good shape. Regardless, Bushell-Beatty is near the bottom of the offensive line depth chart with a few guys ahead of him who can fill in at various slots. I do not expect that he will factor into the rotation even if there are a couple injuries, although he could see some mop-up duty if Michigan gets a chance to throw a full second- or third-string line in there.

Prediction: Backup offensive tackle

2014 Season Countdown: #91 Juwann Bushell-Beatty

Name: Juwann Bushell-Beatty
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 310 lbs.
High school: Paramus (NJ) Catholic
Position: Offensive tackle
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Last year: Bushell-Beatty was a senior in high school. He was a 247 Composite 3-star, #27 OT, #329 overall, and #11 in New Jersey.
Final TTB Rating: 68

Bushell-Beatty was relatively unknown to Michigan fans until he was offered in February 2013. Coming from the same high school as nationally elite recruit Jabrill Peppers, he got a great deal of exposure at Paramus Catholic. He had several notable offers throughout the process, including teams like Florida, Florida State, and Miami, but he decided on Michigan in April. Peppers would remain uncommitted until the summer. Bushell-Beatty had a solid senior season that culminated in a New Jersey state championship, and he was invited to the Under Armour All-America Game, along with several of his future college teammates.

In the UA game, Bushell-Beatty started at left tackle but consistently struggled with the speed rush. He has some bad weight on him, so he needs to trim down and add muscle. Considering some raw technique and the body formation that needs to take place, he's almost certain to redshirt. Michigan is fairly thin at tackle, but others such as redshirt freshman Logan Tuley-Tillman and true freshman early enrollee Mason Cole are well ahead of Bushell-Beatty.

Prediction: Redshirt

2014 Recruiting Awards

Michigan signee Jabrill Peppers

It's that time of year again, where I pick out the best and least best of the recruiting class and we can argue about it for the next four or five years. Here's a look back at my choices over the last five years (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013). And on with the show:

Best Overall Recruit: CB Jabrill Peppers
Peppers is the 247 Composite #3 player in the country and for good reason. Michigan's lone 5-star in the class, he won four state championships in his four years of high school football. He has the ability to play four positions (RB, WR, CB, S) in college, although he was recruited as a corner; Michigan will also probably use him in the return game. Peppers has the size, speed, and competitive attitude to be an All-American and a high draft pick in a few years.

Best Offensive Recruit: WR Drake Harris
I think this wide receiver class is loaded with Harris, Maurice Ways, and Freddy Canteen. In my opinion, these three could turn out to be almost as good as the trio of Braylon Edwards, Jason Avant, and Steve Breaston playing together in the mid-2000's. Harris has the best coordination, speed, and athleticism of the group, so as long as he stays healthy, I think he'll be the top guy on this side of the ball.

Best Defensive Recruit: CB Jabrill Peppers
See above.

Recruit Most Likely to Make an Early Impact: CB Jabrill Peppers
Peppers will instantly be one of the four best athletes in the secondary, so it's a question of where and how soon he should play. Whether he plays corner, safety, or slot corner, he should be on the field as soon as he arrives on campus. I do want to pump the breaks on him being an instant starter at corner because technique is so important, but he could play over the slot if the coaches want him there. He might also be able to challenge Dennis Norfleet for kick return duties, and both of Michigan's punt returners (Drew Dileo, Jeremy Gallon) graduated, so that job will be an open competition, too.

Fastest Recruit: CB Jabrill Peppers
This is like a broken record, so I'll also mention that Drake Harris can leave some people in the dust if he recovers from his hamstring issues.

Strongest Recruit: DT Brady Pallante
Pallante benches 370 lbs. and squats 580 lbs., but his best quality is probably the leverage he's able to use on the defensive line. Fellow defensive tackle Bryan Mone is significantly larger, but Pallante plays like a guy who's 30 lbs. heavier.

Best Under-the-Radar Recruit: WR Maurice Ways
This is a really tough choice between Pallante and Ways, but both are pretty modest 3-stars in the 247 Composite rankings. I'm going with Ways because I think he will be the more acclaimed player of the two. He reminds me of Michigan's 6'3", 215 lb. receivers of yesteryear. If Michigan has a good quarterback situation down the road, I think Ways could be a 1,000-yard receiver.

Most Overrated Recruit: DT Bryan Mone
Perhaps more so than in other recent years, I think most of these guys are ranked just about right, with Ways and Pallante being the exceptions. I was extremely high on Mone early in his recruitment, and his junior film was very exciting. However, he gained a lot of weight before his senior year, didn't put up great stats, and then didn't stand out at the Under Armour All-American Game. I think Mone is probably ranked fairly accurately by the recruiting sites (#111 in the 247 Composite), but Michigan fans expecting instant domination are probably in for a bit of a disappointment.

