From The Road: Intel on On300 Michigan RB target Marquise Davis, five-star safety Trey McNutt, more
The Wolverine has the latest on the Michigan recruiting front, where a trio of top 2025 Northeast Ohio targets were in attendance at their respective school’s spring showcase on Tuesday.
On300 RB Marquise Davis, Cleveland Heights (Ohio) High
On3 Ranking: No. 114 Overall, No. 7 Running Back, No. 4 in Ohio
RPM: Michigan (89.5%), Ohio State (3.1%), Kentucky (2.7%), Penn State (1.4%)
Past U-M Visits: 4/23/24, 4/7/24, 3/26/24, 11/25/23
Marquise Davis is coming off three spring visits to Michigan. The most recent one took place on April 23, a few days after the spring game. Once the public discovered that the reigning Gatorade Player of the Year for Ohio returned a third time, the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) leader moved from Ohio State to the Wolverines. The original favorite for a prolonged period, OSU’s loss of running backs coach Tony Alford last month, as the assistant is now in Ann Arbor, changed the dynamic of where things currently stand. Davis had an interest in U-M before the team brought in Alford, but their relationship was so tight-knit in Columbus that the change in scenery didn’t affect the dynamic. Alford stopped by Cleveland Heights on Tuesday morning, the same day four Ohio State coaches, including Carlos Locklyn, were at the high school’s spring showcase that afternoon. Alford and other Michigan staff members who are involved in Davis’ recruitment have relayed the same message to him, and that’s making sure he finds the right school and also believing in his character to be a “Michigan Man.” Davis has talked about in the past that U-M provides everything he’ll need at the next level, and that’s resonating with his loved ones as well. Relationships will be a significant factor for Davis, so it’s resonating that it’s not just Alford in the picture. Knowing that head coach Sherrone Moore is actively involved means a great deal. Five weeks remain until Davis heads back to Ann Arbor for a scheduled official visit. He’s also set June trips to Kentucky and Tennessee. There isn’t a planned commitment date for Davis other than that it’s coming “soon.” Michigan is trending because of the trio of returns, but he’s found relatability to the coaching staff and comfort at the campuses of his other interest schools as well. Davis doesn’t need to experience anything specific when he’s back in Ann Arbor. Instead, he’ll arrive with an open mind during the extended stay.
Five-star Safety Trey McNutt, Shaker Heights (Ohio) High
Industry Ranking: No. 26 Overall, No. 2 Safety, No. 2 in Ohio
RPM: Ohio State (79.1%), Notre Dame (3.1%), Michigan (1.8%), Penn State (1.5%)
Past U-M Visits: 11/25/23, 5/31/23
Trey McNutt publicly dropped a Top 8 list earlier this month, which included Michigan. He has two prior visits to Ann Arbor that were made last year, most recently for the game against Ohio State, and developed a close bond with Steve Clinkscale. Although a return has yet to happen this offseason, McNutt mentioned that he didn’t want to let the Wolverines go in the offer sheet cut. He was impressed with The Big House’s environment on game days and relayed respect for the staff members who departed the program for the NFL. As the Wolverines have completed their coaching transition, McNutt has confidence that Moore will continue building U-M into a strong contender. McNutt has been on the phone with new defensive backs coach LaMar Morgan since the latter’s hire. They’re still getting to know each other as McNutt will drop a official visit schedule soon. He said rushing the recruiting process isn’t expected and will take his time regarding a future commitment. A number of schools, such as Texas A&M, Oregon, and Florida, are working towards locking in an official with McNutt. Ohio State is where his parents attended and is the heavy favorite on the RPM. When asked if he’ll possibly return to Michigan, unofficially or officially, to get a look at the team with the new staff in place, McNutt said he might.
Three-star DL Brandon Caesar, Cleveland Heights (Ohio) High
Industry Ranking: No. 701 Overall, No. 59 Defensive Lineman, No. 26 in Ohio
RPM: Ohio State (92.8%), Michigan (2.4%), West Virginia (1.1%)
Past U-M Visits: 4/7/24, 6/15/22
Brandon Caesar hadn’t traveled to Michigan for close to two years prior to his return with Davis at the beginning of April. His return occurred following the hire of new defensive line coach Lou Esposito. They connected during the visit, and Caesar was adamant that the assistant cares for the well-being of his players. Caesar’s head coach at Cleveland Heights (Ohio) High, Mac Stephens, has known Esposito for several years and thinks his arrival in Ann Arbor will be a stout addition to the Wolverines in recruiting. U-M is eyeing Caesar as a bigger-bodied EDGE rusher, but he has the frame to slide inside as well. Caesar focused on Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant while watching spring camp practice. The entire group has the dog mindset that Caesar appreciates. There isn’t a set date in which Caesars plans or is eyeing to head to Ann Arbor again this offseason, but he said it wouldn’t hurt to step inside the facilities again, as he’s carefully mapping out which degree to study at the next level. He’ll reach out to Esposito to figure out the right time to make that trip occur. West Virginia (May 31-June 2) and Tennessee (June 21-23) have set up two official visits with Caesar.
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