Michigan recruiting observations on several top targets from OT7 North
Thoughts on Michigan targets from the OT7 North event in Baltimore this weekend.
QB Cutter Boley, Lexington (Ky.) Christian Academy (2025) — A big-framed pocket passer, Boley displayed a strong arm and elite velocity on his throws. Boley has terrific mechanics and has unlocked a lot of power by using his lower half, which is something a lot of underclassmen quarterbacks struggle with. This tournament was weird and allowed quarterbacks to run in certain situations. Boley is pretty athletic and can move. I love what Boley brings to the table and have him graded as a five-star level prospect.
WR I’Marion Stewart, Chicago (Ill.) Kenwood — Something Zach Libby and I have noticed with Stewart is a recent weight gain. Once listed at 160, the Stewart is filling out his frame nicely and now looks closer to 185 pounds. The added weight hasn’t slowed him down. Stewart was one of the better receivers in Baltimore on Saturday, making several key plays. As I’ve stated before, Stewart is a terrific route runner, natural pass catcher and has the ability to play in the slot or out wide.
WR Jordan Shipp, Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day — I only had a chance to see one of Shipp’s pool play games since I just saw him last week and wanted to focus on others. Shipp was unusually quiet in that game, so I don’t really have much to add here. I’m chalking it up as an anomaly as Shipp has had a really strong offseason. As most of you know, I think Shipp is one of the more undervalued wide receivers nationally — along with Stewart. Speed is a question, but I love the strong hands/catch radius.
WR Elijah Moore, Olney (Md.) Good Counsel — Moore was the best of the 2024 Michigan wide receiver targets at the tournament. This dude was a touchdown machine and an absolute playmaker on the outside. As I mentioned in my recent eval of Moore, he is a legit 6-foot-4 and can bend in and out of breaks. That was on full display in this event as Moore was consistently open. Moore can be a big red zone target, but he can also run routes like a little guy. A three-star prospect, Moore is extremely underrated. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him vault into the On300 soon.
WR Talyn Taylor, Geneva (Ill.) Community (2025) — Taylor reminds me a bit of a Devonta Smith type. He has a long, slender build and is explosive in and out of breaks. Unfortunately, I didn’t see many passes go Taylor’s way. He was consistently open, though, and looked the part of a high-level receiver.
WR Phillip Bell, Mission Hills (Calif.) Bishop Alemany (2025) — Bell is an impressive prospect on the hoof at 6-foot-1, 185 pounds. He has an impressive lower half with the frame to add more weight in his upper half. Bell rotated in and out on Saturday and wasn’t as involved as you would expect. It was tough to get a feel for his game.
LB CJ Jimcoily, Nashville (Tenn.) Lipscomb (2025) — Jimcoily is listed as a safety, but it’s pretty evident he’s going to be an athletic linebacker at the next level. Jimcoily is quickly filling out his 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame and has room to add another 20-25 pounds. Jimcoily move around in the secondary and looked comfortable in coverage. He has the traits to be a sideline-to-sideline backer at a place like Michigan. I think he can be a perfect scheme fit. His ranking should rise if he embraces the transition.
CB Ondre Evans, Nashville (Tenn.) CPA — One of the biggest risers in the most recent rankings release, Evans is now a Top 100 prospect on On3. I’m not quite there yet, but I do think he looks the part of an On300 recruit. Evans is a legit 6-foot and has a muscular build that allows him to play physical. He’s certainly not lacking in the speed department as he recently ran a 10.70 100-meter. He’s still raw from a technical standpoint, but the upside is certainly there. He’s definitely an intriguing prospect on the cornerback board.
N Boo Carter, Chattanooga (Tenn.) Brainerd — Carter is the definition of a Swiss Army knife. He plays running back at the high school level and makes a killing out of the slot in 7v7. While he can play offense at the next level, Carter best projects as a defensive back. You can line him at corner or safety, but he’ll be a nickel in Michigan’s defense if he ends up in Ann Arbor. And I love the fit. An On300 prospect, Carter has great natural ball skills and a knack for coming away with pass breakups and interceptions. The 5-foot-10, 180-pounder can do so much on the back end.
S CJ Heard, Atlanta (Ga.) Woodward — Heard is listed at 6-foot but did not pass the EJ height test as he’s much, much closer to 5-foot-10. Heard has a stocky build and looks more like a thumper than an athletic safety. I think he’s a really good football player that looks better in pads than he does in 7v7 settings. A Florida State commit, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Heard spin down and play linebacker at the next level. The best Michigan player (former) I can give is RJ Moten.
ATH David Rodriguez, Providence (RI) Mount Pleasant (2025) — Rodriguez is being recruited to play wide receiver at Michigan, but he suffered immensely from poor quarterback play in this tournament. I basically got no evaluation of him on the offensive side of the ball. However, I do think Rodriguez can be a defensive back at the next level. He was terrific in the secondary, coming away with an interception and several pass breakups. Rodriguez is only a three-star, but there is a lot to like about the versatile prospect.
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