2015 Freshman Jersey Numbers

Grant Newsome is going to have to settle for . . . a better number. He'll wear #77 in college. Redshirt
sophomore Logan Tuley-Tillman wears #72 currently.

The incoming freshmen have jersey numbers. And, boy oh boy, this is an exciting time and we're all nerds.

Reuben Jones: #4
Last worn on defense by: Linebacker Cameron Gordon from 2010-2013.
Currently worn by: Running back De'Veon Smith.

Keith Washington: #6
Last worn on defense by: Cornerback Raymon Taylor from 2011-2014.
Currently worn by: Quarterback Brian Cleary.

Tyrone Wheatley, Jr.: #8
Last worn on offense by: Quarterback Russell Bellomy from 2012-2014.
Currently worn by: Quarterback Joey Hewlett and cornerback Channing Stribling.

Grant Perry: #9
Last worn on offense by: Wide receiver Martavious Odoms from 2008-2011.
Currently worn by: Linebacker Mike McCray II.

Zach Gentry: #10
Last worn on offense by: Wide receiver Da'Mario Jones. Jones wore #11 in high school, which is the Wistert brothers' retired number.
Currently worn by: Da'Mario Jones?

Alex Malzone: #12
Last worn on offense by: Wide receiver Roy Roundtree from 2009-2011.
Currently worn by: Linebacker Allen Gant.

Andrew David: #16
Last worn on special teams by: Kicker Peter Elezovic in 1992.
Currently worn by: Wide receiver Jack Wangler.

Tyree Kinnel: #17
Last worn on defense by: Cornerback Tony Anderson from 2008-2011.
Currently worn by: Wide receiver Freddy Canteen.

Karan Higdon: #22
Last worn on offense by: Wide receiver Darryl Stonum from 2008-2011.
Currently worn by: Safety Jarrod Wilson.

Jon Runyan, Jr.: #75
Last worn on offense by: Offensive tackle Michael Schofield from 2009-2013. Runyan's father, who played for Michigan in the 1990's, wore #69.
Currently worn by: Runyan only.

Grant Newsome: #77
Last worn on offense by: Offensive tackle Taylor Lewan from 2009-2013.
Currently worn by: Newsome only.

Brian Cole: #81
Last worn on offense by: Wide receiver Csont'e York in 2013.
Currently worn by: Only Cole.

The following players' jersey numbers have not been released yet (previous number in parentheses):

Shelton Johnson (#7)
Wayne Lyons (#2)
John O'Korn (#5)
Blake O'Neill (#39)
Jake Rudock (#15)
Nolan Ulizio (#70)

2015 Season Countdown: #87 Grant Newsome

Grant Newsome

Name: Grant Newsome
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 280 lbs.
High school: Trenton (NJ) Lawrenceville School
Position: Offensive tackle
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Last year: Newsome committed to Michigan in June 2014 (LINK).
TTB Rating: 84

Newsome was perhaps the crown jewel of Michigan's 2015 recruiting class, as the Wolverines beat out the likes of Alabama, LSU, Ohio State, and Wisconsin for his services. Initially from Virginia, he went to boarding school in New Jersey. When I wrote the scouting report on him, I was impressed with his length and athleticism. He looks like a prototypical left tackle prospect, and while he still requires some molding, he has a chance to be a multi-year starter at the position.

That stretch as a starter won't begin just yet, however. At 6'7" and 280 lbs., he has a long frame without the bulk to match. Michigan has a returning starter on the left side in the form of sophomore Mason Cole, and there are a couple more developed prospects who would probably slide in if an injury occurred. The coaching staff will probably work him on both the left and right sides, and perhaps Cole's long-term future is on the inside; a slot for Newsome might open up after a couple of Michigan's interior guys graduate, allowing Cole to slide inside. Regardless, Newsome will probably redshirt this year while he hones his technique and gains some necessary strength.

Prediction: Redshirt

2015 Recruiting Grades: Offense

Zach Gentry (image via Maxpreps)

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

Starters are listed in italics.

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

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

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

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

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

2015 Recruiting Awards

Lawrenceville (NJ) School offensive tackle Grant Newsome

It's that time of the year. The class has wrapped up (barring any last-minute changes), and it's time to start judging. Here are the annual recruiting awards, chosen by yours truly. If you want to look at past years' awards, here they are: 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, and 2009.

And away we go!

