Five final Michigan recruiting thoughts on updated On3 rankings
Five final Michigan recruiting thoughts on the new On3 rankings for the 2025 class…
1. Smith back in Top 200
Fort Myers (Fla.) Bishop Verot quarterback Carter Smith received a small bump, moving up 14 spots to the No. 195 overall prospect nationally. This is right around the area I have Smith going into his senior season, which could see him really take off in the rankings. Smith was the Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Florida as a junior, but a big reason for that was his playmaking ability with his legs. If Smith’s offseason work in the shadows with private quarterback coaches that have worked with NFL arms like Brock Purdy and Gardner Minshew translates to the field this year then Smith may very well have a Top 100 argument. We know how dangerous Smith is as a runner. If he takes the next step as a pure passer, watch out.
2. Gach remains a three-star
One of the most discussed rankings storylines was the fact that Birmingham (Mich.) Groves offensive lineman Avery Gach remained a three-star. I have Gach ranked higher than On3 but not in the blue chip category like many feel like he should be in. Look, Gach had a strong Rivals camp performance, but he didn’t answer any questions. Instead, he continued to check the same boxes. Gach is a strong, pure interior offensive lineman with quality technique and a terrific ability to finish when run blocking. The dude is nasty and will be a multi-year started at Michigan as a guard. However, he doesn’t have the best frame, lacks arm length/tackle flexibility, is only an adequate athlete and still needs to work on his feet. Right now, I’ll stick with him being a four-star, borderline Top 300 talent.
3. Marshall drops
Oak Park (Ill.) Fenwick defensive lineman Nate Marshall was once the highest rated recruit in Michigan’s 2025 class. However, Marshall tumbled 50 spots to No. 125. I have no problem with this and have Marshall ranked lower than all the services — somewhere in the 175-225 range. With Marshall’s ranking comes personal preference. I, for one, am not high on tweeners with the body frame of Marshall. Some people have referenced my take on Derrick Moore being a tweener, but I said that when Moore was being recruited for Don Brown’s scheme. I believe my final ranking for Moore was somewhere in the 100-125 range and changed my tune with the switch to Mike Macdonald. I’m not sure where Marshall fits in Wink Martindale’s scheme. He’s body doesn’t seem weight gaining friendly like Kris Jenkins’ frame was, and I’m not sure he has the skillset to be a true EDGE. Overall, he’s a really good player with too many question marks for me to agree with elite status.
4. Parker/Washington blow up
Two recruits I’m really excited to see this fall are New Orleans (La.) Archbishop Shaw running back Jasper Parker and wide receiver Jacob Washington. Both went from three-star recruits to inside the Top 300. I have both ranked in the low four-star, borderline Top 300 range, but I would really like to get a live look at both. I don’t think they are easy to evaluate off film as a prospect like the aforementioned Gach. With that said, the talent, athleticism and upside is noticeable with both. Washington had some impressive testing numbers this offseason, and while he is a bigger bodied wide out that can go up and get it, I also like his ability to stretch the field vertically. Parker is a tough runner between the tackles with the frame to add some good weight. He also displays plenty of athleticism and the skillset to be a three-down back. They are at the top of my priority list for a fall trip.
5. Williams gets respect
I’ve been high on Palatine (Ill.) High EDGE Jaylen Williams for a year now and have constantly been banging the drum for a rankings bump. Obviously, I was very pleased with this update as Williams went from three-star recruit to inside the Top 300. Some have said Williams will add a bunch of weight and play with his hand in the dirt, which is certainly possible. However, you gain a much greater appreciation for his frame when you see him live. Williams has the length and build to stand up and carry his weight similar to former Michigan standout Mike Morris. That’s exactly the path I see him following, and that’s justified by the plan Martindale and defensive line coach Lou Esposito have laid out for Williams. I could see Williams continue to rise for On3 with a strong senior season.
The post Five final Michigan recruiting thoughts on updated On3 rankings appeared first on On3.
