New Wolverine: Ben Gedeon

Ben Gedeon, a linebacker from Hudson (OH) Hudson High School, became the 17th commitment to the 2013 class. He is a consensus 4* linebacker / athlete across the board. Gedeon is listed at about 6'3" 215 lbs. or so currently. At that size, he will probably play the WILL linebacker spot when he arrives on campus. However, given the depth at linebacker that the coaches have built over the last few classes, Gedeon should be able to redshirt his freshman season to build up muscle and size. 


Gedeon is a good athlete with pretty good speed. He plays running back and linebacker in high school so you know he is able to cover receivers and tight ends. He also sheds tackles pretty well and tackles the ball carrier well. But I think Gedeon will definitely need that redshirt year to add some mass to become a more effective run stopper. If he adds enough, he could move over to the MIKE linebacker spot.


The following are the current recruiting rankings for Ben Gedeon:
Scout: 4*, #13 OLB, #159 Overall
Rivals: 4*, #8 ILB, #224 Overall
ESPN: 4*, 80 - Scout Grade, #32 Athlete, #17 OH
247: 4*, 90 - 247 Rating, #23 Athlete, #14 OH

New Wolverine: DeVeon Smith

DeVeon Smith, a running back from Warren (OH) Howland High School, became the 16th commitment of the class of 2013 on Saturday. He is currently listed at about 5'11" and 210 lbs., which makes him a good size for a running back. He is the second running back to commit to the class, alongside Wyatt Shallman. Smith is a powerful back that literally does not go down. It takes a defense about three guys to bring him down and that is after he breaks multiple tackles. His highlight film is pretty good showing his ability to drive through would be tacklers on his way to the end zone. 

Smith's speed is my only question. However, while he doesn't have the speed of Ty Isaac, Smith is still able to outrun a few players. Once he gets on campus, he will have every opportunity to compete for the starting position, depending on the status of Fitzgerald Toussaint. I think Smith will come in and be the backup for his freshman season and then come his sophomore year, he could become the starter. 

Plus, if Ty Isaac plans on committing too, that would be one great compliment to DeVeon Smith. Isaac has the speed, but Smith has the pounding ability. We will see what Isaac decides to do, but Smith is definitely a great running back for this class. As you see below, I think DeVeon Smith is a very underrated running back, other than Scout of course.

The following are the current recruiting rankings for DeVeon Smith:

Scout: 4*, #7 RB, #58 Overall

Rivals: 3*, #32 RB

ESPN: 4*, 79 - Scout Grade, #28 RB, #18 OH

247: 3*, 89 - 247 Rating, #32 RB, #18 OH

New Wolverine: Gareon Conley

Gareon Conley, a cornerback from Massillon (OH) Washington High School, committed to the class of 2013 over the weekend and making him the 15th recruit in the class. He is list at about 6'1" 170 lbs., which would mean he will be the tallest corner on the team by the time he reaches Michigan. I really like Conley's skill set and I think he is pretty underrated by the recruiting services. He is not real fast, but his height and length makes him a nice corner prospect for the Wolverines. Being that tall will be really nice because it gives Michigan someone bigger to match up with the tall receivers throughout the B1G. 

I honestly think that Conley could push for playing time his redshirt freshman year. He is pretty light and needs to add some weight and muscle. But his size makes you excited to see him match up with the bigger receivers. His film is fun to watch because he has the length to fly to the ball and knock it away without interfering with the receiver. He also goes up and high points the pass pretty well too.

The following are the current recruiting rankings for Gareon Conley:

Scout: 4*, #22 CB, #227 Overall

Rivals: 3*, NR Athlete

ESPN: 4*, 81 - Scout Grade, #6 CB, #63 Overall, #3 OH

247: 3*, 88 - 247 Rating, #43 CB, #27 OH

New Wolverine: Mike McCray II

Mike McCray II just became the 14th commitment to the class of 2013 and the first linebacker. He is from Trotwood (OH) Trotwood-Madison and is listed at about 6'4" and 220 lbs. or so. McCray is slated for the sam linebacker position and could even move down to the weak-side defensive end position. He has good size for SLB and has pretty good coverage skills. McCray also seems to have decent speed as well for his size. 

