The latest edition of INSIDE THE FORT, including plenty of football recruiting information, some basketball and hockey.
Starting with the former …
Michigan coaches are closing in on the New Jersey/Philly crew they’ve been coveting for the entirety of the 2016 recruiting class (and whose effects should carry into the 2017 group and possibly beyond). Camden (N.J.) High teammates Ron Johnson and Brad Hawkins are in the fold.
Where does U-M stand with other key member of the group? Philadelphia Imhotep tight end Naseir Upshur, the No. 4 player at his position in the nation, plans to announce a decision Aug. 8, with Michigan in good shape. The catch there is that he hasn’t had the opportunity for mom to visit with him, but given that the rest of the crew plans to be on-campus Aug. 2 for the BBQ at the Big House, there’s another opportunity remaining.
Egg Harbor City (N.J.) Cedar Creek wide receiver Ahmir Mitchell (the highest-rated of the group proper at No. 51 nationally) is taking his time deciding between Michigan, Ohio State, and Notre Dame, which are his favorites in that order. He’s in no hurry, but at this point it would take quite a bit for Michigan to drop out of the top spot. The Buckeyes still have him as just a borderline “take” at this point, pending the decision of Detroit King wideout Donnie Corley and some others.
2017 offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz (recently named to the Rivals250 at No .156) is another with whom Michigan has a good chance to close. However, he has more than a year before Signing Day, and plans to at least check out some other schools before committing.
That group could continue to grow – but there might not even be enough room for all the players from it who want to come.
“Michigan is getting everyone from N.J./Pa. except for [Philadelphia Imhotep 2016 offensive lineman] Johncarlo Valentin, because they don’t have room for him,” one well-connected source said. “That includes [2017’s No. 29 overall player, Philadelphia St. Joseph’s Prep running back] D’Andre Swift.
“They probably get Terrance Davis too, which explains why there isn’t room for Valentin.”
With many players from that crew scheduled to make the BBQ, the groundwork could be laid for a big 2016 and 2017 windfall. If Paramus (N.J.) Catholic 2017 linebacker Drew Singleton makes it to town – he’s a possibility, but not yet confirmed – we wouldn’t be surprised to see him leave town as a Wolverine.
Michigan and Auburn have clearly separated themselves from the pack for five-star defensive tackle Rashan Gary, though additional visits around the country could expand his favorites list. U-M did an outstanding job selling his mother, Jennifer Coney, on the academic support he’d receive in Ann Arbor (something that is extraordinarily important to her, and therefore to Gary’s recruitment), but Auburn has a lot to like, as well. From a program and university perspective, the two are on just about even ground overall.
It could boil down to two things -- Michigan impressing on the field this fall, and a recruiting battle between Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp and Michigan defensive line coach Greg Mattison. Muschamp is still a hot name even after being fired from Florida’s head coaching position, and he’s an outstanding recruiter. Auburn’s recent NFL Draft history (particularly on the interior defensive line) speaks for itself. Mattison is selling a bit of a dream at this point, but backing it up on the field will go a long way.
Georgia, LSU, and others will have a say, and don’t count out the South Carolina schools (where he has some extended family), but Michigan – where he’ll return for the BBQ – and Auburn are sitting pretty now.
As mentioned above, Michigan doesn’t believe there’s room at the inn for 2016 offensive lineman Johncarlo Valentin. Given that the Wolverines are still recruiting plenty of offensive linemen, that probably says a bit about where they stand with those players.
They’re considered the favorite for Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha four-star guard Davis, while Hudson (N.C.) South Caldwell tackle Landon Dickerson has already set up an official visit for the Oregon State game and Mesquite (Texas) North Mesquite tackle Jean Delance is a hotter prospect after he enjoyed Michigan’s satellite camp in Dallas.
One prospect we expect they’ll take a look at – but be very patient with – is Lawrenceville (Ga.) Archer four-star E.J. Price. They’re curious about the reasons he de-committed from Georgia (and as stated in last ITF, some of those reasons raise real questions), and want to make sure they don’t push too hard for a kid they’re not positive about.