Best Overall Recruit: OT Grant Newsome
I'm tempted to go with Brian Cole, who is Michigan's top-rated recruit in the class. But I believe that this coaching staff will do a great job of developing offensive linemen, and I think Newsome is the cream of the crop. He has the size and the athleticism to be a very good left tackle, so without a true superstar recruit, I'll put my metaphorical chips on Newsome.

Best Offensive Recruit: OT Grant Newsome
See above.

Best Defensive Recruit: DE Shelton Johnson
This is a bit of a gamble here, because I have bad memories of Rich Rodriguez-era Floridians. I'm attempting to put most of the Rodriguez years behind me, so I'm going with Johnson. He has a good body to work with, he can play low, he's athletic, and he's violent. But if he takes things seriously, I think he can be Michigan's best defensive end since Brandon Graham.

Recruit Most Likely to Make an Early Impact: K Andrew David
Michigan enters the year having lost both their punter and placekicker from 2014. The punting job should go to walk-on Kenny Allen, but the placekicking job is there for the taking. Allen can do both, but he has reportedly been shaky. Meanwhile, David is the 247 Composite #9 kicker in the country and has a pretty clear path to the job. Add to that a dedicated special teams coach in John Baxter, and hopefully David's impact will be a good one.

Fastest Recruit: CB Keith Washington
Michigan's class is light on skill guys, with only Washington, WR Brian Cole, WR Grant Perry, RB Karan Higdon, and S Tyree Kinnel. While I doubt Washington's claim that he can run a 4.3 forty, he does have impressive acceleration and earns this prestigious award by a hair over Cole.

Strongest Recruit: OT Grant Newsome
With a 305 lb. bench and a 465 lb. squat, Newsome edges out fellow offensive lineman Nolan Ulizio (315 and 410, respectively).

Best Under-the-Radar Recruit: WR Grant Perry
My original criterion was going to be any guy who's a 247 Composite 3-star or lower, but I just can't bring myself to count Shelton Johnson - who fits that description - as an under-the-radar guy since he was wanted by some big-time schools. So my next choice is Perry. Perry is a guy who I don't think will be a superstar, but I think he will reach the level of being a consistent possession target.

Most Overrated Recruit: QB Zach Gentry
Michigan doesn't have many to choose from this year, so I'll put Gentry here since I think of him as a boom-or-bust type of guy. Gentry has all kinds of physical tools, but his mechanics are raw. Having played very weak competition in New Mexico and being so far from home, Gentry has the type of profile where he might transfer away from Michigan if he doesn't win the starting job within a couple years. The Wolverines are bringing in a lot of competition - especially if Houston transfer John O'Korn is official - and the quarterback position has a high turnover rate because those kids want to play. I do think Gentry has higher upside than classmate Alex Malzone and anyone else on the roster save perhaps Shane Morris, but Malzone is a hometown kid who might stick it out a little bit longer.

Most Likely to Redshirt: OG Jon Runyan, Jr.
Runyan did get bigger from his junior year to his senior season and looks more the part of a college lineman now, but he still looks the least ready of Michigan's three offensive linemen in the class. The rest of the signees play positions where freshmen contribute regularly, except for quarterback - but Michigan has a wide-open quarterback position. My non-lineman pick would be RB Karan Higdon, who joins a team that includes three guys who have started games at Michigan (Derrick Green, Drake Johnson, and De'Veon Smith) and perhaps the best of the bunch coming off a transfer redshirt year (Ty Isaac).

Personal Favorite Recruit: WR Grant Perry
I'm picking the underdog here. Perry grew up a Michigan fan and you could tell throughout the process that he was dying for a Michigan offer. There were reasons for Michigan not offering, but Brady Hoke's coaching staff told him to be patient and that an offer might come. Late in the process, Jim Harbaugh's staff extended an offer. Perry, already committed to Northwestern by that point, flipped to the Wolverines almost immediately but not until he took the time to let the Wildcats' coaches know. This is a feel-good story about hard work, perseverance, and love for the program.

Rivals 250 for 2015 finalized

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

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

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

Here are the rest of the guys Michigan has offered:

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

Top 247 for 2015 finalized

Saginaw (MI) Heritage wide receiver Brian Cole

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

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

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

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

Final ESPN 300 for 2015 released

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

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

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

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

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

2015 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl rosters

Grant Newsome (image via 247Sports.com)

The 2015 version of the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl will be played on Sunday, January 4, at 9:00 p.m. EST. It will be played in California and aired on Fox Sports 1. One current Michigan commit will be on the field in offensive tackle Grant Newsome, and you can also see former Michigan commit Darian Roseboro and the son of Michigan legend Tyrone Wheatley.

