Michigan Football: Five 2020 signees that could make an early impact
Andre Seldon Jr.
Matt Dudek is the Director of Recruiting for Michigan football, but if there were a student Director of Recruiting it would be Andre Seldon Jr. In fact, it’s more common for recruits to drop Seldon’s name than it is for them to mention Dudek.
On the gridiron and in the weight room, Andre is hungry and working harder than everyone else which has led to him skyrocketing in the rankings and making a name for himself. And it’s not just me who thinks Seldon will have an impact, it’s his coach and former Michigan football star/NFL veteran Ron Bellamy.
“I believe he does (have the tools to compete right away),” Bellamy said. “He is on campus already so going through winter conditioning and having spring ball only enhances his opportunity to play early. He is indeed a talented player. Seldon can have an immediate impact in the return game as a dynamic punt returner. I also see him as a nickel covering slot receivers and having a ton of success.”
Recruiting websites:
247 sports Allen Trieu had this to say about Seldon in his evaluation:
"Below average height and weight for the position. Makes up for lack of prototypical size with many good to great qualities. Has excellent make-up speed and closing speed. Combine that with his instincts and technique and he is able to jump a lot of routes. Highly competitive and does not back down from challenging bigger receivers at the line. Is able to do that because he can run with receivers down the field. Clean footwork with very little wasted motion. Change of direction is at a high-level. Good ball skills and hands. Does well to challenge on 50-50 balls but size will make that a tough task in college. He does have an excellent vertical jump which will help in that area. Must prove he can be effective in run support at the college level as well. Should be able to play over the slot or outside in college. A playmaker with excellent intangibles and feel for the game, he grades as a multi-year starter at the Power 5 level and someone who will have an opportunity to play beyond college as a slot corner."
Per 247 sports, Andre is ranked 4th in Michigan, the 10th CB, and 161st nationally with four-stars and a 9300 composite score. Rivals, unlike the other guys mentioned, ranked Seldon higher at 2nd in-state, but, like with the other guys, they did drop Andre for his position ranking (15th).
Matt’s musings
As Allen mentioned, Seldon is smaller than the average college football athlete, standing at 5-foot-8 and weighing 154 pounds, but he’s quick and his 38.1-inch vertical that allows him to disrupt even the most accurate passes. Andre won’t have any problems in college no matter who’s lined up opposite him.
2020 impact prediction
The Wolverines will look to add some pounds to Seldon before releasing him to the world which if he could beef up enough before the season, he will get significant playing time as a relief for the starters.
By seasons end, Andre will have well over ten pass deflections and possibly an interception.