Recruitaholics: Ooooo Kill Em'

This Week's Dose: The Day is (Almost) Here, Commits in (Lights, Camera) Action, New '16 Offer, Nebraska Visitor List, OT, and she's back, Sayonara Suckas. 


The Day is (Almost) Here

Hand enjoying his time at the UTL II Game.  Image

It's been a long, grueling process for top prospect Da'Shawn Hand, and a long, grueling waiting period for us Wolverine faithful.  That will all change one week from today when Hand declares where he will take his talents.  The list has been down to three for some time now; Michigan, who is still the favorite (87% for Michigan according to 247's Crystal Ball), Alabama, where Hand just returned from a visit that "couldn't have been any better", and lastly Florida, where Hand will visit this weekend as the Gators take on the Missouri Tigers.

There was a little scare following the visit to Tuscaloosa, as you can tell by his reaction (above) and this:

From what I hear so far, #Bama has closed the gap considerably for Da'Shawn Hand. We'll see how the visit sits for a little while.
— Mike Farrell (@rivalsmike) October 28, 2013

After doing some research though, nothing has been mentioned about Alabama gaining enough ground to take the top spot from Michigan.  The Florida visit will be an interesting one.  This is Hand's second or third visit to Gainesville, and according to some, this visit is either going to blow away Hand or have no implication at all.  He has put a lot of emphasis on education and Florida offers both programs Hand is looking to major in, Sports Management and Engineering.   

Keep an eye out after this weekend to see if anything changes following the visit over the weekend.  My gut feeling:  Michigan is Hoke's to lose and I don't see it going any other way as Hand becomes commit #17 for Hoke and co. next Thursday.


Commits in Action
As always, check out our 2014 and 2015 recruiting boards to see latest rankings and profiles
Freddy Canteen's route running skills have always been a strong point of his game.  Need a little proof?  Watch Canteen absolutely working the opposing DB is a 1 on 1 situation:
 
As a former receiver, this is AMAZING! You can' teach that quickness folks!

Wilton Speight continued his spectacular season over the weekend going 15-20 for 220 yards, 2 TD's with 40 yards rushing and 2 TD's on the ground. (via Tom VH)

Lawrence Marshall released his senior season highlights.  Marshall seems to be a much improved player from a year ago and could be the most improved for the '14 class.  Too bad Buckeyes!

Ian Bunting added a senior season highlight to his Hudl page last week.  Bunting is going to be a match-up nightmare for opposing teams. He's 6'8" with great speed.  New nickname: Funchess 2.0.

Mason Cole put a senior season highlight together for us via Hudl previewing games 1-7.

Tyree Kinnell has posted his junior season highlights via Hudl.


New '16 Offer
Offer #4 is out for the '16 class and it goes to NC DT Dexter Lawrence.  Lawrence becomes the second DT offer for this class.  Lawrence is another monster-of-a-kid, standing 6'5 300 lbs.  It's clear Michigan is trying to get some meat back in the middle of the defensive line; Lawrence and fellow '16 DT offeree Rashan Gary are a good start to making that happen.  Here's the big boy's freshman, yes freshman year highlights via Hudl.


Nebraska Visitor List

'14 De La Salle (MI) QB Gio Rescigno - Interesting visitor here.  I don't see Michigan taking another scholarship QB for this class.  More than likely a preferred walk-on offer from Michigan.
'15 Brother Rice (MI) QB Alex Malzone
'15 MI OL David Moorman
'15 OH TE CJ Conrad (Steve Lorenz)

'16 MI S Stefan Claiborne (Steve Lorenz)
'16 St. Mary's (MI) LB/RB Daelin Hayes (Allen Trieu)

'17 DE Corey Malone-Hatcher


OT
Go inside the mind of Jabrill Peppers.  ESPN's Brad Galli speaks with Tom VH regarding his thoughts on Michigan recruiting in the latest episode of Fourth and One.   247's Ryan Bartow previews the 2015 names to watch in NJ and Pennsylvania.  Lots of players with Michigan interest on the list including offeree DB John Reed.  Make sure you check out the quote from WR Irvin Charles.  '15 top OL target Sterling Jenkins 
"really wants to meet Taylor Lewan", his role model. 


Sayonara Suckas
This is an interesting version, and it comes from '14 CA ATH Juju Smith via Tom VH:

JuJu Smith said he thinks Michigan is a great school, but not a fit for him. Cancelled his visit said losses caused them to drop on his list
— Tom VanHaaren (@TomVH) November 5, 2013

I think Michigan was a long-shot anyway, but Smith had genuine interest (so it seemed) throughout his recruitment.  It also looked like Michigan had dropped all safety prospects to hold a spot for Smith.  That will be the case no more. Hoke and co are more than likely done with recruiting the position with it being this late in the process.  Best of Luck to ya Juju! Please don't go to Notre Dame though!  Stay on the west coast!

Also, looks like '14 DE Garrett Dickerson has dropped Michigan from consideration.  Dickerson will choose between Northwestern and Stanford. Same to you Garrett!  Please choose Stanford!