EAST
Pat Allen - OL - Maryland
Zach Giella - OL - Georgia (Clemson)
Grant Newsome - OL - New Jersey (Michigan)
Kirk Merritt - WR - Louisiana
Tyrone Wheatley, Jr. - TE - New York
Darian Roseboro - DE - North Carolina (North Carolina State)
Darrell Taylor - DE - Virginia (Tennessee)
Tyriq Thompson - LB - Michigan (Michigan State)
Rashard Causey - CB - Florida (Florida International)
Mook Reynolds - CB - North Carolina (Virginia Tech)
Jordan Whitehead - CB - Pennsylvania (Pitt)

WEST
Miles Boykin - WR - Illinois (Notre Dame)
Shane Lemieux - OL - Washington (Oregon)
Cameron Townsend - LB - Texas (Texas)

Players expected to commit during the game are:
OL Pat Allen
QB Dwayne Lawson
ATH Austin Joyner

Rivals 250 updated for 2015

Huber Heights (OH) Wayne safety Tyree Kinnel (image via 247Sports.com)

Rivals released its updated top 250 prospects for 2015 (LINK). The top 100 was updated yesterday (LINK). Here's what the Rivals 250 looked like back in August (LINK).

Movement for Michigan commits:

- Tyree Kinnel dropped from #195 to #211
- Grant Newsome dropped from #199 to #215

Here are the rest of the Michigan offerees on the list:

111. Jashon Cornell - DE - Minnesota (Ohio State)
112. Clelin Ferrell - DE - Virginia (Clemson)
114. Dexter Williams - RB - Florida (Miami)
128. Keenan Walker - OT - Arizona (Arizona)
134. Juwan Johnson - WR - New Jersey (Penn State)
149. Matt Burrell, Jr. - OT - Virginia
151. Miles Boykin - WR - Illinois (Notre Dame)
152. Jaason Lewis - RB - Virginia (Tennessee)
158. John Reid - CB - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
163. Johnny Frasier - RB - North Carolina (Florida State)
168. Tim Settle - DT - Virginia
170. Auden Tate - WR - Florida (Florida State)
174. Darrin Kirkland, Jr. - LB - Indiana
178. Pat Allen - OT - Maryland (Georgia)
180. Ryan Bates - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
182. Keaton Sutherland - OT - Texas (Texas A&M)
203. Josh Robertson - OG - California
206. Hjalte Froholdt - DT - Ohio (Arkansas)
208. Connor Williams - OT - Texas (Texas)
209. Sterling Jenkins - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
211. Tyree Kinnel - S - Ohio (Michigan)
215. Grant Newsome - OT - New Jersey (Michigan)
228. Josh Barajas - LB - Indiana (Notre Dame)
238. Anthony Wheeler - LB - Texas
240. Henry Robertson - OT - Washington (Washington)
242. Devante Peete - WR - Florida
243. Joshua McMillon - LB - Tennessee (Alabama)
244. Kirk Merritt - WR - Louisiana

Visitors: Michigan vs. Maryland

Tampa (FL) Wharton wide receiver Auden Tate

Here's a list of players who will be visiting Michigan for their game against Maryland this weekend, the final home game of the season.

2015
Jack Dunaway - DE - Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice: Dunaway is committed to Michigan as a preferred walk-on defensive end. He's the son of former Michigan tight end Craig Dunaway.

John Kelly - S - Oak Park (MI) Oak Park: Kelly is a 5'10", 194 lb. prospect with offers from Michigan, Michigan State, and Minnesota, among others. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #62 athlete, and #656 overall. Michigan offered him after cornerback Garrett Taylor decommitted, but the Wolverines are looking at Kelly as a safety. Kelly averaged 10.7 yards/carry as a senior this year, ending up with 1,321 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Alex Malzone - QB - Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice: Michigan's quarterback commit for the 2015 class (LINK), Malzone was 211/325 (65%) for 2,998 yards, 38 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions.

Grant Newsome - OT - Lawrenceville (NJ) Lawrenceville School: Newsome committed to Michigan in June (LINK). He's now rated as a 247 Composite 4-star, the #21 offensive tackle, and #209 overall. This will be his official visit.

Grant Perry - WR - Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice: Perry is a 6'0", 185 lb. prospect with offers from a bunch of MAC schools and is angling for a Michigan offer to follow his quarterback teammate, Malzone. Perry is a 247 Composite 3-star, the #130 wide receiver, and #1047 overall.