There have been some rumblings that McCray could switch to the Buckeyes if they were to offer, since his dad is a former captain for them. I don't know if that will / would happen and I hope not since McCray has nice upside. He could come in and compete for a backup spot to Jake Ryan. If not, McCray will take that redshirt year to refine his skills and be ready to play come his redshirt freshman season. 

The following are the current recruiting rankings for Mike McCray II:

Scout: 4*, #20 OLB, #202 Overall

Rivals: 4*, #8 OLB, #44 Overall

ESPN: 4*, 81 - Scout Grade, #7 OLB, #75 Overall, #4 OH

247: 4*, 92 - 247 Rating, #12 Athlete, #173 Overall, #8 OH

New Wolverine: Patrick Kugler

Patrick Kugler, from Wexford (PA) North Allegheny SHS, became the fifth offensive lineman and 13th overall commitment to the class of 2013 over the weekend. He is listed at 6'5" and 280 lbs. and is slated at offensive guard or even center. I haven't watched any film on Kugler but I would have to assume he is pretty good since his dad is the offensive line coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers and his brother will be a redshirt freshman offensive lineman at Purdue (if I remember correctly). Kugler is probably the last offensive lineman that Michigan signs for this class. There is always the possibility that one of them decommits or Michigan picks up a sixth lineman. But unless it is someone like Ethan Pocic or Laremy Tunsil, I don't see anyone else joining the offensive lineman group for this class.

The following are the current recruiting rankings for Patrick Kugler:

Scout: 5*, #1 OG, #25 Overall

Rivals: 4*, #7 OT #54 Overall

ESPN: 4*, 80 - Scout Grade, #5 OG, #121 Overall, #6 PA

247: 4*, 92 - 247 Rating, #8 OG, #192 Overall, #6 PA

New Wolverine: Taco Charlton

Taco Charlton, from Pickerington (OH) Pickerington Central, was another recruit Michigan picked up over the last weekend. He is listed at 6'6" and 240 lbs. (according to Rivals) and will play the defensive end spot at Michigan. Some scouts have him as an outside linebacker (since he did play that his junior year of high school), but since he is that tall I doubt he plays linebacker. After watching his film, he has good speed for someone that big and he appears to have decent change of direction skills. However, I think he will use that speed to rush off the end of the line and get to the quarterback. 

Charlton is a little raw at this point and will need to work on staying low and better technique. As others have said, he is a bit of a project. Since we picked up some good defensive ends in the class of 2012, I think it was a good idea to go after someone like Charlton. He has a huge upside and could become a great player for Michigan, but it will take a redshirt year and maybe another year or two for him to become a good player. Defensive end is a position that has some depth again, maybe not much experience but now we have some bodies that can play the position and talent won't be too much of a drop off.

The following are the current recruiting rankings for Taco Charlton:

Scout: 3*, #30 DE

Rivals: 4*, #17 SDE, #183 Overall

ESPN: 4*, 81 - Scout Grade, #9 DE, #115 Overall, #6 OH

247: 4*, 94 - 247 Rating, #4 OLB, #86 Overall, #4 OH

New Wolverine: Jake Butt

Jake Butt was another one of the eight to commit this past weekend to the class of 2013. He is from Pickerington (OH) Pickerington North and is listed at 6'6" and 230 lbs. (according to Rivals). Butt is a player that was being recruited for defensive end and tight end, but Michigan told him that he would be playing tight end for the Wolverines. He is the second tight end Michigan has picked up so far, with Khalid Hill being the other. Along with Kyle Kalis, and multiple other players over the years, Butt grew up as a huge Ohio (yes that one, with the nuts as the mascot) fan, but a few weeks ago he said that Michigan was "way on top" of his favorites list. Plus, it helps that Ohio hasn't offered him a scholarship. 

I have not watched any film on him, so I do not know how good of a tight end he is. But I have read that he is a pretty good blocker and has above average speed for a tight end. He already has decent measurements for a tight end, so by the time he gets on campus he could be an early contributor. 

The following are the current recruiting rankings for Jake Butt:

Scout: 4*, #6 TE, #147 Overall

Rivals: 4*, #4 TE, #96 Overall

ESPN: 4*, 80 - Scout Grade, #4 TE-Y, #13 OH

247: 4*, 90 - 247 Rating, #10 TE, #15 OH

New Wolverine: Jaron Dukes

Jaron Dukes just committed to Michigan for the class of 2013. He is number twelve for the class and the first wide receiver. I will have a more in depth New Wolverine post / update this one sometime tomorrow.


