Michigan recruiting takeaways from Midweek MACtion Camp

The Wolverine made a stop in Ypsilanti, Michigan, on Tuesday for the EMU Midweek MACtion Camp, held at Rynearson Stadium. In attendance was nearly every single assistant coach on the Michigan staff, including both coordinators. Kicking off the 2023 camp season locally, the Wolverines are also gearing up for the summer official visit slate.

Here are the biggest Michigan takeaways from the showcase.

Michigan establishing greater face in-state

The Wolverines were one of the few Power 5 programs who showed up for the showcase, which featured several hundred high school prospects from across the midwest. This was the ideal event to begin camp season for Michigan because of distance, availability and the impact it had for the two-time reigning Big Ten Champions to be there. Among the U-M coaches evaluating players were offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore, defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale, wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy, safeties coach Jay Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.

When spotting what the assistants did that evening, it was clear that their presence was met with open arms and sheer exciting from both the high school athletes, local recruiting figureheads, parents and the coaches from other levels. It’s was also a reminder that this current staff is doing everything necessary through good intentions to expand influence inside the border.

U-M will always be able to sell its brand nationwide on the recruiting trail but it’s important to have that base set locally. That also includes the states surrounding Michigan, where priority talent is abundant, like Ohio and Illinois. How those goals end up getting achieved and not faltering is carried out by, for example, bringing all but two assistant coaches to a camp at Eastern Michigan’s campus on a Tuesday night.

LaTroy Lewis gets out on the road

Michigan’s graduate assistant doesn’t get the spotlight as much as he rightfully should because one common attribute of the entire staff is their relentless grind with recruiting and Lewis undoubtedly has that same mindset. The former Tennessee linebacker, who was born and raised in Northeast Ohio, also arrived to Ypsilanti to scout the campers. It’s good to see that Lewis is getting opportunities like this so as to help the program and his own coaching career.

Transitioning from the departure of George Helow earlier this offseason to the re-hiring of Chris Partridge has gone off without a hitch for Lewis, who has known the latter for quite some time because of their SEC connection. Partridge is assisting Lewis through the process, much like Helow did last year, and giving the Akron native the tools to continue climbing the ladder in the profession.

It’s important to note that Lewis has been connecting really well with recruits and not just those playing linebacker. However, 2025 commit Mantrez Walker has said before that Lewis played a big role in his decision. When it comes to Ohio targets, Lewis is creating close relationships behind the scenes. Lewis graduated from powerhouse Archbishop Hoban, which currently has four players with Michigan offers, so he’s fully invested in the team’s invasion into the state.

Intriguing 2025 WR finishes with standout performance

None of the campers on Tuesday had an offer from Michigan but there were a select group who’s visited in the past and has communication with the coaches on more than one occasion. Key prospects of note who competed were 2025 Detroit (Mich.) Cass Tech safety Derrick Jackson, 2025 University of Detroit (Mich.) Jesuit defensive lineman Zachary Green and 2025 Paw Paw (Mich.) High offensive tackle Darrin Strey.

One fast-rising wideout who got plenty of looks Tuesday was 2025 Orchard Lake (Mich.) St. Mary’s three-star Antwon Thomas. Ranked as the No. 9 overall recruit in the state of Michigan, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, Thomas holds two Power 5 offers in Penn State and West Virginia. Much of the MAC schools have thrown their hat in the mix as well. Ron Bellamy wants Thomas to come back to Ann Arbor next month and workout.

At 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, Thomas has light footwork and comfortable when breaking in-and-out of routes. He didn’t drop a single pass that was thrown to him during the 1v1 portion of the camp, even while there were so many eyes locked onto him throughout. The mental maturity and self-confidence is going to help Thomas obtain more Big Ten offers as Purdue, Rutgers, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Minnesota are showing high interest.

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