Incoming: Reuben Jones

With plenty of prospects visiting Ann Arbor this weekend for official visits, 2015 defensive end Reuben Jones had decided he has seen enough, and committed to Michigan on Saturday night. 

Photo Courtesy of 24/7

                Stats and Rankings:

                Height: 6’3

                Weight: 223 lbs.

                High School: Lake Gibson (Lakeland, FL)

                Position: Strongside Defensive End

                24/7 Rating: 3 stars, #64 SDE, #187 in state of Florida

                ESPN Rating: 3 stars, #58 DE, #106 in state of Florida

                Rivals Rating: 3 stars, #27 SDE, #68 in state of Florida

                Scout Rating: 3 stars, #145 DE 

                Other Offers:  Nebraska, Louisville, Michigan State, Iowa, UCF, Iowa

                2014 Stats: 71 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery

                2013 Stats: 87 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery

                2012 Stats: 40 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, 7 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery

                2011 Stats: 14 tackles, 1 tackle for a loss, 2 sacks, and 1 fumble recovery. 

Well, it almost took a month, but Michigan has landed their first commitment of the Jim Harbaugh era. 2015 defensive end Reuben Jones has committed to the University of Michigan, while on an official visit this weekend.  Reuben took to twitter to announce his decision earlier today.

Truly Blessed to Announce I am Officially Committed to The University of Michigan ⛄❄⛄❄ #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/MTcX3qYSfw
— February 10th (@ImDatDude44) January 24, 2015

Reuben, who decommitted from Nebraska on Thursday, becomes the first Michigan commit since Dele Harding committed to Michigan back on Halloween.  

Scouting Report:

Ranked as a 3* prospect according to 24/7, Reuben has a very impressive highlight tape.  He’s got a good frame at 6’3 and 225 pounds to play at the college level.  Reuben relies on his instincts and high motor to make plays on the defensive line.  He has a good burst off the line of scrimmage and can beat his man on either the inside or outside.  He does an excellent job of getting low and wrapping up on his tackles. Reuben has no problem either putting pressure on the quarterback or stopping the run game. He has the ability to win 1on1 battles at the line of scrimmage even though the offensive linemen are usually quite bigger than him.  Once he reaches the college level and adds weight onto his frame, Reuben will have a lot more upper body strength, allowing him to gain leverage on the offensive line. Does a good job of keeping his feet moving while being blocked, allowing him to be able to twist the offensive line and get around them into the backfield.

Highlight Video:

Reuben becomes the seventh commitment in the 2015 recruiting cycle joining; Brian Cole, Tyree Kinnel, Grant Newsome, Alex Malzone, Jon Runyan Jr., and Andrew David.  Jones was recruited by D.J Durkin, Greg Mattison and Jim Harbaugh. 

The coaching staff is looking to fill 14-16 scholarships in the 2015 recruiting class, and only has two short weeks to accomplish this goal.  With a DE spot already filled, look for the coaching staff to land 1-2 DB’s, 2 OL’s,  1 TE, 1 LB, and 1 QB before National Signing Day. 

For up to the minute recruitment news, you can follow Travis Cooper on Twitter @MaizenBlueCoop. You can also follow Maize & Blue Nation on Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr.