Michigan football not only had an eventful start to the early signing period on Wednesday, but also made a splash on Thursday, as well.
While the Wolverines did lose two prospects to other programs via flip, Michigan signed its top target in running back Savion Hiter, while also managing to flip a wide receiver who had been committed to Georgia since March.
Cartersville (Ga.) four-star wideout Brady Marchese was rumored to flip to Michigan back in June, but quickly shut down his recruitment, reaffirming to the Bulldogs. However, at his high school’s signing day ceremony on Thursday, he ended up announcing he’s changing course and will play football in Ann Arbor instead.
After pen was put to paper, head coach Sherrone Moore told Jon Jansen what he feels the maize and blue are getting in Marchese. And he’s excited about his potential given everything he brings to the table.
“Dynamic playmaker who we’ve recruited for a while,” Moore said. “Was committed elsewhere and in the last hours of recruiting. That’s how it is, right? You’re always working. You always continue to find ways to change the roster. And really needed a guy that could affect us in the slot but also in the return game — in different pieces. Explosive great ball skills, great catch radius for his size. But dynamic in different phases.”
Another instant impact player at the position group is signee Travis Johnson, who Michigan managed to reel in, despite a late push from Virginia Tech.
Johnson was one of several commits that Michigan got from Virginia and Washington D.C., and Moore loves how his size should impact the game offensively.
“Try to stay in the footprint as much as possible, but you will venture out — like Montana and California for those different guys; Hawaii, Texas!” Moore said. “But Travis is again tall, long, physical, great ball skills, fast. Again, a 6-3 receiver, a guy that can stretch the field.”
Though one of the receivers, Zion Robinson, was one of the flips, one player remained in the class no matter the drama or the cost.
Dallas (Tx.) Episcopal three-star Jaylen Pile saw his ranking drop each recalculation, even though he continued to produce at the high school level. In fact, he ended up being the longest-tenured pledge to sign with the Wolverines this week.
Moore thinks that he can be a real player on offense, noting everything he does well and how he can fit into the pass game.
“I think two or three years in a row, over 1,000 yards receiving,” Moore said. “Just extremely productive, underrated, not highly-rated. Guy’s been committed to us for a long time. But projects as a bigger slot guy that’s a very detailed and precise route-runner, that can make plays after the catch. So I think he’s gonna be a valid piece for us.”
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Moore details how new Michigan receiver class fits future offense
Reporting by Isaiah Hole, Wolverines Wire / Wolverines Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
