Recruiting Update: August 10, 2015

Covington (GA) Newton running back Kurt Taylor (image via Scout)

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2016
Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy defensive end/linebacker Rahshaun Smith decommitted from Clemson. Smith is a 6'3", 239 lb. prospect who is high on Auburn, LSU, Maryland, and Miami, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #1 inside linebacker, and #55 overall. He transferred from the Baltimore area to IMG Academy after his junior season, and he expressed interest in Michigan when he was first offered. However, I do not think the Wolverines will factor back into his recruitment.

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2017
Covington (GA) Newton running back Kurt Taylor was offered by Michigan. He's a 5'9", 200 lb. prospect with offers from Cincinnati, Kentucky, Rutgers, and Vanderbilt, among others. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #34 running back, and #464 overall. He claims a 4.48 forty. Taylor is compact, strong, and built low to the ground. He can grind out tough yardage and bounce off some tackle attempts. He doesn't have great burst, but he's decisive and gets upfield quickly. He visited Michigan for the BBQ at the Big House and was offered after the trip. He plans to return for the Ohio State game in late November.

Hit the jump for a new 2018 offer, several players who committed elsewhere, and some random bits.

Recruiting Update: August 3, 2015

Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy tight end Isaac Nauta

COMMITMENT
Upper Marlboro (MD) Riverdale Baptist cornerback Sir Patrick Scott committed to Michigan (LINK).

ADDED TO THE BOARD (SORT OF): 2015
Dallas (TX) South Oak Cliff running back Jordan Stevenson was not admitted to Wisconsin, so he became a "free agent" over the last couple weeks. Wisconsin's stringent admissions standards were reportedly a big reason why head coach Gary Anderson left town for Oregon State in the off-season, and perhaps Stevenson was a casualty of that system. It's not clear whether Michigan offered him or not, although there was word the coaching staff would be in contact. Regardless, he went ahead and committed to Nebraska, so he will still be wearing red and white in the Big Ten.

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2016
New Orleans (LA) Riverdale defensive tackle Tyrus Butler was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'2", 300 lb. prospect with offers from Mississippi State and Tulane, among others. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #114 defensive tackle, and #1893 overall. As a junior in 2014, he had 67 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, and 9 sacks. New offers to defensive tackles may mean that the coaches don't want to put all their eggs in the Rashan Gary basket.

Amarillo (TX) Amarillo defensive tackle Ivory Jackson was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'3", 275 lb. prospect who committed to Texas Tech in early June; he also has offers from Kansas and Kansas State, among others. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #88 defensive tackle, and #1513 overall. As a junior in 2014, he made 74 tackles and 6 sacks.

Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy tight end Isaac Nauta decommitted from Florida State. Michigan has always been in his top group, and he has maintained that he will take an official visit to Ann Arbor, so this would seem like a good thing for the Wolverines. However, he is expected to commit to Georgia, which is where he played high school ball before transferring to IMG Academy in the off-season. And in even more damaging news, now the Seminoles are looking for a tight end, which might push them ahead of Michigan for Philadelphia (PA) Imhotep tight end Naseir Upshur, who had been thought of as a Michigan lean. Upshur has since postponed his announcement date of August 8th.

Hit the jump for a couple new 2018 offers, some guys who went off the board, and some random bits.

Sir Patrick Scott, Wolverine

Upper Marlboro (MD) Riverdale Baptist cornerback Sir Patrick Scott

Upper Marlboro (MD) Riverdale Baptist cornerback Sir Patrick Scott committed to Michigan on Sunday at the BBQ at the Big House. He chose the Wolverines over offers from Arizona, Kentucky, Michigan State, Pitt, Wake Forest, and Wisconsin, among others.

Scott is a 6'1", 175 lb. prospect.

RATINGS
ESPN: 3-star, #57 CB
Rivals: 3-star CB
Scout: 3-star, 77 grade, #40 CB
247 Sports: 3-star, 87 grade, #64 CB, #653 overall

Scott came to Sound Mind Sound Body in Detroit, and he attended Michigan's summer camp. Shortly afterward, he was extended an offer by the staff. The Wolverines jumped to the top of his list, and overtook the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. He set a visit for the BBQ, but it had been unclear if he would have a chance to commit before some other players got to the spot first.

Scott is a physical corner. He has long arms, and he does a good job of jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage. He also does a good job of flipping his hips, turning to run, and tracking the ball in the air. He is not a big hitter, but he tackles well and plays fundamentally by holding outside contain. He tackles low and wraps up nicely.

Scott's athleticism is somewhat lacking, however. He does not change direction well, he takes some time to get up to top speed, and he does not have great makeup speed. There are a lot of "almost" plays on his highlight reel, and in college, I'm afraid the plays he is "almost" good enough to make in high school will turn into big plays for Big Ten opponents.

I am not enamored with Scott, but that is partly because I want the Wolverines to pull in a dynamic playmaker at the cornerback position. Especially with Jabrill Peppers playing safety, there is basically no heir to Jourdan Lewis's throne as a true cover corner. I think the Wolverines are getting a lot of mid-level guys who are big and physical, but perhaps that's not the best way to go in college. I think boundary corners are pretty easy to find, whereas field corners are rare.

Michigan now has 22 commits in the 2016 class, including three corners: Scott, Floridian Antwaine Richardson, and Canadian Benjamin St-Juste (who could reclassify to 2017). All three seem to be boundary guys or perhaps safeties. They will probably continue to look for a true cover corner in the class, and I assume they're done with boundary types.

TTB Rating: 68 (ratings explanation)

2015 BBQ at the Big House Visitors

Detroit (MI) King wide receiver Donnie Corley

Michigan's coaching staff will be holding the annual BBQ at the Big House on August 2, 2015. The tradition was started by Rich Rodriguez and has normally been held in July, so this is a later date than normal. It could get interesting seeing how many players can travel from a long distance, because high school football practices usually begin at the start of August. Regardless, there are several players scheduled to attend, including a posse from Maryland and the New Jersey area.

2016
Ben Bredeson - OT - Hartland (WI) Arrowhead: Bredeson committed to Michigan in June (LINK).

Donnie Corley - WR - Detroit (MI) King: Corley is a 6'2", 180 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Tennessee, and USC, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #18 wide receiver, and #114 overall. Reports differ on how seriously he is considering Michigan, but Michigan State and Tennessee seem to be high on his list.

Terrance Davis - OG - Hyattsville (MD) DeMatha: Davis is a 6'4", 305 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Maryland, and Michigan, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #2 offensive guard, and #76 overall. He has been rumored to be a silent commit to Michigan, but Maryland and others are in the mix. UPDATE: Davis did not make it to Ann Arbor.

Hit the jump for several more prospects, including kids all the way through the class of 2019.

Recruiting Update: July 27, 2015

Loganville (GA) Grayson quarterback Chase Brice

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2016
Fort Pierce (FL) Central offensive tackle Stewart Reese was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'5", 348 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, and LSU, among others. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #35 offensive tackle, and #347 overall. Reese is an excellent drive blocker who may need to move inside to guard at the next level. He wants to study to be a doctor, which is a pretty big undertaking for a football player. Florida State seems to be in the driver's seat right now.

Hit the jump for a new 2017 quarterback offer, several players who came off the board, and a handful of random bits.

Visitors: July 25-27, 2015

Egg Harbor City (NJ) Cedar Creek safety Ahmir Mitchell

Ahmir Mitchell - WR - Egg Harbor City (NJ) Cedar Creek: Mitchell is a 6'3", 206 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Rutgers, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #6 athlete, and #78 overall. He visited Michigan a few weeks ago with a group of New Jersey prospects. He will visit Ohio State on Friday and Michigan on Saturday, and this trip will be with his mother. He is also scheduled to be at the BBQ at the Big House on August 2, although this trip may cancel that one.

Recruiting Update: July 20, 2015

Houston (TX) Westside defensive tackle Jordan Elliott (image via 247Sports.com)

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2016
Allen (TX) Allen offensive tackle Greg Little decommitted from Texas A&M. He's a 247 Composite 5-star, the #1 offensive tackle, and #2 overall. It seems a little odd that Little is decommitting from the Aggies with their steady recent history of producing top draft picks at the offensive tackle position. Also, the school he will probably commit to now, Alabama, offered him back in January, so it's not like it's a new offer for which he had been waiting. Regardless, Michigan has no shot here.

Hit the jump for a few players who committed elsewhere and some miscellaneous bits.

Visitors: July 17-19, 2015

Gibsonton (FL) East Bay cornerback K.J. Sails

Chris Brown of Smart Football  has put out a new book called The Art of Smart Football. You can find it on Amazon (LINK).
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Tony Butler - CB - Lakewood (OH) St. Edward: Butler is a 6'2", 195 lb. prospect who decommitted from Pitt recently; he also has offers from Arizona State, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, and others. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #57 cornerback, and #622 overall. His former head coach, Rick Finotti, was hired to be Michigan's director of football operations this past winter by Jim Harbaugh. Butler is thought to be leaning toward committing to the Wolverines.

Marlon Davidson - DE - Montgomery (AL) Greenville: Davidson is a 6'3", 260 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Michigan, and several others. He's a 247 Composite 5-star, the #3 strongside end, and #22 overall. He attended Michigan's satellite camp in Prattville, AL, and has expressed interest in Michigan. However, he is an Auburn legacy and considered to be a lean to the Tigers. UPDATE: For the second time in two months, a visit from Davidson has been canceled/postponed. He was supposed to visit Michigan in mid-June and mid-July, but instead he is visiting Auburn and Georgia this weekend.

