Jim Harbaugh's mere presence alone has ushered in a windfall of talent in Michigan football's current top-ten recruiting haul for the Class of 2016, and things apparently are only going to get better for both 2016 and the classes following it. With that being said, here's our Michigan Football Recruiting Roundup For July 10th.
Michigan In "Good Shape" For Naseir Upshur?
According to a Rivals.com update, "Philadelphia Imhotep tight end Naseir Upshur, the No. 4 player at his position in the nation, plans to announce a decision Aug. 8, with Michigan in good shape."
Upshur would strengthen a huge haul amongst the New Jersey/Philly connection that Michigan has been courting for months now, with Camden (N.J.) High teammates Ron Johnson and Brad Hawkins already committed to the program. With Johnson and Hawkins (and others) slated to be on campus for August 2nd's BBQ at the Big House, we expect that Upshur will be along for the ride. That would provide the perfect opportunity for Jim Harbaugh to seal his commitment.
Speaking Of The New Jersey/Philly Crew...
Michigan also has a solid beat on Egg Harbor City (N.J.) Cedar Creek wide receiver Ahmir Mitchell who is currently deciding between Michigan, Ohio State, and Notre Dame in that order. Michigan is said to be really close to a "take" with Mitchell, even though he's not in a rush to make a decision.
The Philly/N.J connection could grow even more next year, with Paramus (N.J) 2017 linebacker Drew Singleton and 2017 Camden offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz standing as potential huge gets for UM.
“Michigan is getting everyone from N.J./Pa. except for [Philadelphia Imhotep 2016 offensive lineman] Johncarlo Valentin, because they don’t have room for him,” a source told Rivals.com. “That includes [2017’s No. 29 overall player, Philadelphia St. Joseph’s Prep running back] D’Andre Swift.
“They probably get Terrance Davis too, which explains why there isn’t room for Valentin.”
What's The Deal With Rashan Gary?
At this juncture, it appears it's between Michigan and the Auburn Tigers for five-star defensive tackle Rashan Gary, although he does have a slate of additional visits around the country that could add a favorite or two to the list. UM officials reportedly did a fantastic job relaying the academic benefits of coming to Ann Arbor to Gary's mother, Jennifer Coney, but so apparently did Auburn's contingent.
In fact, it appears Auburn and Michigan are about even in every conceivable metric at the top of Gary and his mother's list.
In the end, there are likely two deciding factors that will be in place: Michigan's on-field performance in Harbaugh's first season with the program, and Gary's overall receptiveness to the recruiting pitches of Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp and Michigan defensive line coach Greg Mattison.
Muschamp's name still resonates on the recruiting trail regardless of his fall from grace as the head coach at Florida, and he's got Auburn's track record of grooming NFL prospects (especially on the defensive line) in his back pocket. Mattison, on the other hand, will be selling the rise of the program under Harbaugh -- both in regards to on-field results and overall marketability of talent.
Stay tuned.
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