Just over two weeks into Jim Harbaugh's tenure as the new leader of Michigan football, and there's plenty already for Michigan Wolverines fans to be excited about. This is especially true on the recruiting trail, as Harbaugh's presence alone has opened up plenty of doors for Michigan when it comes to top-tier prospects around the nation.
This update is here to provide you a full snapshot of all the rumors and rumblings surrounding Harbaugh's first foray into recruiting as Wolverines head coach, as we present to you our Michigan Football Recruiting: Massive Mid-January Rumors Roundup.
DJ Durkin and Tim Drevno already at work on the trail
The Wolverines have extended offers to both four-star St. Petersburg (FL) athlete Ryan Davis and five-star Long Beach (CA) cornerback Iman Marshall, and new coordinators DJ Durkin (defense) and Tim Drevno (offense) are doing their best to sway the coveted pair towards Ann Arbor.
Drevno reportedly traveled to Florida to meet up with Davis on Thursday, while Durkin headed south to confer with Marshall. Marshall is slated to visit the Wolverines Monday, as Michigan's coaches look to beat out projected (massive) favorites USC for his services.
In addition to their stated targets, both Drevno and Durkin made side trips to visit other potential targets. Drevno met with five-star UCLA Bruins commit Keisean Lucier-South (an OLB/DE that UM finished runner-up for), while Durkin dropped in on top-tier Florida prep program Palm Beach Dwyer (FL) to presumably meet with three-star cornerback Jarius Adams - a Rutgers commit.
Doing work in Gwinnett County
Per several reports, an unspecified Michigan coach made it out to Gwinnett County (GA) this week to meet up with three-star Suwanee Peachtree Ridge High School DB Chad Clay. The heavily-sought after 5-11, 165-pounder already holds offers from Auburn, Ohio State, and LSU, so he's likely a big target for the UM coaching staff as they do work in the South.
In addition to Clay, it's almost academic that the coach in question visited these targets in some combination during his time in Georgia - offered four-star 2016 wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe, offered four-star 2016 offensive tackle EJ Price, offered four-star 2017 defensive back Jamyest Williams, and college football players assembly line Central Gwinnett.
Also keep an eye on four-star 2017 cornerback Deangelo Gibbs - another excellent Peachtree Ridge High School product who already holds offers from Alabama, Auburn, and many others.
While in Georgia...
Three-star Gainesville (GA) cornerback and 2015 offer Chris Williamson received a visit from Michigan assistant Mike Zordich on Thursday. He's slated to visit Ann Arbor next weekend, and currently holds offers from Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia among others.
Jim Harbaugh and Tyrone Wheatley make a stop in Motown
Head coach Jim Harbaugh was at Detroit Catholic Central this morning, while running backs coach Tyrone Wheatley made a visit to Detroit Cass Tech. There's no word on specific recruits of interest at Catholic Central (with junior OL Tom Kowalkoski a distinct possibility), but it's pretty much assured that one of Wheatley's top players of interest at Cass Tech is four-star 2015 running back (and Ohio State commit) Mike Weber.
Harbaugh offers DE Khalid Kareem
Coach Jim Harbaugh is a busy man, having offered three-star Farmington (MI) strong-side defensive end Khalid Kareem in person on Thursday. 247Sports' 24th ranked SSDE in the Class of 2015, Kareem is already mulling offers from Lousiville, rival Michigan State, and many others.
A surprising non-visit
Many recruiting analysts have predicted 2015 three-star Pickney (MI) Northville offensive tackle David Moorman to be a potential flipping opportunity as Jim Harbaugh does work in the state of Michigan.
However, despite driving past his school this week, the Wisconsin commit and recent Penn State offer hasn't been a target of the Wolverines' recruiting efforts thus far. However, at six-foot-five and 291 pounds, the 51st-ranked offensive tackle in the nation would seemingly provide a natural fit for Michigan right in their backyard.
Yet, there's nothing doing as of this time.
California dreamin'
UM coaches are casting a wide net around the country this week, with Michigan coaches expected to stop in on four-star Anaheim (CA) Servite wide receiver Equaniemous St. Brown and West Covina (CA) offensive tackle Eric Quevedo - both members of the Class of 2015.
Michigan appears deadset on adding another offensive lineman, and Quevedo is a good under-the-radar possibility (with offers from Boise State, UNLV, and UTEP) with a solid build at six-foot-five, 290 pounds.
Keeping it in the family
Just in case you thought Michigan didn't have all their bases covered, tight ends coach Jay Harbaugh was in Buffalo (NY) Canisius on thursday to meet up with four-star tight end/athlete Tyrone Wheatley Jr. - the talented son of running backs coach Tyrone Wheatley.
Shelton Johnson
The Wolverines have offered three-star Delray Beach (FL) defensive end Shelton Johnson, after Johnson officially visited the campus recently. Johnson has also received offers from Florida State, Miami, and Virginia Tech amongst others.
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