Now that he’s on the open market, Price plans to make his first-ever visit to Ann Arbor when he returns to Michigan (he grew up in the Grand Rapids area) this summer or during the fall. That should give the coaches a chance to interact with him in person, and see if they feel he can work through some of his issues.
Getting away from Georgia could be a boost for him during his college days (as explained in last ITF), so the staff can also figure out if that factor will help.
Either way, he’s not a take now, and nor is Valentin. That situation might not change – regardless of what those guys do – if the lead for Davis remains intact.
More recruiting …
Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward cornerback Tony Butler visits next weekend. If Michigan will take him (they currently like him at about that level, but it’s close, given how quickly the class is filling up), it would be a surprise for him to lead campus without pledging.
And while he’s not been as hot a prospect as he was shortly after getting a Michigan offer – despite a resurgence in media attention of the “Jim Harbaugh babysat me” story that we reported at the time of the offer – but don’t forget about Phoenix (Ariz.) Brophy Prep defensive end Connor Murphy.
The Wolverines may not have much room for another defensive end in the class, but if there is, he’s openly telling those around him that the Wolverines are his favorite. That could spell the entire story of his recruitment (especially since he’s seen Pac-12 schools and not yet Ann Arbor, and still favors U-M) if his offer stands.
Michigan’s linebacker situation, meanwhile, is still unresolved. Will Dele’ Harding remain in the class after the entire staff he committed to has left? Will David Reese play LB or fullback in college (if the latter is in Michigan’s plans, he may not end up in the group himself)? It’s certainly a position that can go several different ways, and Michigan has good options.
We still feel very good about the chances with Devin Bush Jr., the four-star out of Florida (whose Pembroke Pines Flanagan teammates Devin Gil and Josh Metellus are already committed). While we don’t think Houston (Texas) Elsik four-star Dontavious Jackson is quite as high on Michigan as he once was – having given both the Wolverines’ staff and several of his Houston-area friends indication that he would wear the winged helmet in the end – there’s still a very good shot at him.
Fresno (Calif.) Clovis West five-star Caleb Kelly has Michigan essentially tied at the top with Oklahoma. He plans to take all five official visits and choose after that point, but those two should stay on top. Michigan is in very good shape there, and if they prioritize Kelly, could close.
Would there be room for Orlando (Fla.) Oak Ridge three-star Jonathan Jones, now that he wants to wait out a decision until after the fall? We’ll see. The Michigan coaches like him, but a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, as they say, and if the in-hand birds are more highly ranked than the bush birds, it may work out that he loses his chance.
Finally, one expert we spoke with said if he had to bet on a destination for The Opening Sparq winner and Cass Tech junior Donovan Peoples-Jones, he’d put his money on Michigan.
“He’s one of those Cass Tech kids who loves that program,” he said.
At the same time, he also likes Florida and others and will be in extremely high demand. There’s a long way to go here.
****
To basketball recruiting now …
First, the Tyus Battle saga continues to grow. As of two days ago, Michigan was not ready to part ways with Battle, and we still believe that’s the case. He’s now left Team Final of the EYBL, and will play for New Heights of the Under Armour Association while still looking for a high school team and a college team.
Almost all of the colleges he is considering are Nike schools, while Notre Dame is the only Under Armour school. The AAU affiliation seemed to be a big reason for Battle’s interest in Syracuse, so that could work in Michigan’s favor. At the same time, all the back-and-forth, de-commitment stuff etc. is drama the Michigan coaches usually avoid.
Last week we reported that we might know something definitively about Battle and U-M by this time, but as of now we don’t.
The Michigan coaches are back on the road and watching a number of prospects. Head coach John Beilein and assistant LaVall Jordan were on hand to see class of 2017 point guard Trae Young (Rivals.com No. 28 junior nationally) today at Peach Jam, our Jacey Zembal tells us. They’ve seen 2016 point guard Cassius Winston (No. 23), who has picked it up after showing some rust following a broken wrist, and Clifton Park, N.Y.’s Kevin Huerter (6-6, No. 80), who has struggled.