Auden Tate - WR - Tampa (FL) Wharton: Tate is a 6'4", 215 lb. prospect who committed to Florida State in August; he also has offers from Florida, Georgia, and Michigan, among others. It always looked like a Michigan vs. Florida State battle with the Seminoles leading. An official visit, this will be Tate's first time in Ann Arbor.


Hit the jump for 2016, 2017, and 2018 prospects.

Rivals 250 updated for 2015

Mike Weber is the #104 player in the country

Rivals updated its top 250 players for 2015 on Tuesday (LINK). The Rivals 100 was updated yesterday (LINK).

101. John Reid - CB - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
102. Jashon Cornell - DE - Minnesota (Ohio State)
104. Mike Weber - RB - Michigan (Michigan)
114. Shaun Crawford - CB - Ohio (Notre Dame)
140. Juwan Johnson - WR - New Jersey (Penn State)
147. Matt Burrell, Jr. - OT - Virginia
148. Devonaire Clarington - TE - Florida
151. Miles Boykin - WR - Illinois (Notre Dame)
160. Tim Settle - DT - Virginia
164. Auden Tate - WR - Florida (Florida State)
165. Kirk Merritt - WR - Louisiana
167. Darrin Kirkland, Jr. - LB - Indiana (Michigan)
169. Keenan Walker - OT - Arizona (Arizona)
170. Pat Allen - OT - Maryland (Georgia)
175. Johnny Frasier - RB - North Carolina (Florida State)
192. Hjalte Froholdt - DT - Florida (Arkansas)
195. Tyree Kinnel - S - Ohio (Michigan)
199. Grant Newsome - OT - New Jersey (Michigan)
209. Josh Barajas - LB - Indiana (Notre Dame)
224. Devante Peete - WR - Florida
227. Ryan Bates - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
228. Joshua McMillon - LB - Tennessee
236. William Sweet - OT - North Carolina (North Carolina)
237. Keaton Sutherland - OT - Texas (Texas A&M)
243. Jaylon Lane - CB - Texas (Oklahoma State)
244. Juval Mollette - WR - New Jersey (North Carolina)
246. Tyrone Wheatley, Jr. - DE - New York
247. Mook Reynolds - CB - North Carolina (Virginia Tech)
248. Jordan Whitehead - CB - Pennsylvania

ESPN 300 for 2015 updated

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

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

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

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

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

ESPN 300 for 2015 updated

Avon (CT) Old Farms tight end Chris Clark is
Michigan's highest rated commit (image via 247 Sports)

ESPN released an updated list of top 300 prospects for 2015. Here's what it looked like back in April (LINK). Movement for Michigan commits:

- Chris Clark fell from #104 to #108
- Garrett Taylor fell from #106 to #110
- Tyree Kinnel fell from #182 to #188
- Grant Newsome fell from #235 to #240
- Darrin Kirkland, Jr. jumped from #265 to #263

Here are the rest of Michigan's offerees:

5-stars:
3. Kevin Toliver II - CB - Florida (LSU)
4. Josh Sweat - DE - Virginia
6. Terry Beckner, Jr. - DE - Illinois
7. Mitch Hyatt - OT - Georgia (Clemson)
9. Tim Settle - DT - Virginia
10. Kendall Sheffield - CB - Texas
11. George Campbell - ATH - Florida
13. Justin Hilliard - LB - Ohio
16. Jashon Cornell - DE - Minnesota

