The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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PREP PROFILES Although Rivals.com lists him as a weakside defensive end, Memphis (Tenn.) Whitehaven rising senior Joshua McMillon is skilled enough to play outside linebacker, as well. That's where the 6-3, 246-pound four- star has played throughout his prep career, and where Michigan is recruiting him to play in the future. "McMillon is a talented prospect, but he has grown s o m u c h a n d bulked up to 246 pounds that his future as a linebacker is now in doubt," said Rivals.com national director of recruiting Mike Farrell. "He's lost a step or two in space because of the added weight, and he might have to put his hand down full- time. There's nothing wrong with that, but he's hard to project as a 'tweener now." The Wolverines have no such reser- vations about his athleticism. McMil- lon has the height and limb length to occupy plenty of space at the second level. He can add a pass-rushing burst from the outside linebacker spot, and can still drop into coverage to lock down tight ends and running backs out of the backfield. Along with Alabama and Auburn, U-M is a school that is almost certain to make McMillon's shortened list when he trims it to eight schools. The Wol- verines' coaching staff has stayed in hot pursuit of the true student-athlete, who boasts a 4.3 GPA in high school. "I am taking it easy, day-by-day, and I'm not trying to get too focused on it," McMillon said. "I want to keep my academ- ics first and fore- most. It is chal- lenging a little bit, but it is all about keeping it straight. My dad always told me to not let this football thing get too far out of proportion and keep my academics, family and God first." He has made two trips to Ann Ar- bor — one in the winter, and a second in April. The latter was an impressive one. "It was great," he said. "I saw their new recruiting facility, got a chance to stop by the engineering facilities and talk to the staff there. Overall, it was a great experience. Everything stood out for me. "Michigan, Auburn, and Alabama are definitely going to be in there when I cut it down to eight." That's a big step, but it's not the fi- nal one for U-M. Landing McMillon would be. — Tim Sullivan Tennessee Standout Has Positional Versatility ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ Whitehaven High School Memphis, Tenn. Class: 2015 Position: Weakside de- fensive end Ht.: 6-3 • Wt.: 246 Ranking: Rivals.com's No. 6 player in Tennessee, No. 10 weakside defensive end nationally and No. 223 player in the country Joshua McMillon