Into The Blue: Latest on Jordon Johnson-Rubell, Georgia commit, more DB targets

Insider notes on Michigan recruiting…

Michigan moving up fro JJR

*** It was just last month that I made my way down to the Sunshine State to see Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy defensive back Jordon Johnson-Rubell. When I arrived, Johnson-Rubell was candid with me. Michigan was not going to make his top schools list — one that would be narrowed down to a Top 5. That information got in the right hands at the right time. Michigan aggressively contacted Johnson-Rubbell, who eventually did not drop his list.

*** Fast forward to today, and the Wolverines have locked Johnson-Rubell in for an official visit on June 9. Michigan is very much back in the mix here thanks to a terrific pursuit from defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, co-defensive coordinator Steve Clinkscale and safeties coach Jay Harbaugh. In fact, Harbaugh was just in Florida last week and made sure to see Johnson-Rubell. The two had a great conversation on the phone later that day, and Harbaugh was able to secure the OV. Michigan now has a true chance in this recruitment.

*** So where exactly do the Wolverines stand? Johnson-Rubell, who is originally from the Dallas-area, has always struck me as a Michigan-type kid. He has a great personality, values academics and knows he can be developed in Ann Arbor. Johnson-Rubell enjoyed his first visit to Michigan this offseason, but the Wolverines absolutely have to knock it out of the park when he returns with his mother for the OV — she did not make it in last time. At this point, Michigan is in that top group, but the staff knows there is still work to do. Johnson-Rubell will also make OVs to USC, Ohio State and Texas, which is still considered the favorite.

What about the rest of the secondary?

*** Johnson-Rubell is a priority at safety but can play the nickel. The only recruit that really resembles him on the board is four-star athlete Boo Carter. As things stand right now, I still feel like this is going to come down to Michigan and Tennessee. A source close to Carter thinks the Volunteers have a slight lead going into June but added that Clinkscale is very capable of winning him over on the OV. While Carter has been to Michigan in the past, this will be his first trip with his parents. They will be a big focus.

*** I reported last mont that Michigan was in the mix for Top 100 safety Jaylen Heyward, who is committed to Georgia. That is still very much a real thing. While Michigan has not locked in an official visit, I’m told the Wolverines are in fact working on bringing him in. Remember, official visits are now unlimited, but schools still have a cap. Michigan bringing him in means the Wolverines think they at least have an outside shot. Heyward is taking a true look at other options and recently set OVs with Miami and Penn State. There is a more realistic flip candidate out there at a different position, but that’s another story for another day.

*** Highly touted safeties like On300 prospects Ricardo Jones and Josiah Brown have Michigan in their respective top groups but have not set official visits. Things are fairly lukewarm with both. Fellow On300 safety Marquis Gallegos is coming in for an OV on June 2, but I’m feeling meh there. A fast-riser on the safety board is three-star prospect Nigel Maynard, who made a recent visit. I’m told U-M views Maynard as a Rod Moore type of gem. Michigan will host him for an OV on June 23. If the Wolverines push, I see him in the class.

*** It’s no longer Aaron Scott and Bryce West then everybody else on the corner board. As I’ve said many times, Michigan does not think it leads with Scott but is very optimistic. That Michigan-Ohio State battle will come down to OVs. I can tell you that those on the Michigan side have lost optimism with West. I would expect him to end up at Ohio State unless Michigan can pull a rabbit out of its hat on his official visit next month. And that means the cornerback board has gotten slightly bigger…

*** Michigan is now in the Top 2 for Top 100 cornerback Ondre Evans, who recently visited Michigan and will now return for an OV. NC State has been the long-time leader here, but the Wolverines should be able to beat out the Wolfpack. Michigan is also set to host On300 cornerback Tehryon Nichols for an OV. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him end up in the class, either. A tougher recruitment to win will be Top 100 cornerback Jameer Grimsley. However, he is coming in for an OV and has Michigan in his Top 4 along with Alabama, Florida and Penn State.

DL quick hitters

*** Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter was back in Pennsylvania yesterday, checking in on three-star nose Deyvid Palepale. This marked Minter’s second time seeing Palepale this spring as he remains a top overall priority. As I mentioned last week, this is a very, very tight battle between Michigan and Penn State. The fear is Palepale will want to stay closer to his parents. Winning them over on the OV is a must.

*** Michigan absolutely loves three-star defensive lineman Michai Boireau, especially after seeing him live last week. As I first reported, Michigan is hosting him for an OV on June 23. He is a take. There is no date set, but I am expect one to be finalized soon for fellow nose target Nnamdi Ogboko.

*** Minter will be in New Jersey next week and is expected to swing by to see Jordan Thomas, who will make an OV on June 16. As I mentioned in today’s story, Thomas can play the nose, but the Wolverines see him as more of a flex. I think Michigan is in the Top 5 right now, but Georgia and South Carolina will be tough to beat.

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