Thoughts on Michigan offered underclassmen from SMSB 7v7 Showcase

The Wolverine attended the annual SoundMind SoundBody 7v7 Showcase at Wayne State University earlier this week and was able to evaluated multiple in-state underclassmen who possess Michigan offers.

RELATED

• Thoughts on On300 Michigan DB commit Jacob Oden from SMSB 7v7 Showcase

• Intel on in-state Michigan commits and targets

• Thoughts on On300 Michigan LB commit Jeremiah Beasley from SMSB 7v7 Showcase

ATH CJ Sadler, Detroit (Mich.) Cass Tech

For only entering his sophomore season with the historic Detroit juggernaut, CJ Sadler is mentally and physically years beyond his age. There isn’t a stage that’s too big or small for him. There isn’t competition that he can’t handle. There also isn’t a challenge that he can’t overcome. Sadler’s elite athleticism and leadership qualities will set him up to potentially earn five-star status. Sadler played quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back on Thursday and excelled at all three positions. He’s the epitome of an elite Swiss Army Knife. It’ll be interesting to see where colleges want Sadler to play full-time at the next level and how much he grows physically.

Three-star WR Elijah Dotson, University of Detroit (Mich.) Jesuit

Elijah Dotson burst onto the scene earlier in the offseason when Michigan, Indiana, Kansas, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Louisville, Penn State and Pitt offered. On3 lists him as a wide receiver but the Wolverines are eyeing him in the secondary. Dotson saw a lot of time as the deep safety on Thursday, looking comfortable in space and using his length to deflect passes. At 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, Dotson has an impressive vertical and can grab 50/50 as the go-to wideout on the outside. Dotson’s speed on the track, where he’s an All-American, translates to the football well. More regional schools will enter the mix for Dotson once the fall begins but co-defensive coordinator Steve Clinkscale is putting in work early.

Four-star TE Xavier Newsom, Detroit (Mich.) King

Xavier Newsom is one of the most imposing in-state recruits physically. On3 has him listed at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds but it wouldn’t be a surprise if he had packed on a few more healthy pounds. Newsom did well on the 7v7 circuit for the SoundMind SoundBody 15u team and has tremendous upside at tight end or defensive end. Figuring out where he fits best is still being determined because the only evaluations made of him are on offense. How he does on both sides of the ball this upcoming season should better indicate his proper fit. Newsom outmuscles more undersized linebackers and defensive backs but needs improvement on getting in and out of breaks.

ATH Dakota Guerrant, Harper Woods (Mich.) High

The best evaluations are when players are monitored for the first time after being hyped up for weeks and live up to expectations. Dakota Guerrant will be a top-ranked in-state recruit in the 2027 class because of the tools he possesses at a young age. It helps that Guerrant has a great support system with cousin Jacob Oden, the On300 Michigan defensive back commit, and uncle Rod Oden, the head coach of Harper Woods, by his side. Guerrant’s physical makeup, especially in the hamstrings and calves, immediately jumped out on Thursday. He stands 6-foot-0.5 and could gain 10-20 more pounds in his upper half. A solid route runner, Guerrant made several grabs for significant gains and showed confidence when going up against the older competition.

Top 100 ATH Alex Graham, Detroit (Mich.) Cass Tech

Alex Graham didn’t play on Thursday because of his looming transfer to IMG Academy in less than 10 days. But after finishing up an interview with him once the showcase was over, it was evident that Graham had put on excellent muscle growth before leaving. Graham will play for IMG’s national team, so having broader exposure will allow his ranking and recruitment to explode. Michigan has made Graham a top priority in the 2025 class and will keep the communication as transparent and consistent as before.

The post Thoughts on Michigan offered underclassmen from SMSB 7v7 Showcase appeared first on On3.