2015 Season Countdown: #89 Jon Runyan, Jr.

Jon Runyan, Jr. with his family

Name: Jon Runyan, Jr.
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 276 lbs.
High school: Philadelphia (PA) St. Joseph's
Position: Offensive guard
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Last year: Runyan committed to Michigan in June 2013 (LINK). He ended the cycle as a 247 Composite 3-star, the #122 offensive tackle, and #1127 overall.
TTB Rating: 73

Runyan was a very early commit to the 2015 class, and some people had questions about why he was offered since he was not well regarded by recruiting sites and did not garner an impressive offer list. In fact, 247 Sports lists him as having received just one offer, although sometimes kids stop reporting offers after they commit. Regardless, Runyan is a Michigan legacy whose dad was a high NFL draft pick and long-time player. The biggest question about Runyan, Jr. seemed to be about his size, and he was reported to be about 245 lbs. when he committed nearly two years ago.

He reportedly got up to 276 lbs. by his senior year, which is still pretty light for a college lineman. You also may see in the highlights below that he's lacking some technique - especially when blocking in the open field - and he also lacks the sheer power one would expect of a high-level prospect. Iowa takes kids like this every year and churns out one or two high draft picks on the line, so size and strength can be improved with quality strength and conditioning. But without that size coming into college, Runyan will probably find himself redshirting like most linemen this season.

Prediction: Redshirt

Pro Athletes and Their Spawn: 2015 Edition

That's who you think it is.
(image via Delaware Online)

This is a yearly tradition to look at high school seniors who have famous athletic fathers (or occasionally just a famous father). Below are eleven players whose names - or fathers' names - you might recognize.

The 2014, 2013, and 2012 versions are available, too, if you're interested.

Cordell Broadus - WR - Las Vegas (NV) Bishop Gorman: Broadus is a 6'2", 195 lb. prospect who's ranked as a 247 Composite 4-star, the #18 wide receiver, and #149 overall. He has a top group that includes Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, LSU, Notre Dame, UCLA, and USC (Michigan has not offered, but he has said that he would be interested in visiting now that Jim Harbaugh has been hired). It seems to be a battle between the two teams in southern California, but I'm leaning toward his father's favorite schoool, USC. That father is Cordozar Broadus, Jr., who is best known as Snoop Dogg (a.k.a. Snoop Lion). He probably needs no bio, as he is a famous rapper, protege of Dr. Dre, etc. Snoop was known to visit USC practices quite often, at least before Steve Sarkisian was hired as coach.

Hit the jump for the other ten athletes.

Visitors: Michigan vs. Utah

Donnie Corley

2015
Deshawn Baker-Williams - DT - Westland (MI) John Glenn: Baker-Williams is a 6'4", 300 lb. prospect who committed to Central Michigan in June. That was and is his only offer so far.

Brian Cole - WR - Saginaw (MI) Heritage: Cole recently was awarded his Under Armour All-American jersey (LINK), although he was suspended for Heritage's most recent game after receiving two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties last game. He is committed to Michigan.

Jack Dunaway - DE - Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice: Dunaway, a teammate of Alex Malzone's, is a 6'3", 212 lb. prospect who recently committed to be a walk-on at Michigan. His father was a tight end at Michigan in the mid-1980's.

Alex Malzone - QB - Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice: On Friday night, Malzone went 14/20 for 208 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 28-21 win over Shane Morris's old team, the Warren (MI) De La Salle Pilots. He is committed to Michigan.

Jalen Martin - WR - Harper Woods (MI) Chandler Park Academy: Martin is a 6'1", 192 lb. prospect with offers from Akron, Eastern Michigan, and Western Michigan. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #65 wide receiver, and #390 overall. He attends the alma mater of former Michigan wide receiver Csont'e York.

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

Mike Weber - RB - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech: Weber sat out last night's 50-0 win over Detroit (MI) Douglass. He is committed to Michigan.

Hit the jump for 2016, 2017, and 2018(!) visitors.

Visitors: April 4-6, 2014

New Lenox (IL) Providence Catholic wide receiver Miles Boykin

Some of these prospects will be on campus during the week, and some will be in town for Saturday's spring game. There should be numerous additions to this list throughout the week.

