Michigan Recruiting: Thoughts on 5-Star QB Bryce Underwood
The #1 player in the country will announce his commitment in less than a month…
The top target on Michigan football’s recruiting board, regardless of class, is 5-star quarterback Bryce Underwood. Ranked as the #1 player in the country, Underwood is a generational talent who resides just 20 minutes from Ann Arbor in Belleville, Michigan.
Michigan football has been recruiting Underwood as hard as anyone in the country and is perceived to be in his top two along with LSU. Underwood is set to announce his commitment on January 6th. So where does Michigan currently stand?
Well, as of now, LSU is the favorite. While the Tigers did not have a great season, their quarterback just won the Heisman and it’s clear that LSU is a QB-friendly school.
It’s also being speculated that the Tigers are offering a sizable NIL deal, although Underwood is going to make plenty of money no matter where he goes.
If I were to take a guess today, I’d predict Underwood to LSU. However, Michigan football has the opportunity of a lifetime to turn the tide here. Literally.
Michigan can impress Bryce Underwood with a Rose Bowl win
Michigan faces off against the class of the SEC in Alabama on New Year’s Day. The perception around the country is that the SEC is a tier ahead of the other conferences. And it’s tough to argue against that because of recent history.
Michigan football has a chance to turn that story around. By defeating Alabama and earning a spot in the National Championship game, Michigan will have changed the way the nation looks at the Big Ten, and Michigan in particular. That will surely generate some momentum.
The Wolverines would have a phenomenal final pitch to Underwood if it were playing in the National Championship just days after his scheduled commitment. Likewise, it’ll likely take a phenomenal performance from JJ McCarthy for the Wolverines to make it — another boost.
Michigan also needs to finish up Jim Harbaugh’s contract before Underwood’s commitment. Recruits need to know that the coach recruiting them is going to stay at that school. For Michigan to have a shot, they need to extend Jim Harbaugh.
Lastly, and possibly most importantly, Jim Harbaugh needs to either visit Underwood before the commitment or get Underwood to visit Ann Arbor. Regardless, there needs to be in-person contact between the two. Harbaugh is still an ace recruiter, so he’ll have to be the one to finish the job.
Underwood visited for The Game and came away impressed, but the Wolverines still have work to do.
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Over these coming weeks, Michigan has a phenomenal opportunity to leap a program; by extending Harbaugh and beating Alabama, the Wolverines can silence any doubters and show recruits that they can compete with the SEC. This’ll be a very fun time. Go Blue!