4-stars:
17. Rasheem Green - DT - California
18. Keisean Lucier-South - DE - California
19. Josh Rosen - QB - California (UCLA)
20. Iman Marshall - CB - California
22. Shy Tuttle - DT - North Carolina
24. Jeffery Holland - LB - Florida
27. Tyron Johnson - WR - Louisiana
28. Damien Harris - RB - Kentucky
29. Preston Williams - WR - Georgia (Tennessee)
32. Minkah Fitzpatrick - CB - New Jersey (Alabama)
38. Jarrett Stidham - QB - Texas (Texas Tech)
39. Malik Jefferson - LB - Texas
43. Matt Burrell, Jr. - OT - Virginia
47. Christian Kirk - WR - Arizona
49. Deondre Francois - QB - Florida
50. Jacques Patrick - RB - Florida
52. Ronald Jones II - RB - Texas (Oklahoma State)
56. Blake Barnett - QB - California (Alabama)
57. Adonis Thomas - LB - Georgia
58. Hale Hentges - TE - Missouri (Alabama)
59. Drew Richmond - OT - Tennessee
63. Abdul Bello - OT - Florida
65. DaMarkus Lodge - WR - Texas (Texas A&M)
68. Jerome Baker - LB - Ohio
70. Devonaire Clarington - TE - Florida
71. Soso Jamabo - RB - Texas
74. Jaylon Lane - CB - Texas (Oklahoma State)
75. Rashad Roundtree - S - Georgia
77. Anthony Wheeler - LB - Texas
79. Dexter Williams - RB - Florida (Miami)
81. Johnny Frasier - RB - North Carolina
86. Jake Fruhmorgen - OT - Florida (Clemson)
90. Jalen Dalton - DE - North Carolina
94. Keenan Walker - OT - Arizona (Arizona)
97. Sterling Jenkins - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
98. Christian Pellage - OT - Florida
99. Hjalte Froholdt - DT - Ohio (Arkansas)
104. Ryan Bates - OT - Pennsylvania (Penn State)
105. Clelin Ferrell - DE - Virginia (Clemson)
107. Tyler Jordan - OG - Florida (Florida)
108. Chris Clark - TE - Connecticut (Michigan)
110. Garrett Taylor - CB - Virginia (Michigan)
122. Osa Masina - LB - Utah
135. Ty'Son Williams - RB - South Carolina
136. Jordan Whitehead - CB - Pennsylvania
137. Brian Cole - ATH - Michigan
139. Devante Peete - WR - Florida
150. Marcus Lewis - S - Washington, D.C. (Florida)
153. Mike Weber - RB - Michigan
155. Ray-Ray McCloud III - RB - Florida
157. Shaun Crawford - CB - Ohio (Notre Dame)
159. Joshua McMillon - LB - Tennessee
161. Darian Roseboro - DT - North Carolina
164. John Reid - CB - Pennsylvania
187. Juwan Johnson - WR - New Jersey (Penn State)
188. Tyree Kinnel - S - Ohio (Michigan)
223. Rashard Causey, Jr. - CB - Florida (Florida Atlantic)
233. Isaiah Prince - OT - Maryland
235. Pat Allen - OT - Maryland
240. Grant Newsome - OT - New Jersey (Michigan)
255. Cameron Townsend - LB - Texas
258. Cameron Ordway - CB - Tennessee
263. Darrin Kirkland, Jr. - LB - Indiana (Michigan)

Grant Newsome, Wolverine

Grant Newsome (image via 247 Sports)

Lawrenceville (NJ) Lawrenceville School offensive tackle Grant Newsome committed to Michigan this morning. His other top choice was Penn State, and he also held offers from Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Ohio State, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, among others.

Newsome is listed at 6'6" or 6'7" and 280-290 lbs.

RATINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 81 grade, #25 OT, #235 overall
Rivals: 4-star, #21 OT, #199 overall
Scout: 4-star, #20 OT, #215 overall
247 Sports: 4-star, 92 grade, #22, #192 overall

Newsome, who is originally from McLean, VA, attends private school in New Jersey. He was offered just before National Signing Day 2014, which immediately catapulted the Wolverines up near the top of his list. In the meantime, he took visits to some east coast and midwest schools, including a couple to Ann Arbor and a couple to Penn State. His most recent visit to Penn State allegedly included a message from head coach James Franklin that Brady Hoke would not be Michigan's coach by 2015, which rubbed Newsome the wrong way a little bit. He went ahead and publicly committed to Michigan via Twitter, where he posted a letter thanking various family members and coaches.

I wrote up an in-depth scouting report on Newsome back in March (LINK), so there's not much to add regarding his playing style.

As for how he fits at Michigan, the Wolverines are somewhat low on tackles. Redshirt sophomore Erik Magnuson will presumably hold the job for the remainder of his career, which takes us through 2016. After him on the left tackle depth chart is redshirt freshman Logan Tuley-Tillman or true freshmen Juwann Bushell-Beatty and Mason Cole. I believe Bushell-Beatty and Cole will be best suited playing guard or right tackle, but they are possibilities to succeed Magnuson. Tuley-Tillman could also play right tackle. Out of that group, Newsome fits the blind-side tackle prototype best, and he could be starting by his redshirt sophomore year in 2017.

Newsome gives Michigan seven commits in the class of 2015, which is currently scheduled to consist of twelve players. He is also the second lineman, joining guard/center prospect Jon Runyan, Jr. The Wolverines have been handing out several offers along the offensive line over the past couple months, so I would expect them to continue recruiting the line.

TTB Rating: 84 (ratings explanation)

Highlights are available on Hudl.

