Michigan football's first official visit weekend prior to February 4th's National Signing Day exceeded expectations, and Jim Harbaugh's and the program's new coaching staff will look to continue the momentum with even more uncommitted recruits scheduled to be on campus this weekend.
Who's coming to town? Find out our preview of what will likely be a MAJOR recruiting weekend as the program looks to build for 2015 and beyond.
The Four-Stars
Quarterback Zach Gentry (Albuquerque [N.M.] Eldorado)
A University of Texas commit, the six-foot-six, 230-pounder is the #1-ranked prospect out of the state of New Mexico and the #4-ranked pro-style quarterback in the Class of 2015, according to Rivals.com. His size may not exactly be the ideal frame for a prototype signal caller, but the towering Gentry is no slouch when it comes to mobility. Combine that with an arm that has wowed many a recruiter, and it's no surprise that Jim Harbaugh and his staff are working hard to flip him - especially with Texas pursuing in-state prospect Kyler Murray at this time.
Fullback Reagan Williams (Jackson [Ohio])
Williams is the perfect building block for a power running game, using all of his six-foot-two, 235-pound frame to finish blocks and bowl over defenders as a ball carrier. Ranked as the 15th-best prospect out of the state of Ohio, Williams has also received plenty of interest for his work as an inside linebacker. He is currently a Stanford commit, but appears very intrigued after receiving an offer much closer to home during his visit to Palo Alto.
Cornerback Chris Williamson (Gainesville [GA])
Williamson has only recently gained momentum as a top-tier prospect, combining impeccable ball instincts as a cornerback with unteachable athleticism at the wide receiver position. The six-foot, 185-pounder is currently ranked as the #36 cornerback in the nation, and is also considering offers from Florida, Cal, and North Carolina after receiving an offer from the Wolverines last week.
The Three-Stars
Defensive end Reuben Jones (Lakeland [Fla.] Lake Gibson)
Looking for a defensive end that has amazing potential to turn into a freak in the weight room? The six-foot-four, 225-pound Jones is your man. Ranked as the #27 strongside defensive end in the Class of 2015, Jones is already a beast coming around the edge on the pass rush and only projects to get better. Recently decommitted from Nebraska, the Wolverines have a great chance of geting Jones' name on the dotted line after this weekend.
Cornerback William Lockett (Manvel [TX])
Standing at 5'11", 185 pounds, Lockett has shown the ability to both lock down receivers on the edges while cheating in the box to stop the run. A UCLA commit, the #71-ranked cornerback in the nation has UM on the mind after an official offer and in-school visit from none other than Jim Harbaugh.
Tight end Matt Snyder (San Ramon [CA] California High)
At 6'4", 245 pounds, Snyder has the long frame and gait to both beat defensive backs in coverage and turn less-than-accurate throws into completions. Currently committed to Nebraska, Snyder's potential versatility as a next-level defensive lineman (as well as his pass-catching prowess) has made him a top flipping target for Michigan's coaching staff prior to National Signing Day.
The Two-Stars
Millburn (N.J.) defensive end/athlete Jake Pickard
Keeping with the trend of versatile two-way options, the 6'5", 234-pound Pickard has potential to slot in as a weakside defensive end, tight end, or even an offensive lineman depending on his work in the weight room. The #33-ranked prospect in the state of New Jersey, Pickard is committed to Wisconsin but scheduled an official visit to Ann Arbor in a flash after an offer this week by the Wolverines. He is also mulling over offers from Oregon and Louisville.
Offensive lineman Nolan Ulizio (West Chester [Ohio] Lakota West)
The 6'5", 293-pound Ulizio played in the shadow of heralded Kentucky enrollee George Asafo-Adjei this pass season, but he's received plenty of interest. Currently committed to UConn, Ulizio also holds offers from Pitt, Kentucky, and Cincinnati. However, it's this weekend's visit to Ann Arbor that could be the biggest factor in flipping Ulizio from his commitment to the Huskies.
The Wild Card
Cornerback Markel Bush (Delray Beach [Fla.] Atlantic)
Sitting without a star rating due to an offseason transfer that mucked up scouts' requests to access his game film and transcripts, the 5'10", 178-pounder doesn't currently hold a scholarship offer, although UCF, Minnesota, and Rutgers have all shown interest. The teammate of offered defensive end Shelton Johnson, this weekend in Ann Arbor will be a big one both for Bush's chances in Ann Arbor and for his general profile heading into National Signing Day.
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