Michigan is in solid shape with both, though right there with MSU for Winston. Vermont Academy guard Bruce Brown averaged 22 points in his first two games at Peach Jam, going 8-for-18 from three-point range. He’d have to visit before we got too wrapped up in his recruitment, but he has said U-M is recruiting him as hard as anyone.
The Wolverines also watched Xavier Simpson (No. 124) of Lima, Ohio – he put up 24 points and eight assists in a 94-90 win over California Supreme. California top 50 PG Devearl Ramsey scored 17 points and nine assists in the loss. Kentucky’s Quentin Goodin is waiting for someone to make him a priority, and he scored 28 points in 28 minutes in a loss to the N.Y. Rens, making four of seven triples (not usually his forte).
We believe U-M could be in great standing right now with Goodin, but again, Winston is the priority and they’ll wait him out into September. Beilein caught Bryce Aiken (No. 101) for a half, and the coaches are also watching Wisconsin three-star point guard Te’Jon Lucas (highlights below) in addition to the Michigan Mustangs 17U and 16U teams featuring 2016 commitment Austin Davis, 2017 four-star Brian Bowen, 2016 point guard target Justin Turner and 2017 forward Xavier Tillman, who couldn’t make it to the College Practice Camp due to family obligations.
Turner, for one, has a long way to go to earn an offer, but he played well at the Michigan Team Camp. U-M is also watching outstanding 2016 shooter Karmari Newman out of Detroit East English Village (see below). The 6-3 guard wowed in April at the King James Shooting Stars Classic in Akron, Ohio, with a 35 point performance in the title game.
****
Finishing up with hockey …
Michigan has suffered two early departures since the season ended, which is business as usual around these parts.
Center Andrew Copp’s decision back in April to leave after his junior year was surprising, but Michigan has since moved on, naming junior centerman JT Compher captain.
Then in late May, 2015 Big Ten Freshman of the Year Dylan Larkin signed with the Detroit Red Wings, creating a huge hole offensively – between Copp, Larkin and Hobey candidate Zach Hyman, who graduated, U-M said goodbye to 51 goals and 78 assists.
Larkin’s departure created an opportunity for recruit Cooper Marody to join the Wolverines one year ahead of his original arrival date as a member of the 2016 recruiting class. However, Marody was so good this past year for the Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL), Michigan was considering bringing him in this fall regardless of Larkin’s decision.
“Even before we lost Dylan, we looked at our roster and asked, ‘Where is the offense going to come from?’ so the opportunity to add someone of Cooper’s offensive talent was something we were actively discussing,” said associate head coach Billy Powers.
Unlike rising sophomore defenseman Zach Werenski, who had to accelerate his studies a year ago to finish high school in time to enroll at Michigan, Marody is an older player already done with his academic requirements – he was simply planning to hang out a year in the USHL growing his game before donning the winged helmet.
Instead, he will come in with his age group, eager to play a role on the Wolverines’ top three lines.
Marody, along with fellow freshman Kyle Connor (the headliner) and Brendan Warren, will all have to contribute offensively for the Maize and Blue this season.
Of course, the most important question of the day is whether the current roster will survive the rest of the summer – specifically whether Werenski will return for his sophomore season or go pro after he was the No. 8 overall pick in this year’s NHL Draft June 26?
“I feel really good that the team we have right now will be the team that we have when school starts,” Powers said. “We’ve spoken to Zach and he’s given us every indication that he believes he needs another year to develop his game, his body and his maturity at Michigan, so we’re confident he will return but we also understand anything can happen.”
Anything can, and usually does happen, and with Winnipeg’s track record the past few years of signing Wolverines early – Jacob Trouba after his rookie season of 2013 and Copp this past spring, many a Michigan fan may have winced when the Jets made Connor their first-round choice.
