Michigan targeting talented Georgia DBs
Michigan recently offered a quartet of defensive backs in the state of Georgia. Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines had some success in the Peach State in 2017 when they landed five-star defensive tackle Aubrey Solomon.
They are off to a good start in 2018 too. They have already secured a verbal commitment from Otis Reese, an athlete who could project at linebacker or safety out of Leesburg (Ga.) Lee County. He was teammates with Solomon.
Lets look at five other Michigan targets in Georgia who could end up in the defensive secondary on the next level.
Trey Dean, Safety, Hampton (Ga.) Dutchtown
Smith on Michigan: "The Michigan offer meant a lot to me because Michigan is considered a top program, so I just Thank God for allowing me to be offered by them. I love their game atmosphere, the new uniforms and, of course head coach Jim Harbaugh."
Rivals Reaction: It shouldn't be long before Dean starts to trim his list. He is an early enrollee, so he wants to be committed by the summer. He could commit before his junior year ends in May. Look for Michigan to make the first cut that could come early in March.
As a prospect: Dean is an athlete with good length, a high football I.Q. and the ability to be moved around in the secondary. He is likely a free safety longterm, but he reminds me a little of former Florida cornerback Quincy Wilson coming out of high school, so he could get a look at cornerback.
Christian Jackson, Cornerback, Marietta (Ga.) Lassiter
Jackson on Michigan: "I like how Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan coaching staff holds their players to a certain standard. Also, I know they have the biggest stadium in college football."
Rivals Reaction: Jackson is from Michigan and he actually grew up a fan of Michigan State, so he knows the history in Ann Arbor (Mich.). He is open to all schools at this time.
As a prospect: Jackson is a corner with good length and size. He tracks the ball very well, he is an instinctive player and he os a solid tackler in one-on-one situations.
Kyler McMichael, Athlete, Norcross (Ga.) Greater Atlanta Christian
McMichael on Michigan: "As a kid I was a Michigan fan. It is a great school academically as well as athletically. They brought in Jim Harbaugh who has made a major impact on the program, and Michigan is still a top school that I'll potentially consider."
Rivals Reaction: McMichael is taking the recruiting process very slow. He has a good relationship with Florida defensive backs coach Torian Gray. He visited Duke last week. He will be at Alabama this weekend. Georgia is another school on his radar as are many others. No schools have started to pull away from the pack yet.
As a prospect: McMichael is a versatile athlete. He plays running back and cornerback in high school and his home on the next level will be defense. He is a physical player with a great frame.
Quindarious Monday, Safety, Atlanta (Ga.) Carver
Monday on Michigan: "I love the coaching staff that coach Jim Harbaugh has at Michigan. He is a smart coach and I know he has smart coaches behind him."
Rivals Reaction: Distance could be a real factor for Monday. He recently named Auburn as his top school and when he makes his decision, his family being able to see him play will be part of it.
As a prospect: Monday is a rangy defensive back who needs to add weight and mass. He packs some pop when he makes a tackle and not only can he lay the wood, he has great ball skills as well. He is likely a free safety on the next level.
Myles Sims, Cornerback, Atlanta (Ga.) Westlake
Sims on Michigan: "Michigan is a school where they see me playing all over for their defense. They like me at corner, rover and safety. They like my length and how I can cover on an island. I like how they will play their young players and how they rise up to the occasion in games."
Rivals Reaction: Sims is not dropping any hints on who he is high on right now, if he is high on anyone. Alabama, Clemson, Georgia and many other schools are involved in this one. It is very early in the recruiting process for this Rivals 100 talent.
As a prospect: So many schools are seeking those long defensive backs who can cover a lot of ground and can play with the big wideouts — Sims is one of those. He has the ability to be a top corner or free safety with his skill set.
Christopher Smith, Cornerback, Atlanta (Ga.) Hapeville Charter
Smith on Michigan: "Michigan has one of the greatest of any college football team ever. I know they are producing good defensive players including defensive backs. I like those things and how they play at the Big House. My interest in them is picking up and I am building a relationship with coach [Chris] Partridge (area recruiter/linebackers)."
Rivals Reaction: At this time, Smith is pretty open. When asked about schools he has high interest in, he named schools like Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon, USC and Michigan along with a few others. He does not plan to commit anytime soon.
As a prospect: Smith is a cornerback with very good length and quick reaction. He has good feet, he is good in press coverage and he is only going to get better as he gets bigger and stronger.