Brad Hawkins, Jr. - WR - Camden (NJ) Camden: Hawkins committed to Michigan earlier this month (LINK). He is also expected to return for Michigan's BBQ at the Big House on August 2.

Ron Johnson, Jr. - DE - Camden (NJ) Camden: Johnson committed to Michigan in June (LINK). He will visit for the BBQ at the Big House, too.

K.J. Sails - S - Gibsonton (FL) East Bay: Sails is a 5'11", 170 lb. prospect with offers from Iowa, Rutgers, and Wisconsin, among others. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #57 cornerback, and #622 overall.

Recruiting Update: July 13, 2015

Lakewood (OH) St. Edward cornerback Tony Butler could be Michigan's next commit

Over the weekend, I pre-ordered John U. Bacon's new book. Endzone: The Rise, Fall, and Return of Michigan Football  is available on Amazon (LINK).
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ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2016
Lakewood (OH) St. Edward cornerback Tony Butler decommitted from Pitt. This was a long time in the making, but it was tough for Butler, who said he considered new Pitt head coach (and former Michigan State defensive coordinator) Pat Narduzzi a bit of a father figure. Former St. Edward head coach Rick Finotti is now Michigan's director of football operations. Butler is 6'2", 195 lbs. and is a 247 Composite 3-star, the #57 cornerback, and #622 overall. He is now expected to commit to Michigan at some point (he will visit Michigan this weekend) unless Ohio State swoops in with an offer.

St. Petersburg (FL) Farragut safety Craig Watts decommitted from Wisconsin. Watts is a 6'0", 180 lb. prospect who also has offers from Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Miami, and Ohio State, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #16 safety, and #287 overall. He is not expected to consider Michigan. He just committed to Wisconsin in late June, so this was quite a quick change of heart.

Hit the jump for a couple new 2018 offers, numerous players who committed elsewhere, some news from the Elite 11/The Opening, and some random tidbits.

The Opening 2015 participants

Avon (IN) Avon quarterback Brandon Peters will compete in the Elite 11 finals

The Opening is taking place starting on Monday, July 6. Various Michigan commits and offerees are participating. Below are the guys Michigan has offered, along with a couple tidbits.

TEAM ALPHA PRO
Brandon Peters - QB - IN (Michigan)*
Najee Harris - RB - CA (Alabama)#
Vavae Malepeai - RB - HI (Oregon)
Nate Craig-Myers - WR - FL
Theo Howard - WR - CA (Oregon)
Trevon Sidney - WR - CA
Miller Forristall - TE - GA (Alabama)
Terrance Davis - OL - MD
Michael Onwenu - OL - MI (Michigan)
Johncarlo Valentin - OL - PA
Rashan Gary - DL - NJ
Kendell Jones - DL - TX (Alabama)
Camilo Eifler - LB - CA
Lyndell Wilson - LB - AL
Jaquan Yulee - LB - VA (Alabama)
Jack Jones - CB - CA
Nigel Knott - CB - MS
Jared Mayden - CB - TX
Lamar Jackson - S - CA
C.J. Pollard - S - CA

TEAM FLY RUSH
Messiah DeWeaver - QB - OH (Michigan State)*
Jacob Eason - QB - WA (Georgia)*
Donnie Corley - WR - MI
Dylan Crawford - WR - CA
Demetris Robertson - WR - GA
Devin Asiasi - TE - CA
E.J. Price - OL - GA
Rahshaun Smith - DL - GA (Clemson)
Boss Tagaloa - DL - CA
Devin Bush, Jr. - LB - FL
Ben Davis - LB - AL
Damar Hamlin - CB - PA
Byron Murphy - CB - AZ
Jamyest Williams - CB - GA#

TEAM HYPERCOOL
K.J. Costello - QB - CA (Stanford)*
Elijah Holyfield - RB - GA
Elijah Stove - WR - FL (Auburn)
Tyler Vaughns - WR - CA
Chase Claypool - TE - Can.
Kaden Smith - TE - TX (Stanford)
Calvin Ashley - OL - FL (Auburn)#
Michael Eletise - OL - HI
Greg Little - OL - TX (Texas A&M)
Dexter Lawrence - DL - NC
Jonathan Jones - LB - FL
Caleb Kelly - LB - CA
Jeffrey McCulloch - LB - TX
Curtis Robinson - LB - CA (Stanford)
Jaylon Jones - CB - TX
David Long - CB - CA
Deontay Anderson - S - TX

TEAM LUNARBEAST
Shea Patterson - QB - LA (Ole Miss)*
Kareem Walker - RB - NJ (Ohio State)
Josh Imatorbhebhe - WR - GA (USC)
Austin Mack - WR - IN (Ohio State)
Frank Martin - OL - CA (USC)
Austin Myers - OL - TX (TCU)
Connor Murphy - DL - AZ
Ed Oliver - DL - TX (Houston)
Jake Hausmann - TE - OH (Ohio State)
Daelin Hayes - LB - MI (USC)
Mique Juarez - LB - CA (USC)
Eric Cuffee - CB - TX
Trayvon Mullen - CB - FL
Mecole Hardman - S - GA