However, the coaches at U-M enjoy a solid relationship with the Winnipeg front office and the plan for Connor is at least one, and quite possibly two, years in Ann Arbor.
It’s putting a lot on Connor to expect him to put up the numbers Larkin did a year ago (15 goals and 31 assists), but the belief is that the freshman phenom can be a 35-40-point player as a rookie.
He’ll need to play with a great center, and right now the plan is to pair Connor with senior Boo Nieves and perhaps senior Justin Selman on the left side (Connor is also a lefty but has spent the past two years playing right wing).
Nieves, who has thus far underperformed with just eight, three and seven goals in his first three seasons, is an important player for the Wolverines’ pursuits this season.
“I think the difference between competing for the Big Ten championship and finishing three or four games out comes down to three players – Boo, Zach and ‘pick a goalie,’” a person close to the program said this week.
“[Junior] Michael Downing should have a very good year on defense but Zach is the difference-maker – you go back through Michigan’s history and those really special defensemen that made the entire blue line better, and the entire team, he’s one of those guys, so it’s imperative he comes back for his sophomore year.
“Then Boo, Michigan can feel pretty good about its top line with Compher at center, but after that, you have Boo as the second-line center and then probably Cooper as the third-line center. You have to get scoring from that second line. You have to get offense from Boo.
“More than most years, Michigan’s top-two lines probably have to contribute 70% of the scoring this year, and you won’t get that if Boo doesn’t raise his game.”
As for the goalies, it’s self-explanatory: Michigan needs consistency out of position that has been up-and-down for three seasons. Senior Steve Racine will have the first crack at repeating his outstanding playoff run from last year, but he has yet to show he can deliver over an entire campaign so both junior Zach Nagelvoort and freshman Chad Catt have to be ready.
One final note to pass along in regards to the roster – look for sophomore Niko Porikos to play forward instead of defense. U-M currently has nine defensemen and only 13 forwards, and will look to create better balance there. Porikos practiced extensively at forward a year ago and may have seen some time if not for injuries.
If healthy, he could be a solid fourth-line winger.
Starting with the former …
Michigan coaches are closing in on the New Jersey/Philly crew they’ve been coveting for the entirety of the 2016 recruiting class (and whose effects should carry into the 2017 group and possibly beyond). Camden (N.J.) High teammates Ron Johnson and Brad Hawkins are in the fold.
Where does U-M stand with other key member of the group? Philadelphia Imhotep tight end Naseir Upshur, the No. 4 player at his position in the nation, plans to announce a decision Aug. 8, with Michigan in good shape. The catch there is that he hasn’t had the opportunity for mom to visit with him, but given that the rest of the crew plans to be on-campus Aug. 2 for the BBQ at the Big House, there’s another opportunity remaining.
Egg Harbor City (N.J.) Cedar Creek wide receiver Ahmir Mitchell (the highest-rated of the group proper at No. 51 nationally) is taking his time deciding between Michigan, Ohio State, and Notre Dame, which are his favorites in that order. He’s in no hurry, but at this point it would take quite a bit for Michigan to drop out of the top spot. The Buckeyes still have him as just a borderline “take” at this point, pending the decision of Detroit King wideout Donnie Corley and some others.
2017 offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz (recently named to the Rivals250 at No .156) is another with whom Michigan has a good chance to close. However, he has more than a year before Signing Day, and plans to at least check out some other schools before committing.
That group could continue to grow – but there might not even be enough room for all the players from it who want to come.
“Michigan is getting everyone from N.J./Pa. except for [Philadelphia Imhotep 2016 offensive lineman] Johncarlo Valentin, because they don’t have room for him,” one well-connected source said. “That includes [2017’s No. 29 overall player, Philadelphia St. Joseph’s Prep running back] D’Andre Swift.
“They probably get Terrance Davis too, which explains why there isn’t room for Valentin.”