Visitors: June 6-8, 2014

Ty Isaac

TRANSFER
Ty Isaac - RB - Joliet (IL) Catholic: Isaac, who is visiting on Tuesday, is a transfer prospect from USC. He was offered as part of the 2013 class and was a 247 Composite 4-star, the #8 all-purpose back, and #54 overall. As a true freshman, he carried the ball 40 times for 236 yards (5.9 yards/carry) and 2 touchdowns, but there are three Trojan running backs returning who were ahead of him on the depth chart last season. Furthermore, Isaac has an ill mother, so he wants to play closer to home. Northwestern and Northern Illinois are both within the 100-mile radius the NCAA has established for players hoping to get a waiver to play immediately; otherwise, he would have to sit out the 2014 season. Illinois, Michigan, and Notre Dame are the other three schools supposedly in competition, but he would have to sit out the 2014 season and wait until 2015 to be eligible. Michigan nabbed Derrick Green and De'Veon Smith in the 2013 class, but more competition would be welcome for a team that is still looking for someone to step up and grab the starting running back job by the horns. Here is my scouting report on Isaac from when he was in high school (LINK). He's now up to 6'3", 225 lbs. UPDATE: Isaac committed to Michigan (LINK).

2015
Grant Newsome - OT - Lawrenceville (NJ) Lawrenceville School: I wrote up a scouting report on Newsome back in March (LINK). He has since picked up an offer from Tennessee, but the general line of thinking is that he is currently trying to decide between Michigan and Penn State. This will be Newsome's second visit to Michigan.

Michael Weber - RB - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Weber has been on Michigan's radar for a long time. The 247 Composite 4-star, #9 running back, and #90 overall player recently named a top five that included Michigan, but he also listed a top three inside the top five that did not include the Wolverines.

2016
Justin Layne - WR - Cleveland (OH) Benedictine: Layne is a 6'3", 173 lb. prospect with offers from Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, Pitt, and West Virginia. He's a 247 Sports 4-star, the #18 wide receiver, and #88 overall. He claims a 4.44 forty time. Layne will be visiting Ann Arbor for a basketball camp, but he will also be visiting Michigan's football facilities with the coaches. The Wolverines are pursuing Layne's teammate, 2015 linebacker Jerome Baker, but Baker is thought to be leaning toward Ohio State.

Visitors: April 18-20, 2014

Avon (CT) Old Farms tight end Chris Clark

2015
Chris Clark - TE - Avon (CT) Old Farms: Clark is a 6'6", 247 lb. prospect who recently decommitted from North Carolina; he also has offers from Michigan, Notre Dame, and Ohio State, along with many others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #3 tight end, and #130 overall. As a junior in 2013, he caught 39 passes for 417 yards and 6 touchdowns. Recruiting gurus are picking Notre Dame, where he visited a couple weekends ago, but he has yet to visit Columbus or Ann Arbor.

Clelin Ferrell - DE - Richmond (VA) Benedictine: Ferrell is a 6'5", 225 lb. prospect who recently named a top eleven of Clemson, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, Ohio State, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia Tech. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #8 weakside end, and #84 overall for the class. He plays in the same league as freshman QB Wilton Speight and 2014 cornerback commit Garrett Taylor, and his teammate is 2016 wide receiver offeree Scott Bracey.

Grant Newsome - OT - Lawrenceville (NJ) Lawrenceville School: I typed up a scouting report on Newsome at the end of March. He recently picked up an Arkansas offer and visited Penn State.

2016
Ben Bredeson - OT - Hartland (WI) Arrowhead: Bredeson is a 6'5", 275 lb. prospect with offers from Iowa State, Michigan, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. He visited Michigan for the spring game a couple weekends ago and also took a swing through Columbus and Knoxville. The Badgers are considered to be the leader.

Recruiting Update: March 31, 2014

Cleveland (OH) St. Ignatius defensive end Dre'Mont Jones (#86) (image via 247 Sports)

COMMITMENT
Richmond (VA) St. Christopher's cornerback Garrett Taylor committed to Michigan last Monday.

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2015
Cleveland (OH) St. Ignatius defensive end Dre'Mont Jones was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'5", 250 lb. prospect with offers from Cincinnati, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, and Ohio State. He's also a 247 Composite 4-star, the #14 strongside end, #294 overall, and the #15 player in the Buckeye State. Jones is quick off the ball but he could be one of those guys who grows into a 3-tech defensive tackle. Michigan has gone after several St. Ignatius prospects in recent years, but the last one they landed was linebacker Jake Ryan in the 2010 class. Jones himself appears to be leaning heavily toward Ohio State.

