The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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michigan recruiting "He basically committed to Bama because of Nussmeier, and he may end up being the top quarterback in 2015," TideSports.com analyst Aaron Suttles said. "Doug had a previous relationship with him on the West Coast, and he brings a lot to the table, especially the skill positions like quarterback. Recruits can look at him and be pretty excited about what he can do with their talent." Even if Michigan doesn't end up bringing Town in for a visit — much less signing him a year from now — it's clear that Nussmeier will be able to use his reputation as the mastermind behind excellent, quarterbackfriendly Alabama offenses (A.J. McCarron led the nation in passing efficiency in 2012, and was No. 6 in 2013) to bring in a top quarterback at U-M. Rankings Re-Vamp The postseason national, regional and state all-star games provide an opportunity for high school seniors to impress analysts — or at times, to disappoint — and see their final ranking affected before National Signing Day. Several of Michigan's top recruits were affected in the final round of Rivals.com's team rankings. Although he had maintained the No. 2 slot nationally from wire-towire, Paramus (N.J.) Catholic cornerback Jabrill Peppers was displaced by defensive end Myles Garrett after the Texas A&M pledge impressed in a big way at the Under Armour AllAmerica Game. Peppers, 6-1 and 210 pounds, dropped to No. 3 nationally. Tarpon Springs (Fla.) East Lake offensive lineman Mason Cole went in the opposite direction after an impressive week at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio. The 6-5, 285-pounder showed off good mobility for his size, and excellent power to move up 37 slots nationally. He finished the cycle as the No. 92 overall player in the nation. Salt Lake City Highland defensive tackle Bryan Mone showed flashes of brilliance during the week at the Under Armour All-America Game. He also showed that he needs to get into much better shape to be an impact player at the next level. He slid from a top-250 player to a three-star prospect. It wasn't a poor all-star performance but the lack of one that prevented Grand Rapids (Mich.) Christian wide receiver Drake Harris from moving up the ranks. The 6-4, 180-pounder had to miss the Under Armour Game due to a lingering hamstring issue. That saw a small group of players slide past him in the rankings. In the end, he is the No. 115 overall player nationally. The same happened to 6-3, 240-pound linebacker Michael Ferns, who missed the game with a separated shoulder. Nine players moved past him, and he ended the year as the No. 209 overall player in the country. ❑ On The Web For regular reports on Michigan football recruiting plus videos of U-M commitments and targets visit TheWolverine.com.