With many players from that crew scheduled to make the BBQ, the groundwork could be laid for a big 2016 and 2017 windfall. If Paramus (N.J.) Catholic 2017 linebacker Drew Singleton makes it to town – he’s a possibility, but not yet confirmed – we wouldn’t be surprised to see him leave town as a Wolverine.
Michigan and Auburn have clearly separated themselves from the pack for five-star defensive tackle Rashan Gary, though additional visits around the country could expand his favorites list. U-M did an outstanding job selling his mother, Jennifer Coney, on the academic support he’d receive in Ann Arbor (something that is extraordinarily important to her, and therefore to Gary’s recruitment), but Auburn has a lot to like, as well. From a program and university perspective, the two are on just about even ground overall.
It could boil down to two things -- Michigan impressing on the field this fall, and a recruiting battle between Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp and Michigan defensive line coach Greg Mattison. Muschamp is still a hot name even after being fired from Florida’s head coaching position, and he’s an outstanding recruiter. Auburn’s recent NFL Draft history (particularly on the interior defensive line) speaks for itself. Mattison is selling a bit of a dream at this point, but backing it up on the field will go a long way.
Georgia, LSU, and others will have a say, and don’t count out the South Carolina schools (where he has some extended family), but Michigan – where he’ll return for the BBQ – and Auburn are sitting pretty now.
As mentioned above, Michigan doesn’t believe there’s room at the inn for 2016 offensive lineman Johncarlo Valentin. Given that the Wolverines are still recruiting plenty of offensive linemen, that probably says a bit about where they stand with those players.
They’re considered the favorite for Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha four-star guard Davis, while Hudson (N.C.) South Caldwell tackle Landon Dickerson has already set up an official visit for the Oregon State game and Mesquite (Texas) North Mesquite tackle Jean Delance is a hotter prospect after he enjoyed Michigan’s satellite camp in Dallas.
One prospect we expect they’ll take a look at – but be very patient with – is Lawrenceville (Ga.) Archer four-star E.J. Price. They’re curious about the reasons he de-committed from Georgia (and as stated in last ITF, some of those reasons raise real questions), and want to make sure they don’t push too hard for a kid they’re not positive about.
Now that he’s on the open market, Price plans to make his first-ever visit to Ann Arbor when he returns to Michigan (he grew up in the Grand Rapids area) this summer or during the fall. That should give the coaches a chance to interact with him in person, and see if they feel he can work through some of his issues.
Getting away from Georgia could be a boost for him during his college days (as explained in last ITF), so the staff can also figure out if that factor will help.
Either way, he’s not a take now, and nor is Valentin. That situation might not change – regardless of what those guys do – if the lead for Davis remains intact.
More recruiting …
Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward cornerback Tony Butler visits next weekend. If Michigan will take him (they currently like him at about that level, but it’s close, given how quickly the class is filling up), it would be a surprise for him to lead campus without pledging.
And while he’s not been as hot a prospect as he was shortly after getting a Michigan offer – despite a resurgence in media attention of the “Jim Harbaugh babysat me” story that we reported at the time of the offer – but don’t forget about Phoenix (Ariz.) Brophy Prep defensive end Connor Murphy.
The Wolverines may not have much room for another defensive end in the class, but if there is, he’s openly telling those around him that the Wolverines are his favorite. That could spell the entire story of his recruitment (especially since he’s seen Pac-12 schools and not yet Ann Arbor, and still favors U-M) if his offer stands.
Michigan’s linebacker situation, meanwhile, is still unresolved. Will Dele’ Harding remain in the class after the entire staff he committed to has left? Will David Reese play LB or fullback in college (if the latter is in Michigan’s plans, he may not end up in the group himself)? It’s certainly a position that can go several different ways, and Michigan has good options.
We still feel very good about the chances with Devin Bush Jr., the four-star out of Florida (whose Pembroke Pines Flanagan teammates Devin Gil and Josh Metellus are already committed). While we don’t think Houston (Texas) Elsik four-star Dontavious Jackson is quite as high on Michigan as he once was – having given both the Wolverines’ staff and several of his Houston-area friends indication that he would wear the winged helmet in the end – there’s still a very good shot at him.
