*Editor Von Lozon entering the chat here momentarily*
Hey, y’all. We know things aren’t exactly “normal” right now. But we do want to provide some non-scandal coverage for you and lighten up the mood a bit,
especially on a chilly Friday in Southeast Michigan.
Some of you may think us putting out other content like this — especially a recruiting story — is dumb. And I get that. But at the same time, we have a job to do and we would be doing all of you a disservice if we don’t also write about the things we normally write about.
Full transparency — we did have other content planned that we will not be publishing, just because it partially had to do with Sherrone Moore and included quotes from him. So that story immediately died as soon as Moore was fired.
But a story like this and some of the other stuff we have planned for today, in my opinion, is still worthy of seeing the light of day.
Without further ado, here is Kellen’s Recruiting Roundup.
Five-star 2027 speaks after visiting for The Game
You would need the back of a CVS receipt to write down all the recruits in Ann Arbor last month for the greatest rivalry in sports, and that list included 2027 five-star defensive lineman Marcus Fakatou.
“Visit was great,” Fakatou told The Michigan Insider’s Brice Marich ($). “Learned a lot about the program, and both myself and my parents were impressed. So much football history I didn’t realize they had. The highlight was watching the game and then it started snowing. I’m from Alaska, so the snow wasn’t anything new, but to watch the game in the snow was crazy. Also meeting with the staff and going over academics and the extra support they provide was great information.”
On the 247Sports composite, Fakatou — who already has great size at 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds — is ranked 34th overall, second among defensive linemen and third among players from California. Notre Dame may have a lead on his recruitment, as the Irish have a Crystal Ball in their favor, but Michigan defensive line coach Lou Esposito is trying to change that.
“Coach Esposito is a great coach,” Fakatou said. “He’s legit. I really could see myself playing for him. He gave good advice and told us the results of playing for Michigan and going into the league. He also went over the different schemes they run and that they tailor their plays around the player, which I thought was cool.
Fakatou also said Michigan is in “my top eight for sure for right now” and that he plans to return to Ann Arbor in the future.
2027 four-star OL says Michigan visit ‘gave them a giant boost’
Moving to the other side of the trenches, 2027 four-star offensive lineman Elijah Hutcheson was also in Ann Arbor for The Game. A woman very close to Hutcheson may help give Michigan the advantage when it comes to his recruitment.
“I’ve been hearing about Michigan my entire life,” Hutcheson told Rivals’ Chad Simmons ($). “My grandma has been a diehard fan her whole life, so it was kind of instilled in me growing up.”
Hutcheson also mentioned the visit “fully surpassed all expectations, if I’m being honest.”
“The biggest highlights for me were the atmosphere, the strength and nutrition staff, and the fact that they aren’t afraid to give young guys opportunities to gain game experience early,” Hutcheson said. “The visit was phenomenal and gave them a giant boost in where they stand. Definitely a school I am considering.”
Hutcheson, who is ranked 81st overall and ninth among offensive tackles on the composite, has garnered offers from Ohio State, Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida State and Pittsburgh, among several others.
Four-star CB explains flipping from Baylor to Michigan
One of the pleasant surprises right before National Signing Day was 2026 four-star cornerback Jamarion Vincent flipping to Michigan after being committed to Baylor last January. Vincent explained his logic for the flip with The Wolverine’s Ethan McDowell ($), with his visit for The Game playing a big factor.
“When I went for the first game, I was like ‘I could see myself here,’” Vincent said. “And when I went up for the second game I was like ‘This is where I want to be.’”
Michigan defensive backs coach LaMar Morgan was Vincent’s primary recruiter, who built a connection with Vincent that played a big factor in the flip.
“He’s a great dude,” Vincent said of Morgan. “I feel like our bond is growing stronger even when I go down there, so I’m ready to get to work, and ready for him to work with me.”
Vincent ranks just outside the top-150 on the composite, while being 20th among cornerbacks and 21st among players from Texas. The Waco native had interest from Texas and several others, including Houston and Baylor, but Michigan won out.
“I’m ready for my next chapter of my career,” Vincent said. “I’m ready to get it started.”
Quick Hitters
–2027 four-star running back Noah Roberts recently included Michigan in his top-10 list.
–Michigan extended an offer to 2027 three-star wide receiver Keyon Standifer, who recently de-committed from Georgia Tech.
-2027 three-star defensive lineman Amari Vickerson included Michigan in his top list along with SMU, Texas A&M, Houston, Florida State, Florida, Texas and Ohio State.