TEAM MACH SPEED
Jarrett Guarantano - QB - NJ (Tennessee)*
Malik Henry - QB - FL (Florida State)*
Miles Sanders - RB - PA (Penn State)
Devin Duvernay - WR - TX
Donovan Peoples-Jones - WR - MI#
Freddie Swain - WR - FL
Binjimen Victor - WR - FL
Isaac Nauta - TE - GA (Florida State)
Tommy Kraemer - OL - OH (Notre Dame)
Brian Burns - DL - FL
Janarius Robinson - DL - FL (Florida State)
Devin White - LB - LA
Lamar Winston - LB - OR
Lavert Hill - CB - MI (Penn State)
Marquill Osborne - CB - NC (Tennessee)
Levonta Taylor - CB - VA (Florida State)

TEAM SUPERBAD
Dwayne Haskins, Jr - QB - MD (Maryland)*
Naseir Upshur - TE - PA
Landon Dickerson - OL - NC
Erick Fowler - DL - TX (LSU)
Dontavious Jackson - LB - TX
Jordan Fuller - CB - NJ
Brandon Jones - S - TX

*Elite 11 finalist
#2017 prospect

Brad Hawkins Jr., Wolverine

Camden (NJ) Camden wide receiver Brad Hawkins (image via NJ.com)

Camden (NJ) Camden wide receiver Brad Hawkins committed to Michigan on Friday. He chose the Wolverines over offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Auburn, Florida, Miami, Michigan State, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Rutgers, and South Carolina, among others.

Hawkins is 6'1", 202 lbs. As a junior in 2014, he caught 51 passes for 748 yards and 11 touchdowns, ran 39 times for 255 yards and 2 touchdowns, and had 40 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 3 interceptions (all returned for touchdowns) on defense. As a sophomore in 2013, he caught 45 passes for 805 yards and 14 touchdowns.

RATINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 82 grade, #25 WR, #191 overall
Rivals: 4-star, #42 WR, #206 overall
Scout: 4-star, #38 WR, #224 overall
247 Sports: 4-star, 92 grade, #37 WR, #198 overall

Hawkins was offered during the Brady Hoke tenure, and things between the two parties were pretty rosy to begin. When Jim Harbaugh was hired, he didn't waste much time before trying to pick up where Hoke had left off. Harbaugh made a strong push for several kids in New Jersey, which had already paid off for Michigan with the commitment of Hawkins's teammate, Ron Johnson, Jr., last week. (Michigan also offered their 2017 teammate, center Cesar Ruiz). Shortly after Johnson's pledge, Hawkins announced that he would be committing on July 3. He also plans to visit Michigan on July 16, which was a giveaway that this commitment would go in favor of the Wolverines.

Hawkins is a decent-sized wide receiver; while not particularly tall, he has a thick frame that won't need much time to develop before he can contribute at the next level. He does not have blazing speed, but he is a smooth runner with a low center of gravity, so he can change directions fluidly without losing much speed. He shows good body control and is able to adjust when the ball is in the air, and he also has a knack for coming down with contested balls. He's not fazed by traffic, guys waving their hands in front of his face, etc. Once he gets the ball in his hands, he is a strong runner who will get upfield and gain what he can while running through an occasional tackle or two.

On the negative side, Hawkins is not the cleanest route runner and will have to improve in that area in order to get separation from college defensive backs. He could improve his releases off the line of scrimmage, including using his hands to fend off physical corners. He also likes to catch the ball in his body when he's able, which is not a great habit; however, he does show an ability to catch the ball outside the frame of his body when necessary, so it should just be a matter of changing his mindset a little bit. Hawkins also has a little bit of a flamboyant streak that shows him taunting opponents, jogging across the goal line, etc., things that could get him flagged at the next level.

Overall, he is a strong pickup for Michigan's 2016 wide receiver class. Michigan needs an immediate influx of talent at the receiver positions, and he can be one piece of that. The Wolverines have some talented kids who have not been able to put it all together on the field yet, and if they don't show it by 2016, guys like Hawkins and Indianapolis (IN) Ben Davis slot receiver Chris Evans could push their way up the depth chart. I like what the Wolverines are doing at the wide receiver position. They could potentially end up with Hawkins, Evans, and Egg Harbor City (NJ) Cedar Creek wide receiver Ahmir Mitchell in the class, and that's a group that could be productive in similar ways to the Jason Avant-Steve Breaston-Braylon Edwards trio from the early 2000s.

Michigan is now up to 21 commitments in the 2016 class. They will probably take one more receiver, and that player could be Mitchell; Winchester (IN) Winchester athlete Kiante Enis could eventually end up at wide receiver or slot receiver, too. Many 2016 recruits have been using the #fab25 hashtag, and it's completely feasible for the Wolverines to reach that threshold or go beyond. We saw Ondre Pipkins announce his transfer earlier this week, and more dominos will fall before all is said and done. In theory, there are only 14 seniors graduating and thus 14 spots, but realistically, that number will continue to grow before and after the season.

