Recruiting Snapshot: Michigan State

Hubbard (OH) Hubbard running back Larry Scott (#3)

2015 Team Ranking: #22. Michigan State signed five 4-stars and sixteen 3-stars.

Cream of 2015 Crop: Far and away, Michigan State's top signee was Hubbard (OH) Hubbard running back Larry Scott (see below). The 6'2", 228 lb. bruiser was a 4-star, the #6 running back, and #59 overall. I was also high on Detroit (MI) King offensive guard/defensive tackle Kyonta Stallworth, the #9 offensive guard and #185 overall player in the class.

2016 Team Ranking: #9. With a recent flurry of commitments, Michigan State has two 4-stars and ten 3-stars verbally pledged. This ranking may jump a little bit in early June, when two highly touted defensive ends (Indiana's Auston Robertson and Illinois' Josh King) plan to announce their decisions.

Cream of 2016 Crop: The Spartans' top two commits are both wide receivers. Cleveland (OH) Benedictine's Justin Layne is #149 overall, and Sicklerville (NJ) Timber Creek's Cameron Chambers is #183. Michigan State also earned a pledge from former Michigan verbal commit Messiah DeWeaver from Huber Heights (OH) Wayne. All five of the 2016 players mentioned here held Michigan offers.

Recruiting Update: April 27, 2015

Brooklyn (NY) Poly Prep offensive tackle Isaiah Wilson (image via Scout)

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2016
Lakewood (OH) St. Edward cornerback Tony Butler, a Pitt commit, was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'2", 195 lb. prospect who also holds offers from Arizona State, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, and Rutgers, among others. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #56 cornerback, and #600 overall. As a junior in 2014, he made 27 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 10 pass breakups. He's a big corner who might project best to safety. Butler played for Michigan's new director of football operations, Rick Finotti, who was head coach at St. Edward through last season. Despite maintaining a hard commitment to Pitt, Butler is expected to at least put some thought into attending Michigan, a school he visited in early April.

Cranford (NJ) Cranford offensive tackle Will Fries was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'6", 270 lb. prospect with offers from Clemson, Maryland, Miami, Penn State, Pitt, Rutgers, and South Carolina, among others. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #38 offensive tackle, and #392 overall. Fries is a big, lean body who's aggressive and bends well, but his footwork needs a lot of refinement. The Nittany Lions appear to be the favorite.

Hit the jump for a new 2017 offer, some guys who committed elsewhere, and some random tidbits.

Scouting Report: 2016 Quarterbacks

Shreveport (LA) Calvary Baptist quarterback Shea Patterson (#1)

Every year I put together a list of potential quarterbacks from Michigan and rank their desirability. This year's list includes only players Michigan has offered, since more offers have gone out than in the past. Brady Hoke was very stingy with quarterback offers and generally didn't offer guys until National Signing Day of the preceding class, but he went a little crazy with 2016 guys and offered some of them early. Jim Harbaugh has reaffirmed some of those offers and added one name to the list (Brandon Peters), plus he has gotten in the ear of Georgia commit Jacob Eason, whom I also included. Remember that this is a look at which players fit Michigan's personnel, coaching staff, and system best, not necessarily who will be the best college football player overall.

If additions to the list are needed later, I'll do a separate post at that time. Otherwise, these are the guys Michigan has offered and pursued at one point or another for the 2016 cycle. Enjoy!

1. Jacob Eason - QB - Lake Stevens (WA) Lake Stevens: Eason is a 6'5", 205 lb. quarterback who committed to Georgia last summer; he also holds offers from Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Miami, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma State, Washington, and Washington State, among others. He's a 247 Composite 5-star, the #1 pro-style quarterback, and #4 overall. As a junior in 2014, he completed 197/287 passes for 2,829 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. Eason is a tall kid who can easily see over the line, and he does a good job of standing in the pocket and finding his man. He keeps his feet active and is always in a position to throw, which is helped out by the fact that he has the arm strength to make all the throws. I believe he has an NFL arm as a high schooler, and he can put the ball on a line even when he's running and can only use his arm. In that way he reminds me a little bit of some throws I saw Jameis Winston make this past year, but overall, I see Sam Bradford when I look at Eason. Eason can put some nice touch on the deep ball, and he can find small windows in the secondary. He also gets rid of the ball quickly and seems in command of the offense, understanding where to go with the football and when. He gets through his reads in a hurry and can scan the whole field, which is impressive for a high schooler. There's not much to criticize, but he is not a dynamic runner, lacking great speed or elusiveness but with enough athleticism right now to keep the chains moving. Also, when he has to hold onto the ball, he starts to drop his throwing arm and he can be a little careless by keeping only one hand on the ball at times, which might lead to turnovers. He also appears to operate exclusively out of a shotgun spread, which means that playing from under center might be a tricky adjustment.

