Michigan Football: What to make of Wolverines recruiting shakeup

Michigan football made some major changes in its recruiting department as Matt Dudek is leaving for Mississippi State and U-M is hiring Courtney Morgan.

In the latest shakeup going on with Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan football staff, Matt Dudek the long-time director of player personnel is leaving the Wolverines to go to Mississippi State.

Dudek resigned his position, but it looks like he was on the way out as Michigan has already found his replacement, reportedly hiring Courtney Morgan to take on that same role.

Football Scoop actually reported the hiring of Morgan over the weekend, but it wasn’t clear at that point if Dudek was going to leave or if the department would be restructured.

Now we have the answer as it was reported by Sam Webb of the Michigan Insider that Dudek will be moving on.

While some Michigan football fans were happy that Dudek left, it’s hard to blame him for the Wolverines’ failures.

Yes, he played a huge role in the recruiting operation, but if you look at the recruiting rankings over the years, Michigan football actually did pretty well and even had the best class in the Big Ten back in 2019.

Yet, there is no doubt that Michigan needs to ramp up its efforts recruiting. That’s been a major part of some key staff hires this offseason and as EJ Holland of Rivals details, even off-field analysts such as Ryan Osborn and Aashon Larkins have been playing a bigger role in recruiting.

"“Ryan Osborn, who was brought on this offseason, has been tremendous in helping defensive line coach Shaun Nua with the recruitment of edge rushers, even having the ability to make his own offers. Aashon Larkins has bolstered U-M’s recruiting efforts in the south. Other analysts like Joe Stabb, Steve Casula, and Kyle DeVan are expected to see their recruiting workload increase as well.”"

While those are all positives for the Wolverines, the addition of Morgan is going to be a really good move, even if it comes at the expense of Dudek, who got a bit of a bad wrap.

Here’s what Holland wrote about the addition of Morgan, who is from LA but has been working at Fresno State, after a stop at San Jose State.

"“One West Coast source said “He’s the man. If Michigan hires up, we’re pulling up with all our kids for a visit as soon as possible. Another added “That’s my guy. Would be a big hire.”’"

By all accounts, Morgan is already hired, so that’s a reason for Michigan football fans to be excited. Personally, I would like to see the personnel office expanded.

The more resources Michigan throws at recruiting, the better because we all know the Wolverines just have to do a better job of landing elite recruits.