*** I got my first live look at three-star Michigan offensive line commit Connor Jones at today's Showcase Ball x Six Zero camp. The early part of the day was mostly testing. Jones has great height and length and impressed with his broad jump. I'm not too concerned about 40s for offensive linemen, but he ran well at his size, and also tested in the top group in the shuttle. On the hoof, you can see thee potential. Again, his height and length immediately grabs your attention. However, it's clear Jones still needs physical development. Shaping up his body and adding muscle to those long arms will be key as he gets set to arrive at Michigan as an early enrollee in January.
*** The next phase of the camp involved individual drills and a competition portion. This is where Jones really excelled. Jones has been working closely with top trainer and ex-NFL player Matt McChesney, who trains the top offensive linemen in the state of Colorado, and that training has definitely been paying off. Jones plays with excellent technique. His kick step and hand placement are especially above average. Jones is still growing into his frame, so his base and balance can continue to improve, but I really like where Jones is from a mental aspect. He also showed the physicality he displays on tape in the competition drill. This drill was simple: offensive linemen and defensive linemen were paired up head-to-head and tried to drive each other back. Jones was dominant and was the top dog overall.
*** The camp's final portion featured 1-on-1's, but reps were limited. Jones looked the most comfortable at left tackle, but he also had some solid reps at right tackle and even took some at both guard positions. I like the fact that Jones is willing to play any of the offensive line spots. In talking with McChesney after the camp, he said he would actually start Jones at guard and let him grow into a tackle at Michigan. Jones won the majority of his 1-on-1 reps. One rep loss (it was questionable) came at guard — mostly because he's not fully comfortable there. The other loss came at right tackle, where he simply didn't take a deep enough drop step.
*** Overall, Jones is an upside take. You know what you're getting from a technical standpoint as well as a kid. Jones was a leader throughout the camp, both vocally and by example. This was my first time meeting him, but I've had interactions with him over the phone as well, and he just seems like a really good kid. I also met his father, Travis, who was super helpful with my trip out here. And they love Michigan. Travis is from Ohio and grew up a Michigan fan as did Connor. Again, everything in regards to what Connor becomes at Michigan will depend on physical development. The strength and conditioning program will be key here.
Quick Hitters
*** Three-star 2022 offensive lineman Kaden Weatherby was at the camp but did not participate due to injury. He has a really impressive build, but his stock has dropped a bit since he had a pretty major shoulder surgery. I have a FutureCast pick in for Michigan but would change it to foggy if I could. Weatherby told me he was set to commit to Michigan at the time I put in my pick, but he slowed things down when Ed Warinner left. Michigan also cooled. Though, the Wolverines are still evaluating.
*** One of the more intriguing prospects at the camp was 2022 tackle Travis Gray. The three-star prospect is a mountain of a kid at 6-foot-8, 300 pounds. He's still raw, but the potential is definitely there. He has offers from Arizona, Kansas, Maryland and others and could see his stock rise this fall. He's a name to file away as Michigan continued to evaluate offensive linemen.
*** I'm not sure if Michigan will be in the market for a center next cycle, but Joshua Bates will be one of the best in the country in 2023. He was the best of the offensive linemen in 1v1's and dominated with his physicality and strength. He's another name to file away.
*** The next phase of the camp involved individual drills and a competition portion. This is where Jones really excelled. Jones has been working closely with top trainer and ex-NFL player Matt McChesney, who trains the top offensive linemen in the state of Colorado, and that training has definitely been paying off. Jones plays with excellent technique. His kick step and hand placement are especially above average. Jones is still growing into his frame, so his base and balance can continue to improve, but I really like where Jones is from a mental aspect. He also showed the physicality he displays on tape in the competition drill. This drill was simple: offensive linemen and defensive linemen were paired up head-to-head and tried to drive each other back. Jones was dominant and was the top dog overall.
*** The camp's final portion featured 1-on-1's, but reps were limited. Jones looked the most comfortable at left tackle, but he also had some solid reps at right tackle and even took some at both guard positions. I like the fact that Jones is willing to play any of the offensive line spots. In talking with McChesney after the camp, he said he would actually start Jones at guard and let him grow into a tackle at Michigan. Jones won the majority of his 1-on-1 reps. One rep loss (it was questionable) came at guard — mostly because he's not fully comfortable there. The other loss came at right tackle, where he simply didn't take a deep enough drop step.
*** Overall, Jones is an upside take. You know what you're getting from a technical standpoint as well as a kid. Jones was a leader throughout the camp, both vocally and by example. This was my first time meeting him, but I've had interactions with him over the phone as well, and he just seems like a really good kid. I also met his father, Travis, who was super helpful with my trip out here. And they love Michigan. Travis is from Ohio and grew up a Michigan fan as did Connor. Again, everything in regards to what Connor becomes at Michigan will depend on physical development. The strength and conditioning program will be key here.
Quick Hitters
*** Three-star 2022 offensive lineman Kaden Weatherby was at the camp but did not participate due to injury. He has a really impressive build, but his stock has dropped a bit since he had a pretty major shoulder surgery. I have a FutureCast pick in for Michigan but would change it to foggy if I could. Weatherby told me he was set to commit to Michigan at the time I put in my pick, but he slowed things down when Ed Warinner left. Michigan also cooled. Though, the Wolverines are still evaluating.
*** One of the more intriguing prospects at the camp was 2022 tackle Travis Gray. The three-star prospect is a mountain of a kid at 6-foot-8, 300 pounds. He's still raw, but the potential is definitely there. He has offers from Arizona, Kansas, Maryland and others and could see his stock rise this fall. He's a name to file away as Michigan continued to evaluate offensive linemen.
*** I'm not sure if Michigan will be in the market for a center next cycle, but Joshua Bates will be one of the best in the country in 2023. He was the best of the offensive linemen in 1v1's and dominated with his physicality and strength. He's another name to file away.
