Darboh brings playmaking ability
West Des Moines (Iowa) Dowling Catholic wide receiver Amara Darboh pulled the trigger earlier tonight. The four-star prospect is the No. 31 wide receiver and No. 208 prospect regardless of position in the country, according to Rivals.com. He kept it simple with his text message:
"Michigan it is," he said.
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Though he had been planning to take an official visit to the University of Florida in December, Darboh decided the time was right for a commitment to the Wolverines. An in-home visit from Michigan defensive backs coach Curt Mallory on Thursday helped seal the deal.
Darboh is listed with a 4.42-second 40-yard dash time, and a 4.28-second time in the shuttle run. Those are both impressive numbers, but according to Dowling Catholic coach Tom Wilson, that's not all the four-star brings to the table.
"He runs 4.42 but I wouldn't say that he's a burner by any stretch of the imagination," said Wilson. "He's a reliable guy that can make the tough catches for you."
Helping him make those tough catches is good size. He stands 6-2, 190 pounds as a senior in high school, and a college strength and conditioning program will help him add even more mass.
"I think he's a bigger physical presence," Wilson said. "He's not a make you miss kinda guy."
Relationships with Michigan were a big benefit in Darboh's recruitment. His basketball coach grew up a Michigan fan (and accompanied the wide receiver on an unofficial visit to Michigan this summer), and a connection between Mallory and Wilson helped give the Wolverines a leg up.
"I know Curt Mallory very well," said Wilson. "Michigan is just selling Michigan history and the program as it is right now. I think the big thing is he could be a part of that change and part of something special up at Michigan."
Darboh is the first wide receiver to commit to Michigan's recruiting class of 2012, and the No. 24 commitment overall for Brady Hoke's class. The Wolverines are expected to take four more prospects to close out the class, including at least one more wide receiver.