Updated Visitors List: March 9-10, 2013
There have been a few changes to this weekend's list of expected football visitors for the regular-season basketball finale. Take a look at the latest here.
Offered 2014 ProspectsGrand Rapids (Mich.) Christian offensive lineman Tommy Doles
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Doles has openly admitted that U-M is atop his list. He also has offers from Iowa State (where his cousin, Kyle Lichtenberg, is a starter on the O-line) and Northwestern. Although Doles tips the scale at only about 250 pounds, his 6-5 height and wide frame will allow him to play at the college level around 290 pounds. That's a good fit for the center position at Michigan, should he opt to become a Wolverine. He's planning to make an early decision, so although a pledge this weekend is not expected, it's possible.
Grand Rapids (Mich.) Christian wide receiver Drake Harris
Doles' teammate is just as coveted by Michigan, and far more so by other programs around the nation. The 6-4, 180-pound wide receiver has offers from the likes of Alabama, Goergia, Notre Dame, and Ohio State, among a dozen others. He is a soft commitment to Michigan State, but this will be his third weekend in a row at the Crisler Center. Michigan is clearly making a move up his list, though there is still lots of work to be done - and a long recruiting process ahead of the No. 56 player in the nation.
Southfield (Mich.) defensive end Lawrence Marshall
A 6-4, 215-pounder, Marshall picked up a Michigan offer in the fall and has taken multiple visits to Ann Arbor, including two weeks ago for the Illinois basketball game. The former Ohio State commit is wide open in the recruiting process, and plans to take his time before coming to a decision. He has a big frame and the body type that can stay at weakside defensive end or grow into a strongside end.
Detroit Loyola defensive end Malik McDowell
McDowell is the most-highly ranked visitor this weekend, coming in at No. 21 on the initial Rivals250 for 2014. The 6-6, 292-pounder has been to Ann Arbor several times, including two weekends ago for the U-M victory over Illinois. McDowell plans to take his time in the recruiting process - and a trip out West this summer - but Michigan is in good early position. His combination of size and quickness make him a great fit for the 3-tech or 5-tech defensive line positions in Michigan's scheme. McDowell plans to make a two-day visit to Ann Arbor.
Unoffered 2014 ProspectsDetroit King cornerback Jalen Embry
Embry has slowly been building a buzz in the offseason. The 5-11, 170-pounder has picked up a few offers from Mid-American Conference programs, and taken visits around the Midwest. U-M's coaches have let the unranked DB know that he should come to their summer camp in hopes of earning an offer. HE's a hard worker and a lifelong U-M fan, and should a scholarship offer eventually come through, the Wolverines would stand a good chance to land him.
2015 ProspectsDetroit Cass Tech defensive lineman Joshua Alabi
Alabi plans to visit Ann Arbor both Saturday and Sunday: the first day to "do business," sitting down with the Michigan coaching staff to hear about their vision for him as a player and in the recruiting process, and Sunday to take in the basketball game. The 6-5, 250-pound Alabi already holds a Michigan offer, and though he's not anywhere close to making his college decision, the Wolverines are an early standout for him. He visited last weekend for the Michigan State basketball game.
Huber Heights (Ohio) Wayne defensive back Tyree Kinnel
The 6-0, 190-pound Kinnel was a sophomore starter for the program that produced former U-M players Terry and Terrence Talbott, as well as Ohio State starting quarterback Braxton Miller. Although he doesn't yet have his first scholarship offer, Kinnel projects as a top regional talent in the 2015 class. He also holds Michigan as his favorite early in the process, and visited for the Illinois football contest in the fall.
Detroit Cass Tech running back Mike Weber
Like Alabi, Weber is a 2015 Cass Tech product who already holds a Michigan offer. The 5-10, 206-pounder ran for over 1,700 yards as a sophomore, and is one of three running backs in the class with an offer. He has already made several visits to Ann Arbor.
No Longer AttendingChicago Marist 2014 tight end Nic Weishar
Weishar has pushed his visit back one week, to March 15-17, in order to see a spring practice in Ann Arbor - and spend time with his buddy, U-M commit Michael Ferns.
Detroit King linebacker 2014 Carl Fuller
Fuller will not be visiting Ann Arbor along with Embry. The linebacker may reschedule his trip for a later date.
Detroit Cass Tech quarterback Jayru Campbell
Campbell was considering a visit along with Alabi and Weber, but will not be able to make the trip this afternoon. He visited last week for the Michigan State game.
Expect many members of Michigan's 2013 signing class to attend the game as well. As always, stay tuned to TheWolverine.com this evening for reactions to the visit by recruits.
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