Most Likely to Redshirt: OT Juwann Bushell-Beatty
Bushell-Beatty is a developmental prospect, and his performance at the Under Armour All-American Game solidified that position for me. He's not a great natural athlete, and he was out of shape in early January. He needs to redistribute some weight, get stronger, work on his footwork, etc. Provided that Michigan's line can stay healthy (an iffy proposition considering redshirt sophomore Erik Magnuson is missing the entire spring), Bushell-Beatty will probably be planted firmly on the sideline this season.

Personal Favorite Recruit: WR Maurice Ways
This is a tough choice, too. There are several guys that I could pick, and the obvious choice for most people is probably Peppers. I also like Mone (his family story is inspiring), WR Freddy Canteen (a somewhat under-the-radar route running specialist), and Pallante (the classic underdog). But I was high on Ways from the first time I saw his film, a lot of people disagreed with me, and he seems to have a good attitude when it comes to improving, blocking, etc.

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)

Highlights: Michigan commits in the Under Armour All-American Game

Hit the jump to see highlights of Wilton Speight, Bryan Mone, and Juwann Bushell-Beatty.

Video: 2014 Under Armour All-American Game

2014 Under Armour All-American Game analysis

Michael Ferns, Wilton Speight, Jabrill Peppers, Juwann Bushell-Beatty, Bryan Mone, and Jared Wangler at the
2014 Under Armour All-American Game

The 2014 Under Armour All-American Game took place on Thursday afternoon, and it was a showcase for four current Michigan commits. All of Michigan's commits were on Team Nitro, which lost the game by a score of 31-21. Some brief analysis of what I saw:

LB Michael Ferns: Ferns didn't even record a single tackle in this game. Probably because he sat it out due to injury.

QB Wilton Speight: Speight was named a captain for Team Nitro and earned the start at quarterback. He finished just 2/6 for 63 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 1 interception. He also had 3 carries for 8 yards. Offensive lines consistently struggle in these games because they don't have time to work together, and that was pretty obvious as Speight never really had a chance to set his feet and scan the field. I thought Speight did a nice job of keeping his eyes downfield when the pressure was coming, which was often. He shows a little bit of mobility, but that's mostly going to be when defenses completely forget about him being 6'6" and able to run a little bit. He's a better runner than John Navarre was, but perhaps a notch below Steven Threet. Speight has a nice overhand delivery from the pocket that defenders will probably struggle to bat down, but he can throw from different angles on the move. He made a poor read on a redzone passing attempt that resulted in a pick for Gardena (CA) Junipero Serra cornerback Adoree' Jackson, but he also made a very nice throw while running to his right for a long gain.

CB Jabrill Peppers: Peppers didn't really make any highlight-reel plays in the game, but he didn't get embarrassed, either. Well, except for one play on which he showed very nice change-of-direction skills only to dive at the Team Highlight receiver's ankles and miss the tackle. Aside from coming up quickly, what I liked about that play was that Peppers hopped right up and attempted to chase down the receiver as he raced down the left sideline. The New Jersey native ended the game with 2 kickoff returns for 65 yards, 3 tackles, and 1 pass for -2 yards out of a Wildcat formation in the first half. Peppers also blocked a field goal at the end of the first half, but that's not exactly allowed in all-star games like this one. Overall, it was a solid but unspectacular showing.

OT Juwann Bushell-Beatty: Of the guys who played, I thought Bushell-Beatty looked like the biggest project. He looked overweight, out of shape, and slow of foot. Of course, he's a high schooler coming off of a long run to a state championship, so I don't expect him to be in peak physical condition at this point in the year. However, he looks like he has a long way to go. He was standing up way too high while run blocking, which severely limited his lateral movement and left him flailing at air. He was also beaten badly on a speed rush that resulted in getting Speight blindsided. It should also be noted that Bushell-Beatty is generally considered a 3-star prospect who was facing some elite talent, and I don't think it's a stretch or an insult to say that he was overmatched.

DT Bryan Mone: I saw less of Mone than anyone else, partly because it was just difficult to see jersey numbers at times. He's large and solidly built, but he's more about power than anything else at this time. Mone has added a lot of weight in the past year or so, and he's lost some of the athleticism that made him such a beast as an underclassman. He does not appear to be a huge threat to be a penetrator, as he mostly eats space at the line of scrimmage. That resulted in 2 tackles during the game.

LB Jared Wangler: Wangler was wandering the sidelines due to a separated shoulder.

WR Drake Harris (not pictured): Harris sat out his entire senior season due to a nagging hamstring injury. Since he was not going to be able to play, he did not attend the game.

