Michigan Football: 2022 QB projected elsewhere after U-M visit

Is Michigan football finally closing in on its 2022 quarterback commitment? It’s looking like the answer is no.

When it comes to quarterbacks in 2022, Michigan football is running out of places to turn and it looks like another top target could be off the board soon.

That’s three-star quarterback Conner Harrell out of Alabama, who took an unofficial visit to Ann Arbor and Michigan football on Sunday.

Things seemed to go well and Harrell had some positive things to say about his visit. Here’s what he told Wolverine Digest:

"“It was great. I loved the facilities and the coaches. The coaching from Coach [Jim] Harbaugh during my workout stood out the most to me. I ran a 40, did a 5-10-5 drill and threw multiple routes, some on the run. The throwing went well and Coach Harbaugh told me I’m the No. 1 quarterback on the board, which I hope is true.”"

Harrell is one of the two quarterbacks Michigan is actively recruiting. The other is Cal commit Justyn Martin. Nate Johnson was also on the board and a top target, but he chose Utah last week.

That meant that the attention shifted to Harrell who is ranked 674th overall in the 2022 class according to the 247 sports composite rankings and 43rd among QBs. He’s 6-foot-1 and led his 7A team to a state title last year throwing for 42 touchdowns.

Harrell isn’t as athletic as Johnson, but he would be a really good fit. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like he will be committing to the Wolverines.

Timeline and crystal ball

Shortly after his visit to Michigan, Harrell announced that he would be making his decision on July 4. It seemed like a positive thing for the Wolverines but Steve Wiltfong of 247 sports has put in a crystal ball prediction for North Carolina instead.

North Carolina offered Harrell one day before Michigan did last month. Harrell hasn’t taken an official visit to either school but the Tar Heels seem to be the in driver’s seat according to Wiltfong.

Now, could that change? I suppose but if Harrell isn’t leaning U-M directly after his visit, then it probably isn’t going to happen. Kids change their timelines and decisions change. We all know that crystal balls aren’t always correct.

But this close to a commitment is when you start to see the trends and if more predictions come in for North Carolina the writing will be on the wall for the Wolverines.