We're hitting the busy period of the Michigan Wolverines' 2016 recruiting cycle, as the coaching staff uses its free time before January 1st's Citrus Bowl to zero in on top targets. Here's the most intriguing tidbits from the trail heading into the last half of this week.
Wolverines Pushing Hard For Nauta
2016 five-star tight end Isaac Nauta will host Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh on Sunday, marking the third visit of the current recruiting period by UM. Jay Harbaugh made the first two.
This is an optimal time for Harbaugh to make a play for Nauta, considering Mark Richt's firing at Georgia -- Michigan's main competition for Nauta's pledge. Georgia still retains a slight lead for the standout tight end, per multiple reports. However, Harbaugh could change all that by the end of the weekend.
Wolverines Unsure About Jacob Mathis
Another tight end on Michigan's radar is Tampa (FL) Berkeley Prep's Jacob Mathis. However, the situation surrounding Mathis is mucky right now as it's still unclear whether or not he's going to commit to his favorite, Florida, or whether or not the Gators will be willing to take him at all.
Ole Miss is also in the running, so it's increasing likely that Michigan will fall out on Mathis completely.
Angeline/Upshur Drama?
Michigan is expected to host USC TE commitment Cary Angeline at some point during the remainder of the recruiting period, but it's his official visit to Florida State this weekend which could have the biggest effect on UM's 2016 plans.
If Florida State makes a hard push for Angeline, it may cause some drama with current FSU commit Naseir Upshur. Rumors have it that the two Pennsylvania recruits don't like each other, and that any serious play for Angeline could cause Upshur to rethink his commitment. That's just rumor right now, but it's something to watch for as Michigan made a major play for Upshur before he chose Florida State.
Bush Jr. To Choose Between Michigan, Florida State
The Michigan Wolverines will likely make their final play at four-star linebacker target Devin Bush Jr. early next week, with Bush Jr. set to make his decision a week from now. Most believe that Bush Jr. is a safe bet to choose the Seminoles, but Michigan appears confident in their ability to land him at this juncture.
Greg Mattison Spanning Texas
Mattison has been in Texas for the better part of these past two weeks in hopes of adding more commits to the fold alongside Jordan Elliott. UM coaches remain optimistic about their chance at landing Alief Elsik teammates Dontavious Jackson and defensive back Chris Brown. There's several other names on the radar, including Texas A&M RB commit Rakeem Boyd and Top100 offensive tackle Jean Delance.
Heavily recruited by Tim Drevno, Delance will visit Ann Arbor this week.
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