Fresno (Calif.) Clovis West five-star Caleb Kelly has Michigan essentially tied at the top with Oklahoma. He plans to take all five official visits and choose after that point, but those two should stay on top. Michigan is in very good shape there, and if they prioritize Kelly, could close.
Would there be room for Orlando (Fla.) Oak Ridge three-star Jonathan Jones, now that he wants to wait out a decision until after the fall? We’ll see. The Michigan coaches like him, but a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, as they say, and if the in-hand birds are more highly ranked than the bush birds, it may work out that he loses his chance.
Finally, one expert we spoke with said if he had to bet on a destination for The Opening Sparq winner and Cass Tech junior Donovan Peoples-Jones, he’d put his money on Michigan.
“He’s one of those Cass Tech kids who loves that program,” he said.
At the same time, he also likes Florida and others and will be in extremely high demand. There’s a long way to go here.
****
To basketball recruiting now …
First, the Tyus Battle saga continues to grow. As of two days ago, Michigan was not ready to part ways with Battle, and we still believe that’s the case. He’s now left Team Final of the EYBL, and will play for New Heights of the Under Armour Association while still looking for a high school team and a college team.
Almost all of the colleges he is considering are Nike schools, while Notre Dame is the only Under Armour school. The AAU affiliation seemed to be a big reason for Battle’s interest in Syracuse, so that could work in Michigan’s favor. At the same time, all the back-and-forth, de-commitment stuff etc. is drama the Michigan coaches usually avoid.
Last week we reported that we might know something definitively about Battle and U-M by this time, but as of now we don’t.
The Michigan coaches are back on the road and watching a number of prospects. Head coach John Beilein and assistant LaVall Jordan were on hand to see class of 2017 point guard Trae Young (Rivals.com No. 28 junior nationally) today at Peach Jam, our Jacey Zembal tells us. They’ve seen 2016 point guard Cassius Winston (No. 23), who has picked it up after showing some rust following a broken wrist, and Clifton Park, N.Y.’s Kevin Huerter (6-6, No. 80), who has struggled.
Michigan is in solid shape with both, though right there with MSU for Winston. Vermont Academy guard Bruce Brown averaged 22 points in his first two games at Peach Jam, going 8-for-18 from three-point range. He’d have to visit before we got too wrapped up in his recruitment, but he has said U-M is recruiting him as hard as anyone.
The Wolverines also watched Xavier Simpson (No. 124) of Lima, Ohio – he put up 24 points and eight assists in a 94-90 win over California Supreme. California top 50 PG Devearl Ramsey scored 17 points and nine assists in the loss. Kentucky’s Quentin Goodin is waiting for someone to make him a priority, and he scored 28 points in 28 minutes in a loss to the N.Y. Rens, making four of seven triples (not usually his forte).
We believe U-M could be in great standing right now with Goodin, but again, Winston is the priority and they’ll wait him out into September. Beilein caught Bryce Aiken (No. 101) for a half, and the coaches are also watching Wisconsin three-star point guard Te’Jon Lucas (highlights below) in addition to the Michigan Mustangs 17U and 16U teams featuring 2016 commitment Austin Davis, 2017 four-star Brian Bowen, 2016 point guard target Justin Turner and 2017 forward Xavier Tillman, who couldn’t make it to the College Practice Camp due to family obligations.
Turner, for one, has a long way to go to earn an offer, but he played well at the Michigan Team Camp. U-M is also watching outstanding 2016 shooter Karmari Newman out of Detroit East English Village (see below). The 6-3 guard wowed in April at the King James Shooting Stars Classic in Akron, Ohio, with a 35 point performance in the title game.
****
Finishing up with hockey …
Michigan has suffered two early departures since the season ended, which is business as usual around these parts.
Center Andrew Copp’s decision back in April to leave after his junior year was surprising, but Michigan has since moved on, naming junior centerman JT Compher captain.