TTB Rating: 80 (ratings explanation)

2016 Recruiting Update: July 1, 2015

Miami (FL) Miami wide receiver Keyshawn "Pie" Young (#1, image via Canes Warning)

COMMITMENTS
Baltimore (MD) Gilman offensive tackle Devery Hamilton committed to Michigan (LINK).

Camden (NJ) Camden defensive end Ron Johnson, Jr. committed to Michigan (LINK).

Montreal (Quebec) CEGEP du Vieux cornerback Benjamin St-Juste committed to Michigan (LINK).

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2016
Vienna (GA) Dooly County defensive end Antonneous Clayton was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'4", 218 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Notre Dame, and Ole Miss, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #9 weakside end, and #110 overall. He's a very raw player but has an explosive first couple steps. He's a long shot to even make it to Ann Arbor and wants to decide by the end of the summer.

Dade City (FL) Pasco cornerback Jayvaughn Myers was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'1", 185 lb. prospect with offers from Auburn, Florida, and Florida State, among others. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #38 cornerback, and #439 overall. As a junior in 2014, he made 31 tackles, 5 pass breakups, and 1 sack. He claims a 4.5 forty. Myers was in Michigan for the Sound Mind Sound Body camp at the beginning of June. He is the half-brother of Tampa (FL) Catholic wide receiver Nate Craig-Myers, who is considered by some to be the top receiver in the 2016 class. Florida State probably has the best shot to land Jayvaughn.

Hit the jump for a couple more 2016 offers, some guys who went off the board, and then some random bits.

Ron Johnson Jr., Wolverine

Camden (NJ) Camden defensive end Ron Johnson, Jr.

Camden (NJ) Camden defensive end Ron Johnson, Jr. committed to Michigan on Thursday. He chose the Wolverines over offers from Alabama, Miami, Michigan State, Missouri, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Rutgers, and South Carolina, among others.

Johnson is 6'4", 240 lbs. He claims a 4.6 forty. As a junior in 2014, he made 84 tackles, 60 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks.

RATINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 83 grade, #16 DE, #103 overall
Rivals: 4-star, #6 WDE, #109 overall
Scout: 3-star, #48 DE
247 Sports: 4-star, 92 grade, #17 WDE, #231 overall

Johnson was offered by Michigan's new staff, and the Wolverines immediately jumped to at or near the top of the list. He visited Ann Arbor in late March, and that visit solidified their position along with South Carolina. There were rumors recently that Michigan was concerned about his size and that he would not be a "take" for the Wolverines. Obviously, those rumors were not true, especially after Farmington Hills (MI) Harrison OLB/DE Khalid Kareem committed to Alabama on Wednesday. Johnson and several other players (LINK) arrived on Wednesday evening, and Johnson was committed by Thursday afternoon.

I wrote a scouting report on Johnson back in May, which tells you most of what I think about him (LINK).

I have said several times - including in the comments section of Johnson's scouting report - that I was not too disappointed in Khalid Kareem's commitment to Alabama because Michigan had better options. I think Johnson is a step up. I believe he could play Buck linebacker, weakside end, or even perhaps strongside end in a few years. He is a good physical specimen who can sometimes get a little lackadaisical with his technique, but the potential is there to be a very good player.

Michigan now has 20 commitments for the 2016 class, and Johnson joins Rashad Weaver at defensive end, the latter of whom is more of a strongside guy. The Wolverines have added 14 commits in just the month of June. They now rank #7 in the 247 Composite team rankings.

Johnson's teammate, Brad Hawkins, is a 2016 wide receiver who was supposed to visit with this New Jersey crew, but he had to postpone to mid-July. Hawkins posted on Twitter that he might like to announce on his birthday, which is July 26. His two leaders are also Michigan and South Carolina. Additionally, the Wolverines offered their 2017 teammate, center/guard Cesar Ruiz.

TTB Rating: 83 (ratings explanation)

Devery Hamilton, Wolverine

Baltimore (MD) Gilman offensive tackle Devery Hamilton (image via Scout.com)

Baltimore (MD) Gilman offensive tackle Devery Hamilton committed to Michigan on Wednesday. He chose the Wolverines over offers from Clemson, LSU, Maryland, Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State, Stanford, and Wisconsin, among others.

Hamilton is roughly 6'6", 290 lbs.

RATINGS
ESPN: 3-star, 79 grade, #33 OT
Rivals: 4-star, #26 OT
Scout: 4-star, #13 OT, #144 overall
247 Sports: 4-star, 92 grade, #24 OT, #215 overall

Hamilton was offered late in the Brady Hoke era, just a couple weeks before Hoke was fired. Hoke had already developed a relationship with Gilman, which had produced defensive end/tight end Henry Poggi in the 2013 class (Gilman's head coach is Biff Poggi, Henry's father). He visited Ann Arbor in late April and obviously enjoyed the visit. He is not a prospect who talks much to the media, so it was difficult to keep track of exactly how he was feeling. When it came time to decide, the three finalists were Maryland, Michigan, and Stanford.

