ITB Extra: On300 OL Hardy Watts locks in official visit with Michigan

*** On300 West Roxbury (Mass.) Dexter offensive lineman Hardy Watts has informed me that he will be making an official visit to Michigan on June 21. This is big news for U-M as the Wolverines are making Watts a top priority on the board. Remember, Michigan offensive line coach Grant Newsome visited Watts last week and is making a big push for his services. Michigan is squarely in the mix here, but others like Alabama, Clemson and Penn State are working hard as well. Official visits will go a long way in determining Watts’ recruitment.

*** Watts was on campus for an unofficial visit in the spring and took in a practice. He was impressed with the way Newsome worked with the offensive line as well as how hands on he was with the group. Newsome spent a small amount of time with Watts after his showcase last week and also shared some words with Watts mother at the beginning of the event. New Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore is personally involved in this recruitment and impressed Watts and his family during their stay in Ann Arbor. Moore will have another shot to hit a home run when Watts makes his OV.

*** *** Watts is a guy that I still want to see more of moving forward. The services are all over the place with him. Both On3 and Rivals have him in the Top 200, while ESPN and 247 have him graded as a three-star. I think the answer is probably somewhere in the middle. I currently have him as a four-star, fringe Top 300 prospect, similar to U-M commit Avery Gach, who appears to be more physical but not as athletic. If Michigan does land Watts, I still think they need to figure out a way to land a true tackle or Michael Carroll, who has more flexibility than both Gach and Watts.

*** Michigan is planning to take three offensive linemen this cycle but could take four in the right situation. Carroll and five-star tackle Andrew Bablola are at the very top of the board along with Watts. Michigan is also pressing hard for the Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman trio of Douglas Utu, SJ Alofaituli and Alai Kalaniuvalu. All are slated to come in for official visits next month. Three-star Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy center Kaden Strayhorn is coming in for an OV as well.

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