2014 Under Armour All-American Game Rosters

The 2014 Under Armour All-American Game rosters were announced the other day. All of Michigan's current commits are on Team Nitro, so that's who you should be rooting for; that includes Wilton Speight, whose competitors for Michigan's lone quarterback offer in the class both will play for Team Highlights (Alabama-bound David Cornwell, Penn State-bound Michael O'Connor). The game will be played on January 2, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. on ESPN.

Here's a list of all of Michigan's offerees on the rosters:

TEAM HIGHLIGHT
Quin Blanding - S - Virginia (Virginia)
Lorenzo Featherston - DE - North Carolina
Leonard Fournette - RB - Louisiana
Myles Garrett - DE - Texas (Texas A&M)
Adoree' Jackson - CB - California
Jamarco Jones - OG - Illinois (Ohio State)
Melvin Keihn - LB - Maryland
Tyler Luatua - TE - California
Damian Prince - OT - Maryland
Jermaine Roberts - CB - Louisiana (Texas)
Cameron Robinson - OT - Louisiana (Alabama)
Bo Scarbrough - RB - Alabama (Alabama)
John Smith - S - California
Jalen Tabor - CB - Washington, DC
Casey Tucker - OT - Arizona
Jacory Washington - TE - Louisiana (LSU)
Dexter Wideman - DT - South Carolina (Florida State)

TEAM NITRO
Jamal Adams - S - Texas
Alex Bars - OT - Tennessee (Notre Dame)
Andy Bauer - OT - Missouri (Missouri)
Jeb Blazevich - TE - North Carolina (Georgia)
Andrew Brown - DT - Virginia (Virginia)
Juwan Bushell-Beatty - OT - New Jersey (Michigan)
Lorenzo Carter - DE - Georgia
K.C. Crosby - TE - South Carolina (South Carolina)
Malachi Dupre - WR - Louisiana
Michael Ferns - LB - Ohio (Michigan)
Da'Shawn Hand - DE - Virginia (Alabama)
Drake Harris - WR - Michigan (Michigan)
Corey Holmes - WR - Florida (Notre Dame)
K.C. McDermott - OT - Florida (Miami)
Isaiah McKenzie - WR - Florida
Bryan Mone - DT - Utah (Michigan)
Sam Mustipher - OG - Maryland (Notre Dame)
Jabrill Peppers - CB - New Jersey (Michigan)
Braden Smith - OT - Kansas
Wilton Speight - QB - Virginia (Michigan)
Jared Wangler - LB - Michigan (Michigan)
Nick Watkins - CB - Texas (Notre Dame)
Quincy Wilson - S - Florida (Florida)

Recruit Tracker: Jabrill Peppers, Juwann Bushell-Beatty

November 15, 2013: Paramus Catholic beat Lawrenceville (NJ) Notre Dame by a score of 55-14. Peppers had a 9-yard touchdown run and a 50-yard punt return for a touchdown. The team is now 8-2 going into the second round of the playoffs.

November 8, 2013: Paramus Catholic beat Oradell (NJ) Bergen Catholic by a score of 44-6. Peppers had 4 touchdowns - 2 receiving, 1 rushing, and 1 on a 48-yard interception return - as well as another interception. The team is now 7-2 entering the playoffs.

November 1, 2013: Paramus Catholic beat Washington (DC) Friendship Collegiate by a score of 41-14. Peppers had a 43-yard touchdown run, 3 tackles, and 1 pass breakup. Paramus Catholic is now 6-2.

October 26, 2013: Paramus Catholic lost to Montvale (NJ) St. Joseph by a score of 27-14. Peppers had 10 carries for 73 yards, as well as 8 tackles and 1 tackle for loss. Paramus Catholic is now 5-2.

October 18, 2013: Paramus Catholic lost to Ramsey (NJ) Don Bosco Prep by a score of 20-13. Broadcast live on ESPN2, Peppers caught 5 passes for 94 yards and 1 touchdown, and he had 13 carries for 65 yards. Peppers transferred from Don Bosco after his sophomore year. Paramus Catholic is now 5-1.

October 4, 2013: Paramus Catholic beat Wilmington (DE) St. Mark's by a score of 56-6. Peppers had 3 catches for 56 yards, 5 tackles, and 1 tackle for loss. His team is now 5-0.

September 28, 2013: Paramus Catholic beat Cleveland (OH) St. Ignatius by a score of 44-10. Peppers had 6 carries for 34 yards, 3 receptions for 44 yards and 1 touchdown, 2 tackles, 1 sack, 3 pass breakups, and went 1/1 passing for 4 yards. The team is now 4-0.

September 21, 2013: Paramus Catholic beat Wayne (NJ) DePaul by a score of 35-21. Peppers had 7 carries for 41 yards, 4 catches for 49 yards and 1 touchdown, 4 tackles, 3 pass breakups, 1 interception returned for a touchdown, and 1 kickoff return for 47 yards. The team is now 3-0.