Hamilton has a good frame for playing offensive tackle or guard at the next level. He is already near 300 lbs. and should be able to carry enough weight to play at the next level without sacrificing too much of his athleticism. He moves well in a straight line for a guy his size, and he also shows some good lateral agility in his pass set as well as when moving up to the second level. He has the ability to bend at the knees and drive block, and he keeps a wide base when doing so. He also uses his hands well to control defenders, or to disengage from blockers on defense.

On the negative side, Hamilton frequently pops up too high when run blocking. This is absolutely the #1 concern I have about him going on to the next level. He needs to learn to roll his hips, and he needs to continue to get stronger in both the upper and lower body. I have some concerns about the lack of pass blocking shown in his highlights, because that indicates to me that he might be a little rough in that area and there wasn't much to highlight. I would also like to see him get a little better at his hand placement, because he tends to let his hands slip to the outside and will get called for holding if that continues.

Like a lot of high school linemen, Hamilton is raw and inconsistent. He can stay low, but he doesn't do it enough. He can drive people off the ball, but he should do it more. He has the feet to pass block on the edge, but for some reason that doesn't show up much in his highlights. I mentioned the other day that Ben Bredeson could potentially play all five positions on the offensive line, and I think that Hamilton could play just about anywhere but center. He's a high-level prospect who has the potential to be an all-conference guy. He also plays some on defense, but he would probably be limited to a 3-tech tackle and I think his upside is considerably higher on offense.

The Wolverines now have nineteen commits in the 2016 class, and Hamilton is the fourth lineman, joining Bredeson, offensive guard Michael Onwenu, and offensive tackle Erik Swenson. Terrance Davis could the next and last lineman to be added to the class, although the coaching staff will probably continue to try to add an offensive tackle just in case.

As for recruiting from Gilman, Michigan also had an offer out to offensive guard Stephen Spanellis, but there does not seem to be much mutual interest at this point. Gilman also features 2017 quarterback Kasim Hill, who camped at Michigan last week and already holds a handful of FBS offers. This commitment bodes well for the way that the program is perceived from within the inner circle, since Hamilton's head coach has an inside look at what's going on with the players.

TTB Rating: 76 (ratings explanation)

Benjamin St-Juste, Wolverine

Benjamin St-Juste

Montreal (Quebec) CEGEP du Vieux cornerback Benjamin St-Juste committed to Michigan last week at the Wolverines' Exposure U camp, although the news just came out publicly. He does not have any other offers listed.

St-Juste is a 6'3", 170 lb. corner.

RATINGS
ESPN: Unranked
Rivals: Unranked
Scout: Unranked
247 Sports: Unranked

I had heard last week that St-Juste had a positive showing at the Exposure U camp. When I went to look up some more information, there wasn't much out there. Supposedly, he was offered and accepted during the camp.

There is very little film on St-Juste, and what film there is lacks much clarity. He is tall for a corner, and he does a good job of using his hands and long arms to disrupt receivers' routes, raking the ball out of receivers' hands, and batting down passes other corners might not reach. He changes directions fairly well for a big corner.

St-Juste lacks great speed, and he could get burned in the open field. He will probably be limited to boundary corner at the next level, or he might move to safety. He shows some aggression when blocking and defeating blockers, but he is not a great tackler and needs to get stronger in both the upper and lower body. He also does not show great instincts for the ball and settles for breaking up passes rather than intercepting them. I find these things concerning since he does not play against great competition and his opponents are not coached extremely well, although that lack of great coaching probably applies to St-Juste as well.

Overall, this is a questionable pickup for a Michigan team that needs speed and field corners in the defensive backfield. It's unclear whether St-Juste will be a 2016, 2017, or later recruit. He attends a CEGEP in Montreal, which means that he is basically in what Americans would call a prep school. Most CEGEP students are at least 17 years old already, and when he will finish his education there is a little murky. Until we get some clarity, I will assume he's a 2016 prospect.

The Wolverines have a need for speedy corners, and the combination of St-Juste and Antwaine Richardson doesn't offer a great deal of explosiveness in the defensive backfield. Aside from Keith Washington, Michigan is basically putting together a bunch of corners who are big and physical. That concerns me for the long-term, because it limits what the defense can throw at record-setting offenses.

It doesn't happen often, but this is not the first time that Michigan has dipped its toes into Canadian waters. Over the years, Michigan has recruited running back Tshimanga Biakabutuka, tight end Deitan Dubuc, defensive end Alain Kashama, defensive tackle Renaldo Sagesse, and others from America's top hat.