Hit the jump for seven more quarterback breakdowns.

Messiah DeWeaver, Ex-Wolverine

Messiah DeWeaver

Huber Heights (OH) Wayne quarterback Messiah DeWeaver decommitted from Michigan on Tuesday night. He had been committed to the Wolverines since June of 2014. DeWeaver is a 6'3", 202 lb. kid in the class of 2016. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #14 pro-style quarterback, and #310 overall.

Before he was originally offered a scholarship, I was hoping the coaching staff would hold off. The Wolverines were evaluating or had offered several other quarterbacks who I believed had higher potential, and I thought DeWeaver would jump at the chance to play for Michigan. The poor 2014 season for Michigan may have derailed their chances with some of the guys I viewed as better prospects, so for Michigan's long-term prospects, that may have been a blessing in disguise. Once a player decommits from a program, it can be tough to tuck the tail between the legs and come back.

Now Michigan has a fresh start with a well-established new coach in Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh has had success developing quarterbacks in the past, including former #1 overall draft pick Andrew Luck (Stanford) and former 5th round draft pick Josh Johnson (San Diego), not to mention NFL quarterbacks Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick. When Harbaugh was at Stanford, he brought in an average of two quarterbacks per class, and he looks to continue to do so at Michigan. The Wolverines already have Alex Malzone enrolled early, and last weekend saw a commitment from Zach Gentry, who will sign with Michigan next week. Meanwhile, even with DeWeaver committed, Harbaugh had been meeting with California QB K.J. Costello and Washington QB Jacob Eason, who are the #4 and #1 pro-style quarterbacks for the 2016 class. The previous staff had offered seven quarterbacks (LINK), and that number may increase in the near future.

With DeWeaver committed, I had secretly been hoping to avoid doing scouting reports on 10-20 quarterback prospects for 2016. But now it looks like that's exactly what I'll be doing in the next couple weeks.

2016 Recruiting Update: January 28, 2015

Manvel (TX) Manvel safety
Deontay Anderson
(image via 247sports.com)

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2016
Harbor City (CA) Narbonne offensive tackle Alex Akingbulu was offered by Michigan. Akingbulu is a 6'6", 275 lb. prospect who just finished playing his first year of organized football, and Michigan is his first (and only) offer. Offensive coordinator Tim Drevno is the point man on him, so his west coast connections must have paid off with the little known recruit. Akingbulu does not have much technique at this point, but he is an impressive athlete who moves his feet really well. With a good deal of coaching, he could be pretty special. You might remember his high school from when Michigan was recruiting safety Sean Parker (Washington) in the 2010 class.

Manvel (TX) Manvel safety Deontay Anderson was offered by Michigan. Anderson is a 6'1", 192 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame, Texas, Texas A&M, UCLA, and USC, among others. Basically, he can go to school wherever he wants. Michigan recently had a flirtation with his 2015 teammate, cornerback Will Lockett, who ultimately decided to stick to his UCLA pledge. Anderson is an early 247 Composite 5-star, the #2 returner (this is a category now?), and #25 overall in the class. As a junior in 2014, he made 59 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 interceptions (1 returned for touchdown), 8 pass breakups, and 1 punt return for a touchdown.


Concord (CA) De La Salle tight end Devin Asiasi was offered by Michigan. Asiasi is a 6'5", 255 lb. prospect with offers from Nebraska, Oregon, and USC, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #10 weakside end, and #148 overall. He's a big kid but someone who can be split out at times, and he even takes an occasional direct snap. Former Michigan (and Idaho and New England Patriots) quarterback Matt Gutierrez was from there, and I recently watched When the Game Stands Tall, a decent football movie about the school, which set the national record for consecutive victories.

Hit the jump for a couple more offers, commitments elsewhere, and some random tidbits.