OFF THE BOARD
Merrillville (IN) Andrean linebacker Josh Barajas committed to Penn State. Michigan had been in his top three, but Penn State pulled ahead on a recent visit. This may open the door for a player like Indianapolis (IN) Lawrence Central linebacker Darrin Kirkland, Jr. to be offered, and Michigan would likely jump to the top of Kirkland's list.

Dallas (TX) South Oak Cliff safety Prentice McKinney committed to Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish and Michigan were supposedly his top two, but obviously, the Irish pulled ahead. He has yet to visit South Bend, and sometimes those types of commitments are a little iffy before all is said and done.

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

I did a scouting report on Lawrenceville (NJ) Lawrenceville School offensive tackle Grant Newsome.

Over at Recruiting Season, I profiled Avonte' Bell, Parker Underwood, Shahid Bellamy, Cameron Lewis, and Thiyo Lukusa. If you have a teammate or player who's a Division I prospect and has yet to be profiled, drop me an e-mail or leave a comment.

Scouting Report: Grant Newsome

Lawrenceville (NJ) Lawrenceville School offensive tackle Grant Newsome (#70, image via NJ.com)

Name: Grant Newsome
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 280 lbs.
High school: Lawrenceville (NJ) Lawrenceville School
Position: Offensive tackle
Class: 2015

Notes: Attends private school at Lawrenceville but originally from McLean, VA . . . Holds offers from Alabama, Boston College, California, Cincinnati, Duke, Georgia, Louisville, LSU, Maryland, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Northwestern, Ohio State, Old Dominion, Penn State, Pitt, Rutgers, South Carolina, Syracuse, Temple, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Wake Forest, West Virginia, and Wisconsin . . . ESPN 3-star, #26 OT, #275 overall, #14 in Virginia . . . Rivals 4-star OT, #30 OT, #8 in New Jersey . . . Scout 4-star, #20 OT . . . 247 Sports 4-star, #19 OT, #181 overall, #5 in New Jersey

Strengths: Tall with good length . . . Thick upper body, narrow from waist down, which is how I like tackles . . . Good athleticism . . . Good straight-line running speed . . . Quick enough to be an effective blocker on second level . . . Shows enthusiasm for blocking small, quick guys . . . Shows ability to run feet after contact and finish blocks . . . Good lateral quickness . . . Should be an effective zone blocker

Weaknesses: Lacks aggression when pass blocking . . . Keeps hands low and lacks punch in pass sets . . . Opens up hips too quickly against pass rushers . . . Does not show consistent enough motor in finishing blocks . . . Plays high in run game . . . Can get off balance when he chooses not to move his feet . . . Does not use hands effectively control defenders

Projection: Left tackle. Newsome has all the physical skills anyone might want in a tackle - length, size, power, quickness, etc. The mental aspects are where he struggles. I think ESPN has him woefully underranked as a 3-star, but they may be judging him based on his refinement at this stage. Newsome will require some coaching, and not just a little. He needs to lower his pad level, especially in the run game, and he really needs to show more aggression on first-level blocks. For being such a big guy, he doesn't blow people off the ball like he should. That's a concern to me, but I think it has a lot to do with technique and a need to get into a college strength program.

Reminds me of: Logan Tuley-Tillman but without as much aggression. The two have similar body types and similar technique issues in high school, but Tuley-Tillman was a nastier player.

Likelihood of committing to Michigan: Newsome is pretty quiet on the recruiting trail, but he thinks highly of LSU, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio State, Penn State, Rutgers, and Virginia. Both of 247 Sports' Crystal Ball picks are in Michigan's favor, and other analysts have suggested that Michigan has edged out in front, too. Michigan has done a good job of recruiting both New Jersey and Virginia lately.

Highlights: Newsome's highlights are available on Hudl.

Recruiting Update: February 3, 2014

Fort Lauderdale (FL) St. Thomas Aquinas wide receiver Devante Peete

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2015
Warminster (PA) Archbishop Wood offensive tackle Ryan Bates was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'5", 280 lb. prospect with offers from Maryland, Miami, Penn State, Pitt, Rutgers, and South Carolina, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #21 offensive tackle, and #225 overall. Bates looks to me like a right tackle or perhaps a guy who can slide inside to play guard. The in-state Nittany Lions seem to be a likely destination.

Fort Lauderdale (FL) American Heritage cornerback Rashard Causey was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'0", 185 lb. prospect with offers from Clemson, Miami, Notre Dame, and UCLA, among others. He's also a 247 Composite 3-star, the #34 cornerback, and #443 overall, but he has only been rated by 247 so far.

