Michigan TE Commit Louis Hansen On Jim Harbaugh, New England Momentum, More

Louis Hansen simply felt at home.

The Rivals100 tight end from Needham (Mass.) St. Sebastian’s gave Michigan a verbal commitment a couple of weeks ago. Since then, Hansen has continued to build a strong rapport with the UM coaching staff.

“I’ve talked with Coach (Jim) Harbaugh and have talked with and video chatted with Coach (Sherrone) Moore a few times since,” Hansen said. “It’s shifted a little bit. There is less recruiting going on and more life talk. We’ve also talked about things I can do better and how I can help them add pieces.”

With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has had an opportunity to really hone in on recruiting. When it comes to this cycle in particular, Harbaugh is genuinely getting to know his commits on a personal basis.

Hansen already felt comfortable with Harbaugh going into his commitment. But now, their bond is surpassing just a player-coach relationship.

“Just a few days after I committed, he wanted to get on the phone,” Hansen said. “I gave him a call, and he was on a walk with his kids. It was just a laid back conversation. He also texted me and my dad ‘Happy Easter.’”

At this point in the interview, Hansen didn’t get a chance to finish his quote. He was actually interrupted by his own father — Michael Hansen, who exclaimed that Harbaugh texted him first.

A proud parent filled with excitement, Michael wanted to share his own thoughts on Harbaugh.

“So EJ, we were talking, and he sent me a video of chicks,” Michael said. “I looked at Lou and didn’t know how to take it. Then he sent me a text after, and it said all kids love chicks (laughs). What I like about him even more now is that he’s very spiritual. He’s always sending something extremely nice. I look down and get texts from him that say hug your family and that type of stuff.”

Harbaugh is obviously making both Louis and Michael feel like part of the Michigan program. As they put it, it’s a family in Ann Arbor.

And Louis is doing everything he can to ensure other top Michigan targets in New England join his family. Louis has his eyes set on two recruits in particular — 2021 Rivals100 offensive lineman Drew Kendall and four-star 2022 linebacker Tyler Martin.

“I’ve talked to Drew Kendall about three times,” Hansen said. “We text all the time. We’re good buddies. He had some questions about Michigan and the coaching staff. We both had the same top schools, so I helped him navigate all the other schools. I told him why I thought Michigan was the best fit for me. I think it’s the best fit for him as well. I’d be excited if he’d join us. I’ve been talking to Tyler Martin as well. He’s a really good kid.

“I just tell them that I think it’s the best combination of athletics and academics in the country. I really do. There is a very similar vibe that they would get in Massachusetts. But it’s also away from Massachusetts, so it’s a good way to leave the state but go to a place that you’re comfortable with along with like-minded people.”

Four of the Wolverines’ nine commits are from New England, giving Michigan a huge presence in Massachusetts this recruiting cycle.

“It’s really nice to see,” Hansen said. “Obviously, when I get there, guys will be there that I know and that I’m familiar with. I think it also helps when there are a couple of kids in the class from Massachusetts. The rest of the kids see that and think it’s something they may want to be a part of as well.

“I think Michigan is building a good base in Massachusetts. Hopefully, we can all get on the field at Michigan and show off Massachusetts football.”

Hansen hopes to visit Michigan soon after the dead period comes to an end.

At 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, Hansen is ranked as the No. 4 tight end and No. 66 overall recruit in the country, per Rivals.com.

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