Here are tonight's Blue Chips...
*** From what I've gathered from multiple sources, 2022 Rivals250 Oradell (N.J.) Bergen Catholic defensive back Jaeden Gould is nearing a decision. In fact, it wouldn't be surprising to see Gould pull the trigger at some point in the next couple of months. I'm told he really doesn't want to take his recruitment past spring. Right now, I still feel like Michigan is definitely the team to beat here. He talks to Michigan cornerbacks coach Michael Zordich on a weekly basis and has visited Ann Arbor on multiple occasions. Gould brings plenty of flexibility to the secondary. He is listed as a corner and can play there, but he also has the potential to be a full-time safety or play in the nickel. I'm really high on Gould and believe he would be a tremendous addition on the back end.
*** The one school Gould has always wanted to see before pulling the trigger is Texas. Gould is intrigued by the idea of playing in the south and has a preexisting relationship with UT cornerbacks coach Jay Valai, who previously recruited him at Rutgers. It will be interesting to see if Gould makes his way to Austin on his own dime at some point this offseason. USC is another school that has been heavily pursuing Gould, and he would like to take a trip out there as well. However, Michigan is definitely going into the new year with the upper hand. The Wolverines are also getting help from 2022 linebacker commit Tyler Martin, who talks to Gould all the time. The two know each other from playing in a youth all-star game.
*** Speaking of Martin, there is nothing to really worry about with his commitment despite the dismissal of primary recruiter and defensive coordinator Don Brown. While Martin didn't get a heads up from Brown that he may be gone like some other recruits, there was an understanding that his job was not stable. Martin committed to Michigan for more than just Brown and is happy with his decision. As mentioned, he is recruiting Gould and has also been in touch with some other prospects. I exchanged messages with Martin's father, Mark, today, and there is obvious intrigue in the defensive coordinator search, but again, they are solid with the Wolverines.
*** Lastly, I had some good stuff on new 2022 offensive line commit Connor Jones in Into The Blue today from his trainer and ex-NFL offensive lineman Matt McChesney. I also asked Rivals national analyst for his thoughts on Jones, and this is what he had to say: "Jones has a great build and an athletic frame, where it wouldn't surprise me if he adds another 20-30 pounds at Michigan and becomes an even more physical blocker. In run blocking, Jones looks most comfortable opening holes and driving defensive players back. He's also pretty good in pass protection but not a lot of that is shown on film. I do question how he will handle elite Big 10 edge rushers and the other question is on film he's manhandling players much smaller than him. In the Big 10, it's going to be a major change. Jones has a lot of tools and skills, but I can't really adjust his ranking much until I see him more in person against top-end defensive ends."
*** From what I've gathered from multiple sources, 2022 Rivals250 Oradell (N.J.) Bergen Catholic defensive back Jaeden Gould is nearing a decision. In fact, it wouldn't be surprising to see Gould pull the trigger at some point in the next couple of months. I'm told he really doesn't want to take his recruitment past spring. Right now, I still feel like Michigan is definitely the team to beat here. He talks to Michigan cornerbacks coach Michael Zordich on a weekly basis and has visited Ann Arbor on multiple occasions. Gould brings plenty of flexibility to the secondary. He is listed as a corner and can play there, but he also has the potential to be a full-time safety or play in the nickel. I'm really high on Gould and believe he would be a tremendous addition on the back end.
*** The one school Gould has always wanted to see before pulling the trigger is Texas. Gould is intrigued by the idea of playing in the south and has a preexisting relationship with UT cornerbacks coach Jay Valai, who previously recruited him at Rutgers. It will be interesting to see if Gould makes his way to Austin on his own dime at some point this offseason. USC is another school that has been heavily pursuing Gould, and he would like to take a trip out there as well. However, Michigan is definitely going into the new year with the upper hand. The Wolverines are also getting help from 2022 linebacker commit Tyler Martin, who talks to Gould all the time. The two know each other from playing in a youth all-star game.
*** Speaking of Martin, there is nothing to really worry about with his commitment despite the dismissal of primary recruiter and defensive coordinator Don Brown. While Martin didn't get a heads up from Brown that he may be gone like some other recruits, there was an understanding that his job was not stable. Martin committed to Michigan for more than just Brown and is happy with his decision. As mentioned, he is recruiting Gould and has also been in touch with some other prospects. I exchanged messages with Martin's father, Mark, today, and there is obvious intrigue in the defensive coordinator search, but again, they are solid with the Wolverines.
*** Lastly, I had some good stuff on new 2022 offensive line commit Connor Jones in Into The Blue today from his trainer and ex-NFL offensive lineman Matt McChesney. I also asked Rivals national analyst for his thoughts on Jones, and this is what he had to say: "Jones has a great build and an athletic frame, where it wouldn't surprise me if he adds another 20-30 pounds at Michigan and becomes an even more physical blocker. In run blocking, Jones looks most comfortable opening holes and driving defensive players back. He's also pretty good in pass protection but not a lot of that is shown on film. I do question how he will handle elite Big 10 edge rushers and the other question is on film he's manhandling players much smaller than him. In the Big 10, it's going to be a major change. Jones has a lot of tools and skills, but I can't really adjust his ranking much until I see him more in person against top-end defensive ends."