Update: Like I said in the original post, Jaron Dukes committed to Michigan yesterday. He is from Columbus (OH) Marion-Franklin and is listed at 6'5" and about 200 lbs. He is the first wide receiver for the class of 2013 and Michigan will more than likely add at least one more. Dukes is a tall receiver that has ok speed. After watching his highlight tape I seen that he has the speed to break away from some defensive backs, but it is not the type of speed that will allow him to outrun college backs. He will be a nice jump-ball possession type of receiver for Michigan. If he can be like Junior Hemingway in the sense that if the ball is thrown his way he will do whatever is necessary to catch it, then Michigan has picked up a nice weapon for the offense. Hopefully over his senior season and after he redshirts (I think there is a strong possibility of this happening) he can add some speed to his game.


I like the pickup because Michigan will need that possession receiver after Jeremy Jackson graduates after the 2013 season. Jackson, in my opinion, is the only receiver on the roster currently (not including incoming freshmen Amara Darboh and Jehu Chesson) that is that type of receiver. Plus, it never hurts to grab a player from right under your biggest rival's hometown (think Patrick Omameh and Trey Burke).


The following are the current recruiting rankings for Jaron Dukes:
Scout: 4*, #39 WR, #287 Overall
Rivals: 3*, #43 WR
ESPN: 4*, 80 - Scout Grade, #29 WR, #10 OH
247: 3*, 87 - 247 Rating, #69 WR, #29 OH

New Wolverine: David Dawson

David Dawson, the second commitment of the past weekend from Detroit (MI) Cass Technical joining Jourdan Lewis, is the fourth offensive lineman of the class of 2013. He is listed at 6'4" and 290 lbs. (according to Scout) and will probably play offensive guard. However, he has told others that he would be willing to also play center, which is a really big need for this class. Dawson played for a high school in Texas during his junior year, but recently moved back to Michigan to join Cass Tech again for his senior year. I have not personally watched any film on Dawson, so I am not sure how good he is, other than by looking at his recruiting rankings. He will most likely redshirt to gain weight, strength and technique. If he becomes a center he could see the field earlier than if he stays at guard, but either way he is a solid pickup for depth at least, if not more.

The following are the current recruiting rankings for David Dawson:

Scout: 3*, #10 OG, #264 Overall

Rivals: 4*, #23 OT, #199 Overall

ESPN: 4*, 81 - Scout Grade, #1 OG, #92 Overall, #2 MI

247: 4*, 92 - 247 Rating, #9 OG, #199 Overall, #4 MI

New Wolverine: Kyle Bosch

Kyle Bosch is number three for the offensive line for the class of 2013. He is a beast of a player from Wheaton (IL) St. Francis and is listed at 6'5" and 285 lbs. Bosch is, like the other offensive line commitments, a major pickup and need. After this season Patrick Omameh, Ricky Barnum, Rocko Khoury and Elliot Mealer all graduate... and all four are offensive guards. Depth along the o-line is going to be thin, so just like the 2012 class, the 2013 class will have about four or five commitments. Bosch could come in and contribute right away just like Kyle Kalis can this next season. His highlight tape is pretty impressive in my opinion as he just blows up guys and keeps on going. Bosch is probably the offensive lineman I am most excited about, especially since Sparty fans thought he was going to go to Michigan State. Along with Chris Fox, Kyle Bosch has a chance to move into 5* status as he is also a high 4* prospect.

The following are the current recruiting rankings for Kyle Bosch:

Scout: 4*, #4 OT, #49 Overall

Rivals: 4*, #9 OT #60 Overall

ESPN: 4*, 81 - Scout Grade, #4 OG, #112 Overall, #6 IL

247: 4*, 95 - 247 Rating, #1 OG, #42 Overall, #1 IL

New Wolverine: Chris Fox

Chris Fox is a second offensive lineman that was added to the class of 2013. He is a offensive tackle from Parker (CO) Ponderosa and is listed at 6'6" and 297 lbs. Fox is a highly rated guy that could move into the 5* status by the end of the recruiting cycle. There was some speculation that he was going to be one of the newest commitments a couple weeks ago, and he made that come true this past weekend. On tape he looks like an absolute mauler, something that should fit in perfectly in a couple years as Michigan goes back to more of a pro-style offense. Like Logan Tuley-Tillman, Chris Fox adds some depth at the tackle position and could push for playing time whether that be his freshman or redshirt freshman season. 

