Early Michigan Offer Resonating Well With Stud Freshman Jalen Berger

Michigan was one of the first programs to offer Ramsey (N.J.) Don Bosco Prep freshman athlete Jalen Berger and that has stuck with the versatile playmaker. The 6-0, 175-pounder is very happy to have U-M as an option already.

"It means everything," he said. "They’re a team I watch on TV all the time. Jabrill Peppers is someone that grew up like 10 minutes away from where I stay. I never really knew him but I know of him and I’ve watched him a lot. I visited up there once and that was amazing. It’s really big to get that offer."

With admiration for Peppers, Berger's spring-game visit to Ann Arbor meant that much more. The idea of following in the footsteps of some hometown legends is quite appealing to Berger.

"It was amazing. They have everything you could possibly need," Berger said. "There’s obviously a really good connections with Jersey people. From Paramus Catholic, other schools, it’s pretty cool.

"I know Rashan Gary and Drew Singleton a little bit. I know a few guys. I didn’t spend a lot of time with them or anything but the spring game was a great time. I got to watch Kareem Walker play which is awesome. He was a guy I really looked up to when I was in the 8th grade. That was a cool experience him watching him play."

Berger plans to see the New Jersey guys again — possibly very soon.

"I’m going to get back up there to Michigan for sure. I hope it’s really soon. I’d like to in a couple of weeks but I’m not sure," Berger said. "I want to check out a game but I have to discuss that all with my parents. I don’t really have any other visits planned right now."

Michigan was in early for Berger but other schools are also involved and many more will come along for the talented athlete. He listed his current offers and also talked about a childhood favorite.

"I have Rutgers, Syracuse, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, and Boston College so far," he said. "I actually grew up liking Ohio State but they haven’t offered. Me and my brother really liked them growing up so that’s just the team I looked at a lot. They send me some mail and that’s about it. I like the rivalry they have with Michigan though."

With three years of high school left, Berger has a ton of time to let more offers stream in. As those new options become available, he'll continue to take visits and will eventually begin to shrink things down in order to make a decision.

"I really just look at the coaches to see how much they want to take me in," he said. "I’m looking at the big picture to see what each school has to offer. I still have three years left so it’s not a rush or anything like that."

Berger can play running back, slot receiver and multiple positions in the secondary because of his lengthy build and overall athleticism. Running back seems to be his best fit but he's talented enough to do a lot on the field.

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