Rivals 250 for 2016 updated

Dele' Harding is the #215 recruit in the country (image via 247Sports.com)

Rivals updated their list of top 250 prospects for 2016 (LINK). Here's what it looked like in July (LINK). They updated the top 100 yesterday (LINK). Movement for Michigan commits:

- Dele' Harding dropped from #186 to #215
- Messiah DeWeaver dropped from #210 to #219

Here's the full list of Michigan's offerees from #101 to #250:

104. Theo Howard - WR - California
106. Damar Hamlin - CB - Pennsylvania
108. Elijah Holyfield - RB - Georgia
112. Cameron Chambers - WR - New Jersey
113. Darrian Franklin - LB - California
125. Joseph Jackson - DE - Florida
126. J.P. Urquidez - OT - Maryland
130. Josh Imatorbhebhe - WR - Georgia
132. Binjimen Victor - WR - Florida
151. Shaquille Quarterman - LB - Florida (Miami)
152. Brad Hawkins, Jr. - WR - New Jersey
154. Justin Layne - WR - Ohio
164. Luke Farrell - TE - Ohio
170. Michael Onwenu - DT - Michigan
177. Austin Mack - WR - Indiana
185. Antonio Williams - RB - North Carolina (Wisconsin)
186. Kaden Smith - TE - Texas
187. Clark Yarbrough - OT - Virginia
188. Auston Robertson - DE - Indiana
193. Kentrail Moran - RB - Illinois
215. Dele' Harding - LB - Maryland (Michigan)
219. Messiah DeWeaver - QB - Ohio (Michigan)
225. Jordan Woods - DE - Florida
232. Michael Jordan - OT - Michigan
243. Lavert Hill - CB - Michigan

ESPN 300 for 2016 updated

Erik Swenson is the #188 player in the country

ESPN updated their top 300 prospects for the class of 2016 (LINK). Here's what it looked like back in July (LINK). Movement for Michigan commits:

- Erik Swenson jumped from #256 to #188
- Messiah DeWeaver fell from #115 to #199

Hit the jump for the full list.

Recruit Tracker: Messiah DeWeaver

Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison quarterback Messiah DeWeaver (image via 247Sports.com)

October 3, 2014: DeWeaver went 13/20 for 220 yards and 5 touchdowns. Trotwood-Madison beat Sidney (OH) Sidney by a score of 80-21. Trotwood-Madison is now 5-1.

September 12, 2014: DeWeaver went 11/17 for 170 yards and 3 touchdowns, including the game-winner with 40 seconds remaining. He also had 40 rushing yards and 1 rushing touchdown. Trotwood-Madison beat Cincinnati (OH) Sycamore by a score of 33-30. Trotwood-Madison is now 3-0.

September 6, 2014: Trotwood-Madison beat Dayton (OH) Thurgood Marshall by a score of 28-21. Trotwood-Madison is 2-0.

August 29, 2014: DeWeaver was 9/15 for 109 yards and 1 touchdown through the air, and he had 15 rushing yards and 1 touchdown. His Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison team beat Springfield (OH) Springfield by a score of 34-7. Trotwood-Madison is 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 250 for 2016 released

Messiah DeWeaver

Rivals released its top 250 players for 2016 this morning. Yesterday they released the top 100 (LINK). Offensive tackle commit Erik Swenson was #70, and Michigan's only other pledge in the class is quarterback Messiah DeWeaver, who comes in at #210 overall. Here's a list of the rest of Michigan's offerees:

109. Joseph Jackson - DE - Florida
115. Binjimen Victor - WR - Florida
130. Elijah Holyfield - RB - Pennsylvania
133. Shaquille Quarterman - LB - Florida (Miami)
136. Kyree Campbell - DE - Virginia
145. Michael Menet - OT - Pennsylvania
146. Justin Layne - WR - Ohio
147. Michael Onwenu - DT - Michigan
157. Antonio Williams - RB - North Carolina
165. Luke Farrell - TE - Ohio
170. Austin Mack - WR - Indiana
182. Kentrail Moran - RB - Illinois
186. Dele' Harding - LB - Maryland
197. Kaden Smith - TE - Texas
201. Steven Smothers - WR - Maryland
204. Richard Merritt - OG - Washington, D.C.
210. Messiah DeWeaver - QB - Ohio (Michigan)
213. Robert Washington - RB - North Carolina
216. Auston Robertson - DE - Indiana
222. Lavert Hill - CB - Michigan

Visitors: 2014 BBQ at the Big House

Lincolnton (NC) Lincolnton defensive end Darian Roseboro

This year's BBQ at the Big House for 2015 prospects will be on July 27th. Last year Michigan did two separate barbecues for seniors and then underclassmen, but I believe this year's will be one combined event.

