The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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PREP PROFILES Michigan has spent plenty of man- hours recruiting the Washington, D.C., metro area in recent classes. The likes of redshirt junior cornerback Blake Countess and redshirt fresh- m a n d e f e n s i v e lineman Henry Poggi are a cou- ple players the Maize and Blue have landed from the area known as "The DMV." Reisterstown, Md., could be the next hometown represented on the U-M football roster. Offensive lineman Pat Allen is a four-star out of Franklin High School, and the 2015 offensive lineman includes Michigan among the final five programs in the running for his services along with Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Tennessee. The inclusion is despite not yet having a chance to visit Ann Arbor, and Michigan could receive a boost when he is able to make the trip. "The program is really good," Al- len said. "I talk to Coach Funk a lot. I've been watching that program. Ohio State is also one of my top schools so it's interesting talking to them. "I really think my decision is going to be based off my visits," he con- tinued. "There are still some schools I want to see like Wisconsin, Okla- homa and Michigan. Michigan might be my next visit." The 6-4, 285-pounder has the abil- ity to play either offensive guard or offensive tackle, a versatility that is attractive for the 2015 U-M class. The Wolverines already have a t r u e o f f e n s i v e tackle — four-star Grant Newsome — and a true in- terior prospect in three-star legacy Jon Runyan Jr. Allen can slot in with either role and desires to be great whereever he plays. "I want to be known for technique and quickness, and just moving," he said. "I want to show that I can play with any type of guy that's in front of me. I want to be able to be a better guy on a personal level, and just be 'that guy.' "My coach is always telling me to try to be the one that people no- tice when you get on that field," he continued. "I'm going to do what I have to. I'm working to improve technique mainly. I'm adding size, trying to build as much as possible, but especially in my legs." A July trip to campus could be a big boost for Michigan's pursuit. With the 2015 class filling up rapidly, the four-star would be a nice cap on the offensive line haul. — Tim Sullivan Wolverines Make Final Five For Talented Tackle ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ Franklin High School Reisterstown, Md. Class: 2015 Position: Offensive tackle Ht.: 6-4 • Wt.: 285 Ranking: Rivals.com's No. 2 player in Maryland, No. 11 offensive tackle na- tionally and No. 95 player in the country Pat Allen