TTB Rating: 51 (ratings explanation)

Visitors: June 26-28, 2015

Egg Harbor City (NJ) Cedar Creek wide receiver Ahmir Mitchell

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With the exception of Gary, the players below will be in town Wednesday through Friday.

2016
Rashan Gary - DT - Paramus (NJ) Catholic: I wrote a scouting report on Gary back in May (LINK). His Crystal Ball has 44% of votes in favor of Alabama and 38% for Michigan.

Brad Hawkins - WR - Camden (NJ) Camden: Hawkins is a 6'1", 202 lb. prospect with offers from Auburn, Florida, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Rutgers, and South Carolina, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #38 wide receiver, #203 overall, and #7 in the Garden State. As a junior in 2014, he caught 51 passes for 748 yards and 11 touchdowns while also rushing for 255 yards and 2 scores; on defense, he made 40 tackles and 3 picks, all 3 of which he returned for touchdowns. Michigan and South Carolina seem to be the two front-runners. UPDATE: Hawkins rescheduled his visit for July 18th.

Hit the jump for the rest of the visitors.

ESPN 300 for 2016 updated

Hartland (WI) Arrowhead offensive tackle Ben Bredeson is Michigan's top-ranked recruit to ESPN

ESPN updated their top 300 players for 2016 (LINK). Here's what it looked like back in April (LINK). Movement for Michigan commits:

- Ben Bredeson dropped from #53 to #56
- Brandon Peters dropped from #142 to #152
- Michael Onwenu jumped from off the list to #255
- Matt Falcon dropped from #243 to #258
- Erik Swenson dropped from #300 to being off the list

Hit the jump for the rest of Michigan's offerees:

Recruiting Update: June 22, 2015

Lawrenceville (GA) Archer offensive tackle E.J. Price decommitted from Georgia

COMMITMENTS
Hartland (WI) Arrowhead offensive tackle Ben Bredeson committed to Michigan (LINK).

Pembroke Pines (FL) Flanagan safety/linebacker Devin Gil committed to Michigan (LINK).

Pembroke Pines (FL) Flanagan safety Josh Metellus committed to Michigan (LINK).

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2016
Sioux Falls (SD) Washington offensive tackle Matt Farniok was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'6", 290 lb. prospect with offers from Florida, Florida State, Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Penn State, and Wisconsin, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #22 offensive tackle, and #210 overall. Farniok is a pretty athletic, high-effort kid who destroys the South Dakota competition, which is not known for being all that talented. Regardless, it's easy to see why high-level teams are intrigued.

Lawrenceville (GA) Archer offensive tackle E.J. Price decommitted from Georgia. He's a 6'6", 311 lb. prospect who holds offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and USC, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #9 offensive tackle, and #54 overall. Price grew up on the west side of Michigan, and the Wolverines were expecting to at least get a visit from him before he surprised a lot of people by committing to Georgia. He does plan to visit family in Michigan this summer, and a stop in Ann Arbor could very well happen at that time. Price's teammates include 2017 defensive backs Isaiah Pryor and Jamyest Williams, both of whom have Michigan offers.

Hit the jump for a couple new 2017 offers, some guys who committed elsewhere, and some random bits.

Visitors: June 19-21, 2015

Montgomery (AL) Greenville defensive end Marlon Davidson (image via Scout)

TRANSFER
Jhonathon Williams - DE - Notre Dame: Williams, who graduated from Berrien Springs (MI) Berrien Springs, was recruited by Michigan out of high school in the 2014 class. He was a 247 Composite 3-star, the #46 strongside end, and #984 overall. Aside from a few MAC schools, Missouri, San Diego State, and Washington also pursued him. He was listed at 6'4", 260 lbs. on Notre Dame's roster but did not play at all, redshirt in 2014. Williams did not grow up in Michigan so he does not have a strong affinity for the in-state schools. He has been granted his release from the Fighting Irish, and he is also looking at Duke, Missouri, and Toledo.

2016
Tony Butler - CB - Lakewood (OH) St. Edward: Butler is a 6'2", 195 lb. prospect who committed to Pitt in March; he also has offers from Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Rutgers, among others. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #55 cornerback, and #609 overall. Butler is a former player of newly minted director of football operations Rick Finotti at St. Edward, and the Wolverines are thought to be making a push. However, Butler also covets an Ohio State offer, and while it may not be coming anytime soon, that would probably be his preferred destination. UPDATE: Butler had some car trouble and was unable to visit. He said on Twitter that he would reschedule.

Marlon Davidson - DE - Montgomery (AL) Greenville: Davidson is a 6'4", 260 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, and USC, among others. He's a 247 Composite 5-star, the #3 strongside end, and #23 overall. Davidson recently camped at Michigan's satellite stop in Prattville, AL, but his Crystal Ball is 100% in favor of the home state Auburn Tigers. UPDATE: Davidson corrected the recruiting sites by saying he'll visit on July 19, not in June.