The following are the current recruiting rankings for Chris Fox:

Scout: 4*, #4 OG, #137 Overall

Rivals: 4*, #4 OT, #46 Overall

ESPN: 4*, 81 - Scout Grade, #10 OT, #105 Overall, #1 CO

247: 4*, 95 - 247 Rating, #8 OT, #53 Overall, #1 CO

New Wolverine: Logan Tuley-Tillman

Logan Tuley-Tillman also committed to Michigan this past weekend. He is an offensive tackle from Peoria (IL) Manual and is listed at 6'7" and 301 lbs. (according to Scout). After visiting Ann Arbor about eight or so times over the last couple of months, it was only a matter of time before LTT committed to Michigan. Originally he had said he would like to have his recruitment over with around his birthday (sometime in February if I remember correctly). However, as the offers started pouring in from the likes of Alabama, Florida State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Wisconsin, he wanted to take his time and take all of his official visits this fall. But I think as LTT seen the offensive line portion of the class fill up over the weekend (all with solid to very solid prospects) he decided that he better jump in the class before his spot is filled.

Tuley-Tillman has great size for the blind side tackle spot. Right now Taylor Lewan has that covered and Erik Magnuson (c/o 2012) could be the next in line. However, after more-than-likely redshirting his freshman season, LTT could push Magnuson as the blind side guy. He adds great depth to the tackle position, something Michigan may lack after Lewan and Michael Schofield graduate after the 2013 season.

The following are the current recruiting rankings for Logan Tuley-Tillman:

Scout: 4*, #14 OT, #153 Overall

Rivals: 4*, #13 OT, #109 Overall

ESPN: 4*, 81 - Scout Grade, #9 OT, #97 Overall, #5 IL

247: 4*, 94 - 247 Rating, #13 OT, #82 Overall, #6 IL

New Wolverine: Jourdan Lewis

Jourdan Lewis from Detroit (MI) Cass Technical was one of two recruits to commit from the Michigan pipeline this past weekend. Lewis joined high school teammate David Dawson in the class of 2013 (New Wolverine post coming soon). Lewis is another cornerback from Cass Tech that is going to play for the Wolverines. Past corners from the school to play for Michigan include: Boubacar Cissoko, Delonte Hollowell, and Terry Richardson. That is not including players from Cass Tech like William Campbell (c/o 2009, nose tackle), Thomas Gordon (c/o 2009, free safety), Royce Jenkins-Stone (c/o 2012, linebacker) and Teric Jones (no longer with the team).

Lewis has the chance to be the best corner to come out of the school, to the best of my knowledge. Listed at 5'11" and 170 lbs. (according to Rivals), he is taller than most of the corners to come out of Cass Tech. I have not watched any tape on Lewis, but reports have him being better than Terry Richardson (who was his teammate last season and pretty highly rated). I am excited to see Lewis play for Michigan and feel good about the talent and depth that Coach Hoke is bringing to the defensive backfield. 

The following are the current recruiting rankings for Jourdan Lewis:

Scout: 4*, #23 CB, #251 Overall

Rivals: 4*, #12 CB, #167 Overall

ESPN: 4*, 81 - Scout Grade, #11 CB, #107 Overall, #3 MI

247: 4*, 90 - 247 Rating, #22 CB, #7 MI

New Wolverine: Wyatt Shallman

Wyatt Shallman, from Novi (MI) Detroit Catholic Central, was the first of eight recruits that committed to Michigan over the past weekend. Shallman is / was recruited to play running back for Michigan, even though his body type resembles more of a defensive end than running back. Being listed at 6'3" and 245 lbs. (according to Scout) is not usual for the running back spot. However, Shallman has pretty good speed for his size and the coaches believe he could be a good change of pace back (compared to the other running backs Michigan is recruiting). I personally like the idea of seeing Shallman plow into the defensive line and just bowling linebackers over, but I guess we will see when he gets to campus if he grew too much to be effective at running back. Time will tell with Shallman. 

Note: Other notable recent Detroit Catholic Central players for Michigan include: Mike Martin (class of 2008) and Matt Godin (class of 2012).

