Michigan Football Recruiting: Army Bowl Preview

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East vs. West

Date: Jan. 6, 2018

Site: Alamodome (65,890); San Antonio, Texas

Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. CST

Television: NBC

Series Facts: The West currently leads the series over the East, 9-8. Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson won the MVP award in the 2016 game as he helped his West squad defeat the East 37-9.

Dearborn (Mich.) Divine Child four-star strongside defensive end Aidan Hutchinson has blossomed into a big-time pass rusher since picking up his offer as a sophomore. He's now up to 6-6 and 266 pounds and definitely passes the eyeball test with flying colors.

Hutchinson will rotate into the ball game as a non starter and will play on both the left and right side of the defense depending on the offense's formation. He'll be wearing his dad's No. 97 and will likely make a play or two by putting pressure on the quarterback or getting in passing lanes with his length.

Grand Rapids (Mich.) Catholic Central three-star offensive tackle Jalen Mayfield has also developed nicely over the course of his senior season. When offered by Michigan he looked like a too-lean project type but at 6-6, 275 pounds he's right where he needs to be with more than half of his senior year left. By the time he gets to Michigan he'll be upwards of 280 pounds and ready to use his plus athleticism to battle for a spot on U-M's offensive line.

Mayfield is also a non starter and worked almost exclusively at right tackle throughout the week. The West coaching staff definitely recognized Mayfield's athleticism throughout the week so look for him to get out in space on screens and bubbles. He wore No. 74 in high school but will rock No. 77 in the Army Bowl.

Indianapolis Lawerence Central four-star outside linebacker Cameron McGrone is the lone starter among the future Wolverines. The 6-1, 222-pounder showed great flashes of speed all week in practice but hasn't been able to really hit and tackle anyone for a while. He'll get a chance to do that later today and should flourish in the simple defensive scheme.

The West squad is down a few linebackers due to injury and McGrone learned all three LB positions so look for him to be on the field a lot. He'll be wearing No. 22 and should be all over the field.

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