Jonathan Jones - LB - Orlando (FL) Oak Ridge: Jones is a 6'1", 220 lb. prospect with offers from Duke, Georgia, LSU, Miami, and Michigan, among others. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #28 outside linebacker, and #403 overall. Jones recently had a good visit to Duke, but he is expected by many to commit to Michigan, perhaps even as early as this visit, which is taking place on June 17th. He has already set his official visit date for September 25th.

Hit the jump for another couple 2016 prospects and several 2017 players who will be on campus.

2015 Michigan Summer Camp Participants

Brownsburg (IN) Brownsburg quarterback Hunter Johnson

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The Exposure U camp (for most positions) is from June 14-17th, and the Aerial Assault camp (for quarterbacks) is on June 20th (LINK). Aerial Assault participants are denoted with an asterisk.

2016
*Jacob Baldwin - QB - Wateford (MI) Mott: Baldwin is a 6'2", 195 lb. prospect with no offers at this time. He will be throwing to Desmond Fitzpatrick this fall after Fitzpatrick transferred from Farmington.

*Wade Buckman - QB - Holland (MI) Holland: Buckman is a 6'6", 205 lb. prospect with no offers at this time.

Jacob Cerny - OG - Traverse City (MI) West:

*Reagan Cotton - QB - Traverse City (MI) Central:

Bailey Edwards - WR - Chelsea (MI) Chelsea: Edwards is a 6'1", 177 lb. prospect with offers from Minnesota and a handful of MAC programs. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #183 wide receiver, and #1234 overall. He's the younger brother of former Wolverine wide receiver Braylon Edwards, as well as Minnesota running back Berkley Edwards.

Trenton Fincher - OT - East Kentwood (MI) East Kentwood: Fincher is a 6'6", 280 lb. prospect with no offers at this time.

Ezra Gray - WR - Lynn Haven (FL) Mosley: Gray is a 5'9", 175 lb. prospect with no FBS offers at this time. He claims a 4.31 forty.

Dele' Harding - LB - Elkton (MD) Eastern Christian Academy: Harding committed to Michigan in October 2014 (LINK). He's current a 247 Composite 3-star, the #21 inside linebacker, and #568 overall.

*Joshua Jackson - QB - Saline (MI) Saline: Jackson, the son of former Michigan running backs coach Fred Jackson and the brother of former wide receiver Jeremy, committed to Virginia Tech in early June (LINK).

Trishton Jackson - QB/WR - West Bloomfield (MI) West Bloomfield: Jackson, coached by former Wolverine Ronald Bellamy, has earned a bunch of MAC offers and Big Ten teams are starting to ramp up their interest (Iowa and Michigan State have offered).

Daniel Joseph - DE - Lake Forest (IL) Lake Forest: Joseph is a 6'3", 240 lb. prospect with offers from Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, and Penn State, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #15 strongside end, and #262 overall. Michigan State's 247 writer Sean Scherer has him headed to the Wolverines, while a Vandy writer pegs him for the Spartans; however, Michigan State has picked up several defensive line commits in the past week or two, so they're running low on spots.

Jalen Martin - WR - Harper Woods (MI) Chandler Park:

Sean McKeon - TE - Dudley (MA) Shepherd Hill: McKeon committed to Michigan on Monday (LINK).

Jai Nunn-Liddell - WR - Mableton (GA) Pebblebrook: Nunn-Liddell is a 6'3", 185 lb. prospect with no offers at this time.

*Brandon Peters - QB - Avon (IN) Avon: Peters committed to Michigan in April (LINK).

Jalen Phelps - S - Powder Springs (GA) Hillgrove: Phelps is a 5'10", 175 lb. prospect with an offer from Kent State.

David Reese - LB - Farmington (MI) Farmington: Reese committed to Michigan in April (LINK).

Nathan Skene - TE - Hartland (MI) Hartland: Skene is the son of former Michigan lineman Doug Skene.

Devin Taylor - CB - Lansing (MI) Sexton: Taylor is a 6'1", 175 lb. prospect with no offers at this time. He claims a 4.5 forty.

Eyioma Uwazurike - DE - Southfield (MI) Lathrup: Uwazurike is a 6'6", 254 lb. prospect with offers from seven MAC programs. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #59 strongside end, and #1139 overall. As a junior in 2014, he made 74 tackles, 14 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles.

Andrew Vastardis - OG - Ashburn (VA) Stone Bridge:

*Kurt Walding - QB - West Des Moines (IA) Dowling Catholic: Walding is a 6'1", 206 lb. prospect with no offers right now. He attends the alma mater of redshirt junior wide receiver Amara Darboh.

Devin Waldon - LB - Detroit (MI) East English Village:

Kendrew Wynn - S - Norcross (GA) Norcross: Wynn is a 6'1", 185 lb. prospect with no offers right now.

Hit the jump for a bunch of 2017, 2018, and 2019 prospects.