Then in late May, 2015 Big Ten Freshman of the Year Dylan Larkin signed with the Detroit Red Wings, creating a huge hole offensively – between Copp, Larkin and Hobey candidate Zach Hyman, who graduated, U-M said goodbye to 51 goals and 78 assists.
Larkin’s departure created an opportunity for recruit Cooper Marody to join the Wolverines one year ahead of his original arrival date as a member of the 2016 recruiting class. However, Marody was so good this past year for the Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL), Michigan was considering bringing him in this fall regardless of Larkin’s decision.
“Even before we lost Dylan, we looked at our roster and asked, ‘Where is the offense going to come from?’ so the opportunity to add someone of Cooper’s offensive talent was something we were actively discussing,” said associate head coach Billy Powers.
Unlike rising sophomore defenseman Zach Werenski, who had to accelerate his studies a year ago to finish high school in time to enroll at Michigan, Marody is an older player already done with his academic requirements – he was simply planning to hang out a year in the USHL growing his game before donning the winged helmet.
Instead, he will come in with his age group, eager to play a role on the Wolverines’ top three lines.
Marody, along with fellow freshman Kyle Connor (the headliner) and Brendan Warren, will all have to contribute offensively for the Maize and Blue this season.
Of course, the most important question of the day is whether the current roster will survive the rest of the summer – specifically whether Werenski will return for his sophomore season or go pro after he was the No. 8 overall pick in this year’s NHL Draft June 26?
“I feel really good that the team we have right now will be the team that we have when school starts,” Powers said. “We’ve spoken to Zach and he’s given us every indication that he believes he needs another year to develop his game, his body and his maturity at Michigan, so we’re confident he will return but we also understand anything can happen.”
Anything can, and usually does happen, and with Winnipeg’s track record the past few years of signing Wolverines early – Jacob Trouba after his rookie season of 2013 and Copp this past spring, many a Michigan fan may have winced when the Jets made Connor their first-round choice.
However, the coaches at U-M enjoy a solid relationship with the Winnipeg front office and the plan for Connor is at least one, and quite possibly two, years in Ann Arbor.
It’s putting a lot on Connor to expect him to put up the numbers Larkin did a year ago (15 goals and 31 assists), but the belief is that the freshman phenom can be a 35-40-point player as a rookie.
He’ll need to play with a great center, and right now the plan is to pair Connor with senior Boo Nieves and perhaps senior Justin Selman on the left side (Connor is also a lefty but has spent the past two years playing right wing).
Nieves, who has thus far underperformed with just eight, three and seven goals in his first three seasons, is an important player for the Wolverines’ pursuits this season.
“I think the difference between competing for the Big Ten championship and finishing three or four games out comes down to three players – Boo, Zach and ‘pick a goalie,’” a person close to the program said this week.
“[Junior] Michael Downing should have a very good year on defense but Zach is the difference-maker – you go back through Michigan’s history and those really special defensemen that made the entire blue line better, and the entire team, he’s one of those guys, so it’s imperative he comes back for his sophomore year.
“Then Boo, Michigan can feel pretty good about its top line with Compher at center, but after that, you have Boo as the second-line center and then probably Cooper as the third-line center. You have to get scoring from that second line. You have to get offense from Boo.
“More than most years, Michigan’s top-two lines probably have to contribute 70% of the scoring this year, and you won’t get that if Boo doesn’t raise his game.”
As for the goalies, it’s self-explanatory: Michigan needs consistency out of position that has been up-and-down for three seasons. Senior Steve Racine will have the first crack at repeating his outstanding playoff run from last year, but he has yet to show he can deliver over an entire campaign so both junior Zach Nagelvoort and freshman Chad Catt have to be ready.
One final note to pass along in regards to the roster – look for sophomore Niko Porikos to play forward instead of defense. U-M currently has nine defensemen and only 13 forwards, and will look to create better balance there. Porikos practiced extensively at forward a year ago and may have seen some time if not for injuries.
If healthy, he could be a solid fourth-line winger.