2015
Jalen Bates - DE - Kaplan (LA) Kaplan: Bates is a 6'4", 240 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech, among others. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #22 weakside end, and #499 overall. Michigan is one of his top few schools, and his cousin is former Wolverine linebacker Jonas Mouton. Bates is aiming to visit Ann Arbor sometime around June 24-26, so he may miss the actual BBQ but will be in town at roughly the same juncture.

Chris Clark - TE - Avon (CT) Old Farms: Clark committed to Michigan in June (LINK).

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 #65 overall. Cole may not be able to stay for Sunday's BBQ, but he will be at Michigan on at least Friday and Saturday.

Kengera Daniel - DE - Raleigh (NC) Millbrook: Daniel is a 6'5", 250 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Miami, Michigan, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wake Forest, among others. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #21 strongside end, and #503 overall. He claims a 4.89 forty and had 89 tackles, 13 sacks, and 1 interception as a junior in 2013.

Jack Dunaway - DE - Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice: Dunaway is a 6'3", 212 lb. prospect with no offers at this time. He's the teammate of Michigan quarterback commit Alex Malzone. Dunaway is also the son of Craig Dunaway, a tight end at Michigan from the mid-1980's.

Joshua Ellison - WR - Flint (MI) Carman-Ainsworth: Ellison is a 5'11", 185 lb. prospect with no FBS offers at this time, as far as I know. He is a potential walk-on candidate.

Damien Harris - RB - Berea (KY) Madison Southern: Harris was committed to Michigan, but he then de-committed in January (LINK) after offensive coordinator Al Borges was fired. Michigan is still under consideration but is believed to have fallen behind Ohio State, if not Alabama and Kentucky. UPDATE: Harris no longer plans to attend the BBQ.

Amari Henderson - CB - Charlotte (NC) Mallard Creek: Henderson is a 6'1", 182 lb. prospect with offers from Kansas State, Kentucky, Penn State, and Wake Forest, among others. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #111 safety, and #1481 overall. He claims a 4.46 forty, a 41" vertical, a 255 lb. bench, and a 355 lb. squat. He has not been offered by Michigan, but he has been in contact with area recruiter Roy Manning. The Wolverines are searching for someone to replace Shaun Crawford, who decommitted in favor of Notre Dame. UPDATE: Henderson committed to Wake Forest on July 19, but still wants to attend the BBQ.

Tyree Kinnel - S - Huber Heights (OH) Wayne: Kinnel committed to Michigan in August 2013 (LINK).

Darrin Kirkland, Jr. - LB - Indianapolis (IN) Lawrence Central: Kirkland committed to Michigan in May (LINK).

Marcus Lewis - CB - Washington (DC) Gonzaga: Lewis is a 6'1", 187 lb. prospect who committed to Florida in April. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #8 athlete, and #118 overall. He claims a 4.38 forty and will be at The Opening this month. Lewis has said that, while he remains committed to Florida, he wants to explore his options, and one of them is playing in Ann Arbor. There was recently some news that he would transfer to IMG Academy in Florida for his senior year, but it appears he will remain at Gonzaga Prep.


Alex Malzone - QB - Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice: Malzone committed to Michigan in May (LINK).

Iman Marshall - CB - Long Beach (CA) Poly: Marshall is a 6'1", 170 lb. prospect with offers from LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Stanford, UCLA, and USC, among others. He's a 247 Composite 5-star, the #2 cornerback, and #8 overall. He will also be attending The Opening. Marshall's presumed leader is USC, but he worked out with Michigan freshman Freddy Canteen in the off-season and wants to check out Michigan's campus. He attends the alma mater of former Michigan corner Donovan Warren. UPDATE: Marshall did not make the trip.



Joshua McMillon - LB - Memphis (TN) Whitehaven: McMillon is a 6'3", 230 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Auburn, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #16 outside linebacker, and #215 overall. He visited Michigan this spring and is very high on Michigan, although the SEC pull is strong in the state of Tennessee. UPDATE: McMillon will not be attending the BBQ because his parents can't come, but he will try to visit with them prior to his August 22nd announcement date.

Tyrone Miller - S - Saline (MI) Saline

Grant Perry - WR - Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice: Perry is a 6'0", 185 lb. prospect with offers from Ball State, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, and Kent State. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #131 wide receiver, #1051 overall, and #15 in the state of Michigan. He camped at Michigan and did well, although the Wolverines have not extended an offer. He is Malzone's top receiving target at Brother Rice.