TRANSFER
Chad Lindsay - C - The Woodlands (TX) The Woodlands: Lindsay was a 6'3", 307 lb. prospect coming out of high school in 2010. He was a 3-star prospect and the #30 offensive guard to Rivals, claiming a 425 lb. bench and a 530 lb. squat. Now listed at 6'2" (he lost an inch!) and 302 lbs., he is a graduate transfer prospect from Alabama, where he was a backup interior lineman for the past few seasons. He actually played against Michigan as a backup in the 2012 contest, and he started several games when starter Ryan Kelly was injured in 2013. Lindsay is looking at several possible destinations, including Ann Arbor, where his former offensive coordinator, Doug Nussmeier, now holds the same title with the Wolverines.

2015
Manny Andrade - S - Allen Park (MI) Allen Park: Andrade is a 6'1", 205 lb. prospect with no current offers.

Miles Boykin - WR - New Lenox (IL) Providence Catholic: Boykin is a 6'5", 208 lb. prospect with offers from Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Virginia Tech, and Wisconsin, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #22 wide receiver, #190 overall, and the #2 player in Illinois. Boykin, who claims a 4.41 forty, will be attending the spring game with Core6 Athletes, a training program for high school football players from the Chicago area. There are likely going to be 50-100 prospects in town for the game, so I probably won't be able to list them all here.

Caleb DeWeese - OG - DeKalb (IL) DeKalb:

Aleks Dragin - LB - Libertyville (IL) Libertyville: Dragin is a 6'2", 225 lb. prospect with no offers at this time.

Jack Dunaway - DE - Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice:

DeAndre Ford - OT - Joliet (IL) Catholic:

Marvin Franklin, Jr. - RB - Gibraltar (MI) Carlson: Franklin is a 6'0", 165 lb. prospect with no offers right now.

Aaron Garland - S - Oak Park (IL) Fenwick: Garland is a 6'0", 190 lb. prospect with offers from Buffalo, Central Michigan, Nevada, Northern Illinois, Toledo, and Western Michigan. He claims a 4.5 forty, a 295 lb. bench, and a 400 lb. squat.

Hale Hentges - TE - Jefferson City (MO) Helias: Hentges is a 6'4", 230 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Stanford, Texas, and numerous others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #4 tight end, #132 overall, and #2 in his state. As a junior in 2013, he had 61 catches for 940 yards and 15 touchdowns. He will also be visiting Michigan State and Ohio State on his trip.

Brian Lewerke - QB - Phoenix (AZ) Pinnacle: Lewerke is a 6'3", 180 lb. prospect who has picked up offers from offers from Ole Miss, Florida, and Michigan State in the last month. I did a scouting report on Lewerke (and other quarterbacks) in February. I wouldn't be totally surprised if the Wolverines extended an offer, although I'm not necessarily expecting it.

Jordan McInerney - DE - Libertyville:

David Moorman - OT - Pinckney (MI) Northville: Moorman is a 6'5", 275 lb. prospect with offers from Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Eastern Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Western Michigan. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #47 offensive tackle, #393 overall, and #6 in-state. He has visited Michigan a handful of times and seems like a kid who will end up at MSU or U of M if either/both offer.

Martez Morton - DE - Oak Park (MI) Oak Park: Morton is a 6'4", 225 lb. prospect with no offers right now. He's the teammate of a few quality prospects, including John Kelly (offer from MSU) and Shahid Bellamy (committed to CMU).

Flynn Nagel - WR - Lemont (IL) Lemont: Nagel is a 5'11", 180 lb. prospect with offers from Boston College, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa State, Purdue, and a bunch of MAC schools. He's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #61 wideout, #498 overall, and #6 in Illinois. As a junior in 2013, he had 103 catches for 1,504 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Chuck Norgle - QB - Lombard (IL) Montini Catholic: Norgle is a 6'2", 205 lb. prospect with no offers right now.

Atakan Pekpolat - OT - Libertyville (IL) Libertyville:

Jon Runyan, Jr. - OG - Natrona Heights (PA) St. Joseph's: Runyan committed to Michigan last year. I recently posted my initial TTB Ratings for Michigan's 2015 commits.

