The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/465847
2015 RECRUITING ISSUE Huber Heights (Ohio) Wayne safety Tyree Kinnel was one of the first pledges in Michigan's 2015 class. He followed kicker Andrew David and offensive lineman Jon Runyan Jr., along with fellow defensive back Shaun Crawford (who ultimately de- committed and signed with Notre Dame), pulling the trigger Aug. 24, 2013. He had offers from Arkansas and Kentucky at the time he committed to Michigan, and would stick with the Wolverines despite picking up additional opportunities with Ala- bama, Michigan State and Notre Dame. Michigan was a known fa- vorite during the early days of his recruiting process, but Kinnel never wanted it known just how much of a lead on the field U-M had. "I feel accomplished. I feel like all my hard work is paying off," he said on National Signing Day 2015. "Through the recruiting stages, I didn't really want it out there that it's my dream school, because of what can happen in recruiting. I get to fi- nally say that it's my dream school. "It was the dream school for me, and it's always been. Growing up, my dad brainwashed me into loving Michigan. He always said, 'The year you were born, that's when Michi- gan won the national championship,' and that's always stuck with me for a long time." Kinnel's recruiting journey was more straightforward than most, with an early offer resulting in an early commitment. The Wolverines were one of the first to recognize his talent, though U-M coaching staffs over the years probably didn't realize that a young man sitting in the stands every April would one day find his way onto the field as a player. "I always went up there and watched the spring game as a little kid, and now I get to go play in the winged helmet." When the coaching staff to which he committed was fired following the conclusion of the 2014 season, there were still some shaky moments Tyree Kinnel Kept It Secret, But He Was Always A Wolverine K i n n e l , a l i f e l o n g U - M f a n , e a r n e d Associated Press Division I first-team All- State accolades after notching 73 tackles and four interceptions as a senior. PHOTO BY TIM SULLIVAN