Richmond (VA) CB Garrett Taylor becomes Michigan’s 5th 2015 Commitment

Dec 28, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Spectators wait in line to enter Sun Devil Stadium prior to the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl between the Michigan Wolverines against the Kansas State Wildcats.  Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan’s coaching staff must have something up its sleeves when it comes to recruiting in Richmond, Virginia.

The Wolverines received a 2015 commitment Monday (Mar. 24) from the third Richmond prospect in the last two years. First it was 5-star running back Derrick Green, then came 6-6 quarterback Wilton Speight and today was cornerback Garrett Taylor’s turn to commit to the Wolverines.

While the schools are less than 10 miles apart, Green played in the large public school Colonial Division (Hermitage), while both Speight (Collegiate) and Taylor (St. Christopher’s) were rivals in the independent schools league.

‘Great student, great kid’

Rated as the nation’s No. 7 cornerback by ESPN, Taylor drew raves from his high school coach. “ At 6-1 with great hips, that’s kind of the benchmark, as far as I can tell, for a BCS corner,”  Turner told scout.com.  “The hips are key, but with the size of wide receivers these days in big time college football, to have a kid who has both that kind of height, as well as that flexibility through his midsection, and can run, and is smart… he’s been at St. Christopher since first or second grade. Great student, great kid.”

Taylor’s fellow Richmonders are expected to shine also.

Green, who played at Hermitage High just up Parham Road from Collegiate, came to Michigan last fall as the nation’s top running back prospect, is looking to avenge a not-so-great freshman season.  He reported to spring practice in great shape and most experts predicts he’ll be Michigan’s starting tailback this fall.

Speight, who entered Michigan in January slightly under the radar, has 6-6 size, and the arm which should remind you of former Michigan quarterbacks Elvis Grbac and John Navarre.

Speight is in a three-way battle with Devin Gardner and Shane Morris for the No. 1 QB slot,  but redshirting isn’t off the table.

Could be a safety

At 6-1, 187 lbs., Taylor will compete for playing time in a suddenly deeper secondary. With his size its possible he could grow into a safety. Of the five 2015 commits, three are cornerbacks.  And let’s forget 2014 signee Jabrill Peppers who’s being projected as the best cover corner Ann Arbor has seen in several years.

Also in the mix will be 2015 4-star CB Tyree Kinnel (5-11, 170) and 2015  4-star CB Shaun Crawford (5-9, 170), who are both from Ohio.

Taylor, who’s also a 4-star commit,  was practically sold on Michigan during his recent visit:

“Wilton Speight was my host,” Taylor said referring to the former Richmond standout.  “I played against him actually in high school.  I went off and stayed with him.  I know his roommate, Drake Harris the receiver, I got to stay with too.  I met with a couple of defensive players.  I saw Derrick Green up there, which was cool and a couple of other guys.  So definitely got to interact with players.  They welcomed me with open arms and definitely felt like they were excited to have me up there and wanted to show me a good time.”

Michigan beat out MSU, Stanford, South Carolina and Tennessee for Taylor’s services. ♦

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — Joel Greer