A change in the staff hasn’t swayed Marquis Ray’s opinion about Michigan whatsoever.
It makes sense on the surface, as the 2028 recruit grew up in a household that bleeds maize and blue through his father, 1997 national champion and All-American Marcus Ray. But when examining his own journey, the younger Ray sees a great deal of opportunities in Ann Arbor.
Having been to campus a handful of times, Ray most recently returned for a spring practice and to see how the new coaches are taking charge.
“The
visit was great,” Ray told Maize n Brew. “I definitely felt welcomed and they treated me like family. I think the experience was great and I will definitely be back for games and maybe even camp.”
Billed as an athlete by the major recruiting services, Ray sees himself on the defensive side of the ball across multiple positions.
“I think I can fit on the team as a field-side safety and a nickel back and help a lot in the pass game,” Ray said. “The Michigan safeties are well coached, athletic and disciplined. They also have some size.”
The trip back in March was Ray’s chance to develop an early bond with new safeties coach Tyler Stockton, who also headed out to Pickerington (Ohio) North during the January contact period to see him. So far, the two are connecting well.
“Me and coach Stockton have a good relationship,” Ray said. “I talked to him at practice and it was good catching up on him. I’m looking forward to build a relationship with coach (Jernaro) Gilford.”
Ray also got a first-hand look at the leadership of head coach Kyle Whittingham, which really caught his attention.
“Whittingham’s coaching style fits my attitude, and I could see myself in his program, being developed on-and-off the field,” Ray said. “I just work, get stuff done and don’t complain.”
Rivals lists Ray as the No. 25 overall athlete in the country and the No. 18 prospect in Ohio. He’s collected several Power 4 offers from the likes of Kentucky, Illinois, Pitt, Louisville, Tennessee, Syracuse and others. The Wolverines continue to monitor him closely as next steps are to earn the coveted offer.
Look for Ray to get back to Ann Arbor more than once before the end of the year as well.
“I feel good about Michigan,” Ray said. “I believe they will evaluate me a lot when it gets to that time so I could possibly see the field as a true freshman.
“I plan to comeback to Michigan for a few games, definitely. I want to see more of the cornerbacks so it can open my eyes even more about the defense and how I would fit.”
