Michigan Football: Latest on running back recruiting in 2022
Michigan football has identified a new target at running back in 2022 in Tavorus Jones out of Texas, plus more on another back out of Ohio.
The 2022 recruiting class is loaded at running back and Michigan football has been in on some elite targets early on in the process.
While there is obviously a long way to go, Michigan football has been one of the schools in the mix for No. 1 overall running back Emmanuel Henderson. Gavin Sawchuck, the No. 3 running back in 2022 is another top target of the Wolverines.
The truth is that there is no shortage of running back targets, especially when you add the recently offered Tavorus Jones into the mix.
Jones is out of El Paso and simply put, he’s dynamic. He has electric speed and his explosiveness is off the charts. Michigan football offered last week and here’s what Jones told 247sports ($) about his contact with the Wolverines:
"“I definitely do have interest in them. I like the relationship that me and Coach Jay got off to and we had a great conversation. I talked to him and we just talking about what I wanted to study in college we talked about the team, his coaching style and what they run for that offense.”"
Jones also said that he “definitely” wanted to visit Michigan football after the dead period is lifted. So add another running back target to the board in 2022. He’s ranked 117th in the 247 composite rankings and ninth among running backs.
In addition to the Wolverines, Jones has offers from Alabama, Auburn, Baylor, Penn State, Mississippi State, Florida, Texas and Texas A&M.
Michigan football in a good spot with another 2022 back
Another back the Wolverines are in the mix with in 2022 is Ohio’s Gi’Bran Payne. Out of Cincinnati, Payne has a big offer list but as with Jones, Jay Harbaugh is making an impact. Here’s what Payne told Brice Marich of the Michigan Insider ($) last week:
"“The relationship with me and Jay Harbaugh, the running backs coach is what I like the most about Michigan. I talk with him honestly every day and if not, then every other day. I talk with him on FaceTime. He’s telling me that I’m a big priority to him and he lets me know that all the time.”"
Payne also said that he wanted to pay Michigan football a visit. The Ohio running back is ranked 162nd overall in the 247 composite rankings, as well as 17th among running backs. He’s also the sixth-ranked prospect in the state of Ohio but still doesn’t have an offer from the Buckeyes.
On top of Michigan, Alabama, Florida, Iowa, Notre Dame, Penn State and Wisconsin are some of the major schools that have offered at this point. We’ll see if the Ohio State offer comes, which would obviously be tough to beat.
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At this point, the board is still taking shape, but Payne and Jones are two guys who could be in serious contention to become top targets and priorities for the Wolverines in 2022.