Insider notes on Top 100 Michigan DB target Trey McNutt

*** The Wolverine made the drive to Shaker Heights, Ohio, on Thursday to get the latest on Top 100 Michigan defensive back target Trey McNutt, who’s a major priority for the two-time defending Big Ten Champions next cycle.

*** McNutt’s recruitment has received Ohio State buzz because of the junior’s family ties to the program. His father, Richard McNutt, and uncle, Mike Doss, were both on the OSU 2002 national championship team. His mother also graduated from the school. Still, plenty of blue blood programs in the midwest are pushing hard for McNutt, who’s coming off a Penn State visit earlier this month and will be at Notre Dame on October 14. Michigan is expected to have McNutt return in late November for the clash against Ohio State.

*** Penciling in McNutt to arrive on November 25 at The Big House marks the second time the No. 1 ranked prospect in Ohio and No. 60 overall nationally, per On3, will be in Ann Arbor. He first visited on May 31 and received a personalized tour of the facilities. McNutt remarked highly on the scale of Michigan’s weight room, the indoor practice field and the campus. Area recruiter Steve Clinkscale, who’s taken the lead for U-M with McNutt, was with him throughout the trip.

*** Clinkscale’s efforts to develop a close relationship with McNutt have the latter viewing the co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach practically like family. The level of communication between both parties takes place almost every day. Clinkscale also personally knows McNutt’s parents well and the connection goes back before McNutt became a nationally ranked prospect. McNutt’s father is the defensive backs coach at Tennessee State and had previous tenures at multiple Ohio universities like Kent State, Toledo, Youngstown State and OSU, so he and Clinkscale have crossed paths quite a bit.

*** McNutt’s thoughts on the Wolverines are different than other past or current Ohio native prospects who’ve either visited Michigan or have an offer. He mentioned that interest in the team revolves around him carving out his own path. Growing up, McNutt only knew about the Buckeyes, so going on these visits elsewhere and understanding what Michigan can specifically offer him is exciting. A significant note with McNutt is that his first-ever visit to Columbus as a recruit took place in April and he has been to both Penn State and Notre Dame just as often.

*** Entering the fall, the feeling of where Michigan stands on McNutt’s board will heavily depend on the game-day visit in two months. Not only would a win signal to McNutt and many others expected to show up that Michigan has the better on-field product, but a better stadium atmosphere. Clinkscale will continue talking to McNutt at the rate that’s happening right now, but allowing McNutt to speak more in-depth with defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and head coach Jim Harbaugh is important. Getting McNutt to campus early in the offseason will be monumental, too.

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