Avon (CT) Old Farms tight end Chris Clark was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'6", 247 lb. prospect with offers from Arizona State, Georgia, Miami, Ohio State, Tennessee, and Texas Tech, among others. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #15 tight end, and the #422 player overall. As a junior in 2013, he had 39 catches for 417 yards and 6 touchdowns. Physically, he's well developed, and that might be because he's 18 years and 5 months old already, according to 247. He appears to be a solid prospect who won't amaze anyone with his speed or athleticism but would come in ready to play early. Perhaps most importantly, Clark attends the alma mater of blog favorite Michael Cox, who played at Michigan from 2008-2011.

Jefferson City (MO) Helias tight end Hale Hentges was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'4", 230 lb. prospect with offers from Arkansas, Florida State, Missouri, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #9 tight end, and the #203 prospect overall. As a junior in 2013, he had 61 receptions for 945 yards and 9 touchdowns. He plans to visit Michigan for a spring practice. I have not seen video of Hentges to gauge whether I think he's better suited to play defense, but as a defensive end during his sophomore year, he had 62 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks.

Houston (TX) Cypress Falls defensive tackle Du'Vonta Lampkin was offered by Michigan, despite being committed to Oklahoma since November 2013. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #23 defensive tackle, and the #346 player overall. Michigan has recruited Cypress Falls in the past with 2014 LB Otaro Alaka (Texas A&M), but it's tough to pull kids out of Texas in general.

Lawrenceville (NJ) Prep offensive tackle Grant Newsome was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'7", 280 lb. prospect with offers from Miami, North Carolina, Penn State, Rutgers, South Carolina, and Virginia, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #23 offensive tackle, and #235 overall. Newsome is agile and strong, and I think he looks like a left tackle at the next level.

Fort Lauderdale (FL) St. Thomas Aquinas wide receiver Devante Peete was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'6", 200 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Miami, and Ohio State, among many others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #12 wide receiver, and the #119 player overall in the 2015 class. As a junior in 2013, he had just 17 receptions but totaled 387 yards and 5 touchdowns. Peete is obviously a large target, but he lacks the leaping ability that I would expect from such an advanced prospect and does not run with the strength that one would expect from someone his size. However, he does have good speed, and perhaps at 6'6", a lack of leaping ability isn't a big issue. St. Thomas Aquinas has produced several Michigan targets - and successful college athletes - in recent years, including 2014 WR Corey Holmes (Notre Dame), 2013 DE Joey Bosa (Ohio State), 2011 OG Bobby Hart (Florida State), and 2010 DB Lamarcus Joyner (Florida State).

Memphis (TN) University School offensive tackle Drew Richmond was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'5", 315 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Miami, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, UCLA, and Vanderbilt, among many others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #8 offensive tackle, and #79 overall. He already looks like a college lineman, and I would peg him for right tackle or a guard position.

Missouri City (TX) Fort Bend Marshall cornerback Kendall Sheffield was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'0", 165 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Baylor, Florida, LSU, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas A&M, among others. He's a 247 Composite 5-star, the #2 cornerback, and the #12 overall player in the 2015 class. Sheffield claims a 4.4 forty and looks like a smooth cover man. Michigan offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier recruited Sheffield at Alabama and had extended the Tide's offer.

Scottsdale (AZ) Chaparral offensive tackle Keenan Walker was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'6", 250 lb. prospect with offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Florida State, Texas A&M, UCLA, and USC, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #10 offensive tackle, and the #102 player overall. Walker attends the alma mater of former Michigan players Taylor Lewan and Craig Roh. In case you're wondering, the definition of "chaparral" is "vegetation consisting chiefly of tangled shrubs and thorny bushes." I had not heard the word other than in regard to recruiting until I read a GQ article about the Granite Mountain Hotshots' demise in an Arizona wildfire. The more you know.

Douglas (GA) Coffey tight end Jalen Wilkerson was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'4", 227 lb. prospect with offers from Miami and Minnesota. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #6 tight end, and the #175 player overall. He has the build and skills of an H-back type of player, and his highlight film on Hudl is titled "The Chosen One," so at least we know he's being surrounded with humility.

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2016
Miami (FL) Gulliver Prep defensive end Joseph Jackson was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'6", 240 lb. prospect with offers from Cincinnati, Illinois, Pitt, and UCF, among others. Jackson is a very raw prospect on both sides of the ball, but his athleticism is apparent. I think he could play tight end or defensive end at the next level.