Camps a sure way to lure Michigan recruits to Ann Arbor (Pt. 2)

(Note: Here’s a link to Pt. 1 of this article).

Last week, Michigan head coach Brady Hoke took advantage of the Sound Mind Sound Body Camp’s proximity to Ann Arbor by entertaining several visitors.

This week, Michigan has done one-better by hosting its own technique camp.

And later the summer, the Wolverines will conduct their popular Barbecue at the Big House, an informal affair where recruits, commits, current players and coaches can do a bit of socializing. The BBQBH, which was created by previous coach Rich Rodriguez, often results in a few offers, and most likely a commitment or two.

Visits to these camps are unofficial, which means the players and their parents parents pay their own way. Official visits, which often take place during a recruit’s senior year, are paid by the athletic department.

Here are a few profiles of recent visitors who are expected to play offense if they commit:

Jacques Patrick, RB, 6-1, 220, Orlando Timber Creek HS (Florida), class of 2015, (offer)

Not a huge necessity with running backs like sophomores Derrick Green, De’Veon Smith, Drake Johnson and eventually Ty Isaac on the roster, Michigan still has its eye on Jacques Patrick, 247sports No. 2 running back, and of course on No.1 back Damien Harris.

The 5-11, 205 lb. Harris was a Wolverine commit but has since decommitted. He is now an Ohio State lean but has been in contact with U-M offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier and quarterback commit Alex Malzone.

Patrick, whose been besieged with offers, visited Michigan last summer but made time for another one during the last few days.

“I spent a lot of time with the players just trying to get a certain feel for the place,” Patrick told scout.com.

“Wilton Speight, Devin Gardner…a lot of them. I (also) spent time with Coach Nuss and Coach Jackson. They showed me a video of what they are going to be doing next year, and a video of what I’ve done in the past. They compared the two and showed me how I could fit in and stuff.”

Patrick expects to trim down his offer list when he competes in The Opening, a camp for some of the nation’s elite prospects (July 7-10) at Nike’s headquarters just outside of Portland, Oregon.

Grant Perry, WR, 5-11, 175, Bloomfield Brother Rice HS (Mich.) class of 2015 (no offer)

Quarterbacks who hook up with favorite receivers are nothing new at any level of football. At Michigan, Anthony Carter was a favorite target of John Wangler and Desmond Howard frequently partnered with high school teammate Elvis Grbac.

In the NFL, former Wolverine Tom Brady usually looked for Randy Moss, Wes Welker or Julian Edelman.

Michigan might welcome 5-11, 175 lb. WR Grant Perry, who has been catching passes from Michigan 2015 quarterback commit Alex Malzone the last two seasons at Bloomfield Brother Rice.

“It always helps (playing with Malzone),” Perry told scout.com. “We do alot of stuff outside of this, throwing routes, no coaches watching. The chemistry is the biggest part.”

Rated a 3-star prospect, Perry might not be the tallest or fastest recruit, but he can catch while having that special ability to get open. All Perry’s waiting for is a Michigan offer, and he’ll go through the necessary steps to become a Michigan Wolverine.

Messiah de Weaver, QB, 6-4, 200, Trotwood-Madison HS (Ohio), class of 2016 (commit)

Hoke landing Messiah deWeaver was a perfect example of how the camp system works.

deWeaver excelled at last week’s SBSM camp then did the same thing at Michigan’s.

Before he knew it, the 6-4 high school sophomore committed to U-M Wednesday (June 18, 2014).

“They offered me earlier in the day (Wednesday),” deWeaver told scout.com. “Then they were asking me when my timetable would be to make my decision. Because they really wanted me there. I’m not one of those guys who needs all the attention on where I am going to go. So I am going to the University of Michigan.”

For deWeaver, it’s a good thing he ventured to the two camps. This week, the Michigan staff saw a huge improvement over a year ago, and decided to make the offer. ♦

Michigan now has recruited a quarterback in four consecutive classes:

2013—Shane Morris

2014—Wilton Speight

2015—Alex Malzone

2016—Messiah deWeaver

Names in bold link to sports-reference, an enhanced statistics site.

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — Joel Greer

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