September 14, 2013: Paramus Catholic beat Morristown (NJ) Delbarton by a score of 30-18. Peppers had 10 carries for 114 yards and 1 touchdown (on an 80-yard run), along with a 5-yard touchdown reception, 5 tackles, and 1 interception. The team is now 2-0.

September 8, 2013: The pair's Paramus (NJ) Catholic team beat Baltimore (MD) Gilman by a score of 28-0. Peppers had 6 carries for 45 yards, along with 3 catches for 54 yards, and 2 total touchdowns. Paramus Catholic is now 1-0.

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)

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)

Getting to know: Juwann Bushell-Beatty

        

Juwann Bushell-Beatty is no stranger to success. He anchored an offensive line that helped lead Paramus (NJ) Catholic to a 10-2 record and a New Jersey non-public, Group 4 state title. Following the season, Juwann flew up the recruiting boards, garnering three- and four-star ratings from the major recruiting services.  Juwann was offered in February and committed to the Wolverines shortly after his early April visit to Ann Arbor. Despite the instant success and busy offseason he stays humbled by the experience. “Me personally I am very grateful to be where I am at right now. Not many people can say they have done all this in such a short period of time. I can say I’m blessed to be where I am at.”

Being blessed certainly doesn’t mean being comfortable. Speaking with Juwann he was adamant about the work that he still needs to do before he arrives on the Michigan campus in over a year from now. “I really don’t have one aspect of my game I need to improve; I would say my game in a whole. Last year I was satisfied because it was my first year really starting.  Then I went back and looked at the tape a couple of months later, and I wasn’t really that impressed with myself.  There is a lot I need to work on so I can play at that second level. I need to bring everything I have to the table so I can get on the field sooner.  I want to improve my all around game, run blocking, pass blocking, how low I come off the ball, quickness of my feet and stuff like that.  That is just a small part of it in becoming a better all around player.” He doesn’t only have the mindset, but the work ethic is there to match it and an understanding of how he can translate his game to the next level. “I really like the explosive aspect, working on speed training and that’s one thing I feel I need to work on the most. As a college offensive lineman you need to be explosive. That’s a major thing we work on and something I take very seriously.”

The honesty of the Michigan coaching staff and the academic integrity of the school were two of the major factors that stood out on the unofficial visit. “When I got up there I had a real good time. What I was really looking for was the academic aspect of a school, and Michigan had that.  I really liked the coaches and the players; they are a high intensity team, there was just a lot of really interesting things. I think Coach Hoke is a great guy, I love him, and he is really down to Earth. I got a chance to really see what he was about and what he believed in when I was out there.” Along with coach Hoke, there seemed to be a good connection with offensive line coach Darrell Funk and the unprecedented tradition of Michigan offensive linemen. “It shows you what they produce, all of the great players that have come through there. I see that aspect in myself one day. I got a chance to talk to Coach Funk. He is a great guy and I really like the way he coaches. They always have great O-lineman coming out of there, and that is something I wanted and something I know the coaches can provide for me.”

With Juwann and the recent commitment of teammate Jabrill Peppers, it seems like Michigan’s New Jersey pipeline is growing. With Rutgers joining the Big 10, a chance to play back in their home state may be an added advantage. “It’s going to be real exciting, going to be back home after being away for a little while.  It will be Rutgers first year in and I will be able to have all my family there, so that will be exciting.”

Being the eighth commitment of the class of 2014, I asked Juwann if he will be joining the likes of Michael Ferns and Wilton Speight in recruiting others to the class and handing out team 135 T-Shirts.  He was pretty clear that a school like Michigan recruits itself. “At the end of the day it’s always going to come down to their opinion. What I would say if you’re looking for real down to Earth coaches, who are going to give it to you the right way, and show you what you need to know to develop you into a great player, then that’s where you want to be. The players are great guys, real hard workers, just like the coaches. If you are looking for a place like that, then Michigan is where you want to be.”  And Michigan is where Juwann will be, but not before a senior season in which he will look to repeat another state title and embrace the opportunity to play some national high school powerhouses. “It’s really great, coming from where this program was a few years ago, and how fast Coach Partridge and all the other coaches got us to where we are at. This year coming up, I’d say I am most excited about the first game of the season against [Baltimore (MD) Gilman, Henry Poggi's alma mater], they are going to be a couple weeks in already and we will be coming fresh out of camp. We get to play a lot of big talent around the country, and see what is out there.”
One constant through last season Juwann says, “Wearing my team issued game day Under Armour each week.” I would say with the success of this past year and the promise of things to come … don’t change that shirt.