Michigan Reels In A Prize Catch

For those who thought the Michigan-Michigan State battle ended one evening in late Oct., welcome to the world of recruiting. One of the state's top athletes, and Rivals.com's No. 2 overall prospect in the class, chose between the two top in-state universities at a press conference in his high school. Jackson, Mich.'s Antonio Bass announced he will don the Maize and Blue of Michigan next year.

"My decision is to go to Michigan," said Bass at the press conference.

The 6-1, 195-pound Bass was highly sought by schools from across the country because of his playmaking ability and unique combination of size and speed. While he can play a number of positions, this decision likely says that staying at quarterback is not of great importance to the prep signal caller. Michigan State, the runner-up in the Bass sweepstakes, had been dangling that carrot in front of the four-star prospect after he mentioned a desire to continue his quarterback role at the next level.

At Michigan, Bass could come in on either side of the football – as a wide receiver on offense or a safety on defense. His 4.4 40-yard dash speed and superb agility may necessitate a look on the offensive side first, though. This past year, Bass rushed for 1,246 yards and 15 touchdowns from the quarterback position. He added 528 yards and four touchdowns through the air. He earned all-state accolades for his performance.

In the past, Rivals.com's No. 42 overall prospect in the country has said in the past he would not mind being used in much the same way as Michigan junior wide receiver Steve Breaston – as both a wide receiver and kick returner. With his verbal commitment to the Wolverines today, Bass is one step closer to that dream.

Watch for the full details on Bass' announcement later today on TheWolverine.com.