Kyonta' Stallworth - OG - Detroit (MI) King: Stallworth is a 6'4", 270 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee, but he committed to Michigan State in August of 2013. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #28 offensive tackle, #262 overall, and #3 in-state. He recently transferred from St. Clair Shores (MI) South Lake and is now teammates with linebacker Tyriq Thompson, whose father Clarence played at Michigan in the '90's.

Tyrone Wheatley, Jr. - TE - Manlius (NY) Canisius: Wheatley is a 6'6", 260 lb. prospect with offers from Alabama, Miami, Michigan, Penn State, and USC, among others. He's a 247 Composite 4-star, the #7 tight end, #178 overall, and #1 in the state of New York. As a junior in 2013, he had 16 receptions for 190 yards and 2 touchdowns, along with 41 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 interception, 4 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. Obviously, he's the son of former Michigan running back Tyrone Wheatley, who's currently the running backs coach for the Buffalo Bills.

Eddie Zinn-Turner - DT - Malvern (OH) Malvern: Zinn-Turner is a 6'3", 280 lb. prospect with no offers at this time.

Hit the jump for the 2016 and 2017 visitors.

Initial TTB Ratings for 2015

Richmond (VA) St. Christopher's CB Garrett Taylor

Here are the initial TTB Ratings for the class of 2015 (ratings explanation).

CB Garrett Taylor - Richmond (VA) St. Christopher's: 85
Taylor has the makings of being a very good player. He has size, speed, leaping ability, physicality, and is reportedly a quality kid. I'm not sure if I see the coverage instincts to pop him up into the 90's, but he should be a very good cornerback or perhaps safety in a few years. (Commitment post.)

CB Shaun Crawford - Lakewood (OH) St. Edward: 79
I like Crawford as a prospect. He has great speed, and he is also very physical for someone his size. I do have some questions about whether he can play man coverage, because he doesn't have a ton of experience doing that in high school. I think a 79 here is a baseline, but if he attends an event like The Opening or the Rivals 5-star Challenge, he could show some of those man coverage skills to sway me upward. (Commitment post.)

S Tyree Kinnel - Huber Heights (OH) Wayne: 74
When I look at Kinnel, I see a high school version of Thomas Gordon. He doesn't wow me with his athletic skills, but he comes up with some solid tackles and seems to be in the right place at the right time. He looks like a solid safety prospect but does not appear to be a star. (Commitment post.)

OG Jon Runyan, Jr. - Natrona Heights (PA) St. Joseph's: 73
Runyan is a decent athlete, but for being the son of a former NFL player, I think he's lacking somewhat in football instincts. He comes out of his stance a little high, doesn't seem to have a great deal of power, and gets overextended at times. As a legacy player, he seems like someone who would stick around, so he would have a while to develop. He's not a player who leaps off the screen, though. (Commitment post.)

K Andrew David - Massillon (OH) Washington: N/A
I don't really know enough about kickers to evaluate them. (Commitment post.)

Scout 300 updated for 2015

Huber Heights (OH) Wayne defensive back Tyree Kinnel is rated #220

Scout released its updated top 300 prospects for the class of 2015. Here's what it looked like back in August 2013.

Movement for Michigan commits:

- Tyree Kinnel remains at #220
- Jon Runyan, Jr. moves onto the list at #294

5-stars:
2. Malik Jefferson - OLB - Texas
3. Mitch Hyatt - OT - Georgia
4. Kendall Sheffield - CB - Texas
6. Iman Marshall - CB - California
7. Kevin Toliver - CB - Florida (LSU)
11. Josh Rosen - QB - California
13. Josh Sweat - DE - Virginia
14. Tim Settle - DT - Virginia
16. DaMarkus Lodge - WR - Texas
18. Keisean Lucier-South - DE - California
23. George Campbell - WR - Florida

