Five final Michigan recruiting takeaways from major events in Baltimore, New Jersey
Five Michigan recruiting takeaways from my time at the Under Armour New Jersey camp and OT7 North in Baltimore.
1. Jerod Smith = Kris Jenkins
Those around Notre Dame claimed that the Irish cooled on four-star Cheshire (Conn.) Academy defensive lineman Jerod Smith after he committed to U-M. However, it was clear he was a top target for ND. Michigan defensive line coach Mike Elston is a terrific evaluator of talent, and Smith has an opportunity to be the next Kris Jenkins. The Wolverines recruited him for that exact role, and Smith is a perfect fit. While he has some limitations, Smith moves well for his size, has the frame to add plenty of good weight and is an elite technician. He was a top performer in New Jersey and is now an Under Armour All-American. Like Jenkins, Smith could very well outplay his ranking at Michigan.
2. Jacob could very well join Jerod
Michigan did not land four-star EDGE Jacob Smith at the same time as a his brother, Jerod. But that doesn’t mean Jacob won’t eventually join the class. I logged an On3 prediction in favor of Michigan after spending time with Jacob at the camp. Jacob loves what Michigan can offer on and off the field, and he knows the Wolverines have a great tradition of producing NFL pass rushers. Jacob’s mother, Susan, did not join him and Jerod on their spring visit. She will, however, be in Ann Arbor for Jacob’s official on June 2. If Michigan wins mom over, I see Jacob joining the class. Her preference is for her sons to play at the same school.
3. Jordan Thomas still in play
Michigan accepted a commitment from Jerod Smith and is still trending in the right direction with top target Deyvid Palepale. But that hasn’t stopped the Wolverines from continuing to make On300 Ramsey (N.J.) Don Bosco defensive lineman Jordan Thomas a top target. Thomas is set to make his official visit on June 16 after making his first unofficial visit this offseason. Georgia and South Carolina are two SEC programs making huge impressions on the massive 6-foot-6 prospect. However, Michigan defensive line coach Mike Elston has built a strong bond with Thomas, and new linebackers coach Chris Partridge is well-connected in New Jersey. The Wolverines have a legitimate shot to beat out the SEC schools in this race.
4. Elijah Moore is underrated
There are multiple underrated prospects on Michigan’s wide receiver board this cycle. Perhaps the most undervalued of them all is Olney (Md.) Good Counsel’s Elijah Moore. Ranked as a three-star prospect and the No. 619 overall recruit nationally, Moore proved to be one of the best players at an OT7 North event that was loaded with high-end talent. Moore is a legit 6-foot-4, 180 pounds but has the flexibility to run routes like a small guy. Moore gets better every time I see him, and there is no doubt in my mind that he’s a better prospect that fellow ‘big’ wide receiver targets like Mekhai White and Josh Jackson. Moore is planning to make his first visit to Michigan this month.
5. I’Marion Stewart nearing decision
The wait is almost over. Four-star Chicago (Ill.) Kenwood wide receiver I’Marion Stewart has been considered a Michigan lean for several months and is now set to make his decision at the end of June. Stewart is locked in to make an official visit to U-M on June 16, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Michigan wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy and company close soon after. I’ve had an On3 Prediction in for Michigan to land Stewart for a while now and have never wavered. Yes, NIL friendly schools like Oregon and Tennessee are involved, but Michigan just makes too much sense in this one.
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