Jai Eugene, Jr., a three-star corner in the 2023 class out of Destrehan (La.), caught Michigan's eye recently.
The NOLA area native knows Amorion Walker and is building a relationship with wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy, a Louisiana native himself who was responsible for the recruitment of Walker.
"I usually talk to Coach Bellamy and sometimes Coach Clinkscale," he said. "Bellamy is a real good guy, and he's from New Orleans, so we can relate and touch base with a lot of stuff."
Right now, Eugene, Jr. is in the midst of what the recruiting world calls "blowing up." He has offers from Mississippi State, Purdue, Tulane, and Virginia, so the Power Fives are involved. What's next is hopefully an offer from Michigan, one he wants and should expect. He said the Wolverines would immediately be one of his top schools if he's offered.
In-state LSU is keeping tabs and may offer him soon. The Tigers would ascend as top competition for his services given its proximity to home and growing up in Louisiana.
Eugene, Jr. is a guy to keep your eyes on going forward as we expect him to land an offer sooner than later. Bellamy is Michigan's guy in NOLA, an area it hasn't had a footprint before. It gifted them a freak-show wideout last year. It may gift them a 6-foot, 191-pound cornerback in 2023.
This is one we think we'll be ahead of, so stay tuned.