The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/787035
22 THE WOLVERINE MARCH 2017 2017 FOOTBALL RECRUITING ISSUE tell them, 'No, you play wide receiver. We want you to have a comprehensive understanding of what we're doing.' "These guys have football aptitude, as well as the overall aptitude, to do all of the above." QUARTERBACK McCaffrey threw for 2,796 yards and 31 touchdowns as a senior, completing 66.7 percent of his passes. In his career, he threw for nearly 8,000 yards and 80 touchdowns. Those are some staggering numbers, but they can't be cashed in for a single yard at Michigan Stadium. It starts over now, and Hamilton is excited about the work ahead for McCaffrey, Michigan's older quarterbacks and the young receivers. "We're looking forward to Dylan McCaffrey joining the group of guys we have," Hamilton said. "We're look- ing for our guys to lead us to victory. That's the bottom line." The Quarterback Whisperer himself likes where the Wolverines stand at QB, two seasons in. "We definitely really like our quar- terbacks a lot," Harbaugh said. "Dylan will be a great addition. Big, tall quar- terback who has great stature in the pocket. He's also very athletic, and he's going to be able to move. He'll be won- derful to work with. "He's very talented. He comes from a great bloodline of athletes — dad, mom and brothers. It's been well docu- mented how good they've been." OFFENSIVE LINE Harbaugh talked about the need for bolstering the front wall on both sides of the ball, especially after the post-Orange Bowl mass exodus there. Michigan picked off a handful of of- fensive linemen who dramatically tip the scales before ever rumbling onto a college field. Filiaga is the biggest, a massive spec- imen who will challenge for early play- ing time. Ruiz is only one good train- ing table session behind in terms of National Signing Day pounds, and his presence in spring football gives him a perfect chance to show what he can do in the Michigan blocking schemes. Three others — Joel Honigford (6-6, 273) from Ohio, Andrew Stueber (6-7, 290) from Connecticut and Hall (6-5, 272) out of Detroit — might be a few meals shy of optimum weight, but there's time. Harbaugh left no doubt that he likes this group. "With Cesar, Ja'Raymond, Chuck Filiaga, Honigford, Stubes — there are five guys who will be future starters," he proclaimed. "There's a guy for each position on that offensive line." Offensive coordinator and O-line coach Tim Drevno, the man charged with crafting them as part of the over- all unit, added some particulars, such as great initial quickness, ankle flexion and more. "They're good people, their football awareness is really good, and their ma- turity level is very good," Drevno said. "They've been raised very well, and they can play at a young age in our system. "We're always looking for guys that can come in and compete for a starting job. We want the best. All five of these guys bring that to the table. Compe- tition is a beautiful thing. I compete every day for my job. It's important. We've got the right guys." Ruiz reflected that competitive spirit, much to the delight of the Signing Of The Stars crowd at Crisler. "There are a lot of open spots, a lot of opportunities for me to come in and play," he said. "That's even better, be- cause I know I can come in and com- pete. Once you work hard and fight to play in that spot, Coach is going to put you there." RUNNING BACK The Wolverines' tandem of running backs signees isn't as high profile as in some years, or like it might have been if a certain recruiting battle (for the nation's top back and No. 1 over- all prospect Najee Harris of Califor- nia) versus Alabama had turned out differently. That won't stop O'maury Samuels (5-10, 192) from New Mexico and Kurt Taylor (5-8, 197) out of Geor- gia from joining the scramble for car- ries in 2017. Samuels rushed for 4,306 yards and 50 touchdowns in high school, while Taylor rushed for 3,023 yards and 40 scores in three varsity seasons. New running backs coach Jay Har- baugh reemphasized an overriding theme, not just for the new backs but regarding the entire group. "That's the common denominator of the class, that competitive drive," he said. "That's what you're looking for. That's always going to get you to a higher level. "We're all about player develop- ment, and if you don't have that, you have no chance. That's the common denominator with all these guys." Dylan McCaffrey (above) has an impressive number of talented weapons to work with in his recruiting class, including one five-star and four four-star wide receivers. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM Head coach Jim Harbaugh on his 2017 class "I want them to come and be great. I want them to take advantage of everything Michigan has to offer. There are a lot of emotions — mostly joy."