The following are the current recruiting rankings for Wyatt Shallman:

Scout: 4*, #1 FB, #179 Overall

Rivals: 4*, #10 Athlete, #160 Overall

ESPN: 3*, 79 - Scout Grade, #1 FB, #8 MI

247: 4*, 90 - 247 Rating, #13 SDE, #5 MI

Recruiting Update: 02.21.12

When I get some time, I will have the New Wolverine posts for the players that committed to Michigan over the last weekend. It was a big haul as eight players pledged to the class of 2013. Hopefully I will have time either later today or tomorrow. I am also still working on the Needs for 2013 List and my Wish List. Of course, since the commitments of those eight players, the list will slightly change from what I originally had.

New Wolverine: Khalid Hill

Khalid Hill

Khalid Hill, a tight end / defensive end from Detroit (MI) Crockett Vocational Tech HS, committed to Michigan today. He is the third commit to the class of 2013, joining Shane Morris and Dymonte Thomas. He is currently listed at 6'2" and 235 lbs. Since the 2013 recruiting has just started to pick up, there isn't much in recruiting rankings for Hill. As the year goes, I will update this New Wolverine post with new information. The following, however, is what is out there currently:

Scout:  3*, #16 TE

Rivals: 3*, NR TE

ESPN: 3*, 79 - Scout Grade, #6 TE-H, #7 MI

247:     3*, 86 - 247 Rating, #23 TE, #9 MI

Hill adds some depth to tight end and Michigan is expected to probably add one more to the mix by the end of the 2013 class. I heard that Hill was the coaches pick for the best tight end at a recent camp, so as soon as he was offered (today supposedly) he said yes to being a part of the Wolverines. Welcome Khalid and GO BLUE!

Update (02.06.12 @ 4:35 pm)

   After watching some film, Hill seems to have good hands will decent speed, at least for a tight end. I think he will need to add some weight (like most high school players), but it's too bad he isn't two inches or so taller. He could be a decent player for Michigan, but a game changer is something I don't really see in his film. Hopefully he proves me wrong. Either way, there is no arguing my support for any player that plays for Michigan. 

New Wolverine: Dennis Norfleet

Dennis Norfleet, a running back out of Detroit (MI) King HS, committed to the Wolverines late last night. Norfleet was previously committed to the Cincinnati Bearcats, but something changed yesterday that got him on the good team. He is a short, super built running back that has excellent speed. At about 5'7" and 160-170ish pounds, he will need to pack on some weight to be a more every down back. But he has the speed and elusiveness to be a contributor on kick / punt returns right away.

This commitment was a surprise to many, especially myself. Norfleet doesn't fit the mold of a bruising pro-style running back that Coach Hoke seemed to be looking for. But there is no denying Norfleet's speed and ability. With Drake Johnson committed as the other running back in this class, these two could be a decent one-two punch, with Johnson having a significantly bigger body.

While this commitment was surprising to me this morning, I am really excited to see what Norfleet will do as a Wolverine over the next few years. He has the breakaway speed and ability to be a threat for the offense and special teams. He may not be an every down back like Touissaint, but Norfleet could be a pretty good third down back like Vincent Smith (small, but strong and full of grit).

Below are the recruiting rankings for Dennis Norfleet:

Scout:  4*, #19 RB

Rivals: 4*, #5 All Purpose Back, #236 Overall

ESPN: 3*, 75 - Scouts Grade, #81 RB

247:     4*, 94 - 247 Rating, #7 All Purpose Back, #169 Overall

New Wolverine: Willie Henry

Willie Henry, a defensive tackle from Cleveland (OH) Glenville, committed to the Wolverines yesterday / today (depending on who you listen to). Henry is a mid to low 3* DT according to the four major recruiting services. The scouts mostly like his burst off the line but you can tell that he is a raw player that will need some coaching up. I, personally, love the catch since defensive tackle is a somewhat slim position as far as depth is concerned. Especially with Martin and Van Bergen graduating. 

Henry could turn into a solid contributor in the next couple years if he is able to refine his skills more and pack on some weight. With Hoke, Montgomery, and Mattison as his coaches, I have little doubt in what he could become. Plus, it definitely helps getting a second player from Glenville in as many years, since it has been an Ohio State talent hotbed for years. 

Below is the recruiting rankings for Willie Henry:

   Scout:   3*, #38 DT

   Rivals:  3*, NR DT

   ESPN:  3*, 75 - Scouts Grade, #97 DT

   247:      3*, 83 - 247 Rating, #75 DT