Five biggest takeaways from Michigan’s final June official visit weekend

Five takeaways following a busy official visit weekend at Michigan.

1. Michigan makes big impression on Bair

Michigan is trending in the right direction for Top 100 Burley (Idaho) High wide receiver Gatlin Bair following his weekend official visit. While I don’t think Michigan has the outright lead — not yet, anyway — the Wolverines put themselves in a strong position to win this recruitment later this summer. Right now, this appears to be a three team race between Michigan, Oregon and Boise State. U-M wowed Bair and his family with its development pitch. On the flip side of the coin, Boise State is doing whatever it can to convince Bair to be an in-state hero. Bair is expected to make his announcement in early August.

2. Race for Patterson heats up

Michigan brought in Top 100 Miami (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna safety Zaquan Patterson for an unofficial visit but very much treated it like an official visit. Patterson and his mother met with Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, had a film breakdown with lead recruiter Steve Clinkscale and saw all the presentations the official visitors saw. Overall, this weekend was a smashing success with Patterson. As I mentioned earlier today, I think this recruitment is really a 50-50 toss up between Miami and Michigan. The Wolverines have momentum on their side and may get him back in Ann Arbor next month for the BBQ at The Big House.

3. Smith wants to make own decision

Michigan was looking to seal the deal with four-star Cheshire (Conn.) Academy EDGE Jacob Smith, who joined his brother and four-star U-M defensive line commit Jerod Smith for his official visit. While Michigan did not accomplish that, it still appears to be in the pole position for Jacob. Look, Jacob simply wants to make his own decision. He doesn’t want to pick Michigan just because his brother is going there. It has to happen organically. Nebraska is the biggest threat and is working overtime to win him over. Still, I think Jacob will come to the realization that Michigan is the better fit. He is looking to make a decision at some point in the next month.

4. Nichols not a slam dunk

I thought Michigan would be close to landing On300 Cincinnati (Ohio) Withrow cornerback Terhyon Nichols following his weekend official visit. However, it appears the Wolverines have some work to do. Yes, Top 100 cornerback Aaron Scott is the prize at the position, but the Wolverines would love to have Nichols in the class regardless of what Scott decides to do. Right now, this is a three team battle, which also features Kentucky and Penn State. Kentucky is a little closer to home, and the Wildcats are selling him on being ‘the guy.’ Still, Clinkscale has strong ties in Ohio and is very capable of beating his former team in this race.

5. Michigan moves up for Grimsley

Michigan entered the weekend with a lot of work to do with Top 100 Tampa (Fla.) Catholic cornerback Jameer Grimsely. Following the official visit, Michigan has now secured a spot in Grimsley’s Top 3, which is set to be released to the public soon. Alabama, Florida State, Penn State and North Carolina are the other four schools that received official visits. Look, pulling Grimsley from the Southeast is still going to be tough. However, he has shown a willingness to leave and absolutely loved what Michigan has to offer on and off the field. Clinkscale really impressed and gave it his best shot over the weekend.

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