4-stars:
27. Jarrett Stidham - QB - Texas
29. Shy Tuttle - DT - North Carolina
31. Sotonye Jamabo - RB - Texas
32. Damien Harris - RB - Kentucky
34. Jeffrey Holland - OLB - Florida
35. Christian Kirk - WR - Arizona
40. Jashon Cornell - DE - Minnesota
44. Justin Hilliard - LB - Ohio
46. Brian Cole - WR - Michigan
52. Jerome Baker - OLB - Ohio
57. Osa Masina - OLB - Utah
59. Sterling Jenkins - OT - Pennsylvania
63. Kamonte Carter - DE - Maryland
65. Shaun Crawford - CB - Ohio (Michigan)
70. Minkah Fitzpatrick - CB - New Jersey
73. Terry Beckner - DE - Illinois
84. Hjalte Froholdt - DT - Ohio (Arkansas)
90. Tyrone Wheatley - DE - New York
91. Jake Fruhmorgen - OT - Florida
94. Keenan Walker - OT - Arizona
95. Mike Weber - RB - Michigan
99. Jacques Patrick - RB - Florida
102. Devonaire Clarington - TE - Florida
103. Chris Clark - TE - Connecticut
109. Drew Richmond - OT - Tennessee
121. Ronald Jones - RB - Texas
128. Anthony Wheeler - MLB - Texas
135. John Reid - CB - Pennsylvania
136. Hale Hentges - TE - Missouri
139. Devante Peete - WR - Florida
146. Blake Barnett - QB - Texas (Notre Dame)
153. Darian Roseboro - DE - North Carolina
155. Jordan Whitehead - CB - Pennsylvania
165. Jalen Dalton - DE - North Carolina
178. Jaason Lewis - WR - Virginia
194. Juwan Johnson - WR - New Jersey
203. Grant Newsome - OT - New Jersey
205. Cameron Townsend - OLB - Texas
220. Tyree Kinnel - CB - Ohio (Michigan)
232. Du'Vonta Lampkin - DT - Texas (Oklahoma)
244. Johnny Frasier - RB - North Carolina
255. Joshua McMillon - OLB - Tennessee
266. Adonis Thomas - OLB - Georgia
267. Ryan Bates - OT - Pennsylvania
294. Jon Runyan - OG - Pennsylvania (Michigan)

247 Sports: Michigan Legacies to Look for

Steve Lorenz at 247 Sports has a list of players to look for in the next few classes. Each of these players has a father, brother, or cousin who has played at Michigan. I'll let you click on through for more informative updates on each, but here's a list of the names:

2015
Jon Runyan, Jr. - OT - Philadelphia (NJ) St. Joseph's
Tyriq Thompson - S - Detroit (MI) King
Tyrone Wheatley, Jr. - TE - Buffalo (NY) Canisius

2016
Bailey Edwards - RB - Pinckney (MI) Northville
Cal Grbac - WR - Cleveland (OH) St. Ignatius
Daelin Hayes - RB - Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary's
Lavert Hill - CB - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech
Joshua Jackson - QB - Ann Arbor (MI) Huron
Terius Wheatley - RB - Buffalo (NY) Canisius

2017
Joshua Ross - LB - Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary's
Canyon Tuman - TE - Sewickley (PA) North Allegheny

Jon Runyan, Jr., Wolverine

Jon Runyan, Jr. (center) with Caris LeVert and Nik Stauskas

Natrona Heights (PA) St. Joseph's offensive lineman Jon Runyan, Jr. committed to Michigan on Tuesday over offers from no one else.

Runyan measured in at 6'4" and 245 lbs. recently. To my knowledge, no further statistics or measurements are available at this time.

RATINGS
ESPN: N/A
Rivals: N/A
Scout: N/A
247 Sports: 3-star, #37 OT, #341 overall

Runyan is the son of former Michigan offensive tackle Jon Runyan, who played college ball in the early- to mid-1990's, earning All-Big Ten accolades, getting selected in the 4th round of the NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers, and becoming a Pro Bowler in his years with the Oilers, Tennessee Titans, and Philadelphia Eagles. The younger Runyan camped at Michigan last week, where he earned an offer from the Wolverines' staff. He said at the time that it was basically a guarantee he would commit, so this is about as surprising as another bout of Mark Dantonio constipation. Previously, Runyan had camped at Ohio State and visited Penn State for their junior day.

Runyan is a very technical player, which one should expect as the son of such a high-level football player. He keeps a nice, wide base and moves his feet well after contact. He does a good job with hand placement and does not get over-extended. He bends well at the knees and can roll his hips to get extension. I like the way he zone blocks and works in combination with his linemate on the right side, because he's quick enough to cut off penetration and strong enough to get movement.