Patrice Rene - CB - Alexandria (VA) Episcopal: Rene is a 6'1", 180 lb. prospect with offers from Indiana, Ohio State, Rutgers, and Syracuse, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #27 cornerback, and #212 overall. Rene is moving from Ontario to Virginia for his senior season.

Mook Reynolds - CB - Greensboro (NC) Northern Guilford: Reynolds is a 6'0", 175 lb. prospect who committed to Virginia Tech in February; he also has offers from Georgia, Michigan, and Notre Dame, among others. Despite being committed to the Hokies, he wants to explore his options and has made a good connection with cornerbacks coach Roy Manning. UPDATE: Reynolds did not make the trip but remains interested in the Wolverines.

Drew Richmond - OT - Memphis (TN) University School: Richmond is a 6'5", 320 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, and Tennessee, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #6 offensive tackle, and #75 overall. Richmond will likely not be in attendance at the BBQ, but he has mentioned an interest in visiting, despite Michigan not making his initial top 10 list. UPDATE: Richmond did not make the trip.

Darian Roseboro - DE - Lincolnton (NC) Lincolnton: Roseboro is a 6'3", 293 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Duke, Michigan, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Ohio State, and Tennessee, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #8 strongside end, and #122 overall. As a junior in 2013, he made 125 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks. Michigan recruiting guru Sam Webb has been speaking very confidently about Michigan's chances of landing Roseboro, who has developed a solid relationship with his recruiter, cornerbacks coach Roy Manning.

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

Auden Tate - WR - Tampa (FL) Wharton: Tate is a 6'4", 195 lb. prospect with offers from Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Michigan, and South Carolina, among others. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #40 wide receiver, and #319 overall. As a junior in 2013, he caught 49 passes for 815 yards and 5 touchdowns. Michigan may have been in front at one point, but an offer from the Seminoles in late May might have changed the tide in his recruitment. Tate is a possibility to attend the BBQ but has not yet purchased airline tickets, so it is unlikely. UPDATE: Tate did not make it to the BBQ.

Garrett Taylor - CB - Richmond (VA) St. Christopher: Taylor committed to Michigan in March (LINK).

Tyriq Thompson - LB - Detroit (MI) King: I wrote a scouting report on Thompson in January (LINK).

Michael Weber - RB - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Weber is a 5'10", 205 lb. prospect who has a top group that includes Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #13 running back, and #108 overall. Over the last two seasons, he has 3,359 rushing yards and 45 touchdowns. Weber is visiting USC this weekend and is attempting to fly back in time for the BBQ. UPDATE: Weber did return from California in time to get to the BBQ.

Tyrone Wheatley, Jr. - TE - Manlius (NY) Canisius: Wheatley is a 6'6", 275 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Miami, Michigan, UCLA, and USC, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #10 tight end, and #231 overall. While he has grown to a mammoth size, Michigan is still recruiting him as a tight end, although he could play defensive end or even offensive tackle if he continues to grow. UPDATE: Wheatley will miss the BBQ.

Hit the jump for 2016 and 2017 prospects.

ESPN 300 for 2016 released

Messiah DeWeaver is Michigan's top ranked commit for 2016

ESPN released its initial top 300 for the class of 2016. Two current Michigan commits appear on the list, along with a host of offerees. There are no 5-stars to begin their recruiting cycle, so there are only 4-star and 3-star guys listed here. There are also several Michigan natives and guys with Michigan ties on the list, so you may want to click through and look at the complete list.

