The recruiting calendar hit a dead period earlier this week, so coaches won’t be able to hit the road to see recruits until March 2, and recruits also can’t take visits to schools. Because of this dead period, the first month for the new Michigan coaching staff was an important one. Let’s dive into the work that went down before the dead period in today’s Recruiting Roundup.
A new RB target to look out for
Michigan was able to steal running backs coach Tony Alford away from Ohio State a couple seasons ago, and it has worked out
on the field and on the recruiting trail. His latest target on the trail is 2027 three-star Jayshon Gibson. Alford was on the road in January and paid a visit to Gibson’s high school. The two of them are starting to form a strong bond.
“My relationship with Michigan is really good,” Gibson told On3’s Ethan McDowell ($). “Me and coach Alford, we’ve been talking and stuff. This past week was my first time getting a chance to meet him in person and get to know him a little bit better, but we’re about to start building this relationship.”
After all the success Alford has had as a coach, it would be hard for a player to not want to play for him. Gibson knows if he comes to Michigan, he will be coached by one of the best in the business.
“His background is proof that he has developed running backs,” Gibson said. “He’s a great guy, and somebody, I feel, who can push me to the best of my abilities.
“All around, I just love everything about Michigan.”
The North Richland Hills, Texas native is 5-foot-9, 185 pounds, and ranked No. 438 overall on the 247Sports composite. He has other offers from Wisconsin, Iowa, USC, Arizona, Baylor, Utah, Texas Tech and more.
Michigan re-offers four-star LB
Before Kyle Whittingham took over as head coach, Michigan was already recruiting 2027 four-star linebacker Ba’Roc Willis. Things can change when a new staff comes in, but Willis was recently re-offered by the Wolverines.
“Got a call from the coach (linebackers coach Alex Whittingham) and was excited,” Willis told The Michigan Insider’s Brice Marich ($). “I can’t wait to build a relationship with the staff.”
Michigan seems to be in good shape with Willis early on, and he plans to visit Ann Arbor soon.
“I’m interested for sure and yes, I plan on visiting soon,” he said. “Just have to get to know everyone and see. He told me I’m high on their board and I would love to play for Michigan, so I think they have a shot.”
Willis (6-foot-3, 220 pounds) is from Alabama and is ranked No. 299 overall on the composite. He holds other offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Texas, Tennessee, USC, Ole Miss, LSU, Miami and more.
Quick Hitters
- Elite 2027 four-star defensive lineman George Toia included Michigan in his top-eight list this week.
- The Wolverines extended offers to twins this week, as 2027 three-star linebackers Ethan Coach and Justin Coach earned the opportunity to play at Michigan.
- Michigan also extended an offer to 2027 linebacker Jeremiah Culpepper.