Obviously, Runyan needs to add bulk to his 245 lb. frame. He seems to lack some upper body strength, which will come with added bulk. I would also like to see him get a little bit nastier. He finishes blocks to the extent that the defender is out of the play, but he doesn't block to the whistle in order to demoralize defenders or get them off their game. I would like to see him drive guys into the ground or until the echo of the whistle.

Overall, I would have no problem playing Runyan at offensive tackle if he adds a little bit of length. He has the foot speed and coordination to be a blind side tackle if necessary. He may have to move inside to guard if he doesn't hit that growth spurt. So much depends on size that it's tough to project him far down the road, but based on his genes, athleticism, and technique, I think he could be a very good college player.

This is Michigan's second commitment for the class of 2015.

TTB Rating: N/A. I am not assigning TTB Ratings until the 2014 class wraps.

Recruiting Update: June 24, 2013

Philadelphia (PA) St. Joseph's offensive tackle Jon Runyan, Jr.

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2014
Elkton (MD) Eastern Christian wide receiver Freddy Canteen was offered by Michigan at camp last week. He's a 6'1", 175 lb. prospect with offers from Maryland, Rutgers, and Tennessee, among others. 247 Sports' Composite ranking places him as a 3-star, the #69 wide receiver, and #551 player overall. He's teammates with Brandon Watson (see below) and catches passes from quarterback David Sills, who committed to USC as a seventh-grader several years ago. Canteen is known for his impressive route running, but he's not the most explosive athlete you'll see.

Plantation (FL) American Heritage wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie was offered by Michigan. He's a 5'8", 160 lb. prospect with offers from Cincinnati, Kentucky, Rutgers, and West Virginia, among others; he named Notre Dame his leader recently. As a junior in 2012, he had 30 receptions for 842 yards and 15 touchdowns. 247's Composite ranking places him as a 3-star and the #148 wide receiver in the country.

Elkton (MD) Eastern Christian cornerback Brandon Watson was offered by Michigan at camp last week. He's a 6'0", 185 lb. prospect with offers from Connecticut and Rutgers, along with a couple others. According to 247's Composite ranking, he's a 3-star and the #115 cornerback in the class.

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2015
Philadelphia (PA) St. Joseph's Prep offensive guard Jon Runyan, Jr. was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'4", 250 lb. prospect with no other offers. According to 247 Sports, he's a 3-star and the #37 offensive tackle in the class. His father was an All-Big Ten offensive tackle at Michigan in the early/mid-1990s and went on to be a fourth round pick of the Houston Oilers, who turned into the Tennessee Titans; he also played for the Philadelphia Eagles. The elder Runyan is now a Congressman in New Jersey, and the younger Runyan has said he will most likely commit to Michigan. He could very possibly be the first commit for the 2015 class.


OFF THE BOARD
Hollywood (FL) Chaminade-Madonna defensive tackle Khairi Clark committed to Florida. Michigan never really had a shot at Clark.

Lithonia (GA) Martin Luther King cornerback Wesley Green committed to South Carolina. Green never showed much interest in his Michigan offer.

Orange Park (FL) Oakleaf linebacker Darrion Owens committed to Miami. Owens, who played strong safety last year, was being recruited for the SAM linebacker position. Georgia seemed to be the front-runner with Michigan and Miami in the next tier, so it's a bit of a surprise that he picked the Hurricanes. In my opinion, Owens was the best SAM prospect on the board if Michigan wants another in 2014.

Wylie (TX) Wylie safety T'Kevian Rockwell committed to Baylor. This would have been a fun name for Michigan fans to say over the next several years, but it was not meant to be.

Gilbert (AZ) Chandler wide receiver Dionte Sykes committed to UCLA. Sykes visited Michigan and voiced strong interest early, but he's more of a big possession receiver, and the Wolverines have plenty of those in the fold for the next few years.

Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy offensive tackle Denzel Ward committed to Purdue. Ward almost committed to Purdue when they were his first offer, and then he almost immediately jumped on his Michigan offer. He moved to Florida without telling the coaching staff - which is a little odd - and hoped for bigger offers while training with IMG Academy, a high school campus renowned for getting athletes ready for the next level. After all that . . . he went ahead and committed to the Boilermakers.