- Messiah DeWeaver is #115
- Erik Swenson is #256

4-stars:
1. Greg Little - OT - Texas (Texas A&M)
2. Malik Henry - QB - California
4. Jacob Eason - QB - Washington
5. Kareem Walker - RB - New Jersey
6. Nate Craig - ATH - Florida
8. Brandon Jones - S - Texas
17. Rashan Gary - DT - New Jersey
22. Levonta Taylor - CB - Virginia
24. Dwayne Haskins - QB - Maryland
31. Jauan Williams - OT - Washington, D.C.
32. Scott Bracey - WR - Virginia
33. Dexter Lawrence - DT - North Carolina
34. Sam Bruce - WR - Florida
35. Shea Patterson - QB - Louisiana (Arizona)
39. Liam Eichenberg - OT - Ohio
40. Kaden Smith - TE - Texas
42. Isaac Nauta - TE - Georgia
44. Ben Cleveland - OT - Georgia
61. K.J. Costello - QB - California
75. Janarius Robinson - DE - Florida
81. Jake Hausmann - TE - Ohio
82. Justin Layne - WR - Ohio
83. E.J. Price - OT - Georgia
87. Richard Merritt - OT - Washington, D.C.
89. Steven Smothers - WR - Maryland
115. Messiah DeWeaver - QB - Ohio (Michigan)
119. Ben Bredeson - OT - Wisconsin
123. Shaquille Quarterman - LB - Florida (Miami)
125. Josh King - DE - Illinois
137. Elijah Holyfield - RB - Georgia
145. Cameron Chambers - WR - New Jersey
156. Clark Yarbrough - OT - Virginia
162. Josh Imatorbhebhe - WR - Georgia
190. Miles Sanders - RB - Pennsylvania
199. Collin Johnson - WR - Texas (Texas)
205. Tavares Chase - WR - Florida
210. Daelin Hayes - LB - Michigan
219. Kyree Campbell - DT - Virginia
224. Jaquan Yulee - LB - Virginia
239. Brad Hawkins - WR - New Jersey
256. Erik Swenson - OT - Illinois (Michigan)
262. Thiyo Lukusa - OT - Michigan

3-stars:
277. Mike Williams - DT - Texas
293. Naseir Upshur - TE - Pennsylvania
297. Malek Young - CB - Florida

Messiah DeWeaver, Wolverine

Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison quarterback Messiah DeWeaver

Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison quarterback Messiah DeWeaver committed to Michigan today. He chose the Wolverines over offers from Cincinnati, Kentucky, and Louisville, among others.

DeWeaver is 6'3", 202 lbs. As a sophomore in 2013, he passed for 2,300 yards and 21 touchdowns while also rushing for 6 touchdowns.

RATINGS
ESPN: Unranked
Rivals: Unranked
Scout: Unranked
247 Sports: 4-star, 90 grade, #9 pro-style QB, #244 overall, #12 in-state

DeWeaver has been visiting campus regularly for a couple years due to Trotwood-Madison's connections to Michigan. The school sent former Wolverines Michael Shaw, Roy Roundtree, and Brandon Moore to Ann Arbor, and DeWeaver's teammates Mike McCray II and Reon Dawson will be redshirt freshman Wolverines in the fall. DeWeaver will hit Michigan's campus in 2016 when they will presumably be redshirt juniors. DeWeaver has been his varsity team's starting quarterback since his freshman season.

Trotwood-Madison runs a diverse, modern pro-style offense that involves some single-back plays, some I-formation, and a lot of shotgun, five-wide, bunch formations, etc. DeWeaver does a good job of directing the offense. There's a play roughly 5:25 into his Hudl highlights where he makes and adjustment with his slot receiver, who runs a drag route across the field, catches the ball, and turns it up the sideline for a 60+ yard touchdown. DeWeaver seems to know where to go with the ball rather quickly, so he doesn't take a lot of time sitting in the pocket waiting for the rush to get to him. Accuracy is difficult to gauge from a highlight film, but he does seem to manage putting the ball in a place where only his receiver can catch it. He also is willing to take a hit in order to get rid of the football and does not seem jumpy in the pocket. The mental aspect of playing quarterback seems to be there. As for his athleticism, he keeps his feet active in the pocket but does not appear to be a huge threat on the move.

The biggest issue I have with DeWeaver is (to quote the great Trent Dilfer) his "arm talent." DeWeaver lacks a great arm, and he tends to drop his elbow, which can make the ball sail a little bit. He does not put great spin on the football, and he has a tendency to step to the left of his target, which affects the zip on his passes. I would also like to see him speed up his dropback from under center, but that is easily coached.

Overall, I think DeWeaver has considerable potential if his body and arm strength mature. It's difficult to keep in mind that the highlights available show an athlete who is entering his junior year of high school. If that arm strength matures with age, then he could be a very good college quarterback. If he does not get stronger in that area, I think he will have some serious issues completing passes against tighter coverage and quicker defenses. This will be something to watch over the next two years.

DeWeaver is the second commitment in Michigan's 2016 class, joining Downers Grove (IL) South offensive tackle Erik Swenson. The class is scheduled to be roughly 16 players strong right now.

TTB Rating: I will not release TTB Ratings for the 2016 class until the 2015 class is completed.