*** I spent some extended time with five-star Cordova (Tenn.) St. Benedict defensive tackle Walter Nolen and his family this morning. Even when I was cautiously reporting on Nolen, I had some confidence. That was only reinforced today. Everyone from Walter to his father to his mother to his younger brother spoke highly of Michigan and its staff. They love the direction the new staff is moving in with its defensive scheme, have a strong relationship with assistant Ron Bellamy and love the education offered — Nolen wants to go into business.
*** Bellamy has taken full command of this recruitment. A rising star on U-M’s staff, Bellamy has connected so well with Nolen on a personal level, and the two actually talk almost every single day. Bellamy is originally from Louisiana and has pitched Nolen on leaving the south and carving his own legacy, which is very appealing to Nolen. The two also play video games together and just talk about life in general. New Michigan defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald has also been very involved here and has impressed Nolen and his family with his scheme and ideas. Both Nolen and his father believe Nolen would be a terrific fit.
*** Look, I know pulling Nolen from the south seems like an almost impossible task. But I just get the sense that Nolen likes the idea of being the big man on campus and doing something different. Nolen can be an immediate impact player for a Michigan program that desperately wants to desperately get back to where it once was. Alongside fellow five-star Will Johnson, Nolen can be part of the turnaround for the winningest program in college football history. Of course, he can just go join Alabama or Ohio State, win and get to the NFL. But Michigan gives him the opportunity to truly have a legacy.
*** As I’ve mentioned before, Nolen’s grandparents live in Detroit, and his mother, Yolunda. is originally from there as well. In fact, there are multiple Michigan alums on her side of the family, and she visited campus a couple of times while growing up. Yolunda told me that having Nolen at Michigan would be great for her because she could see her son play and visit her parents. She wants him to make the best decision on his own, but she would be all for Nolen siding with the Wolverines and added that she loves the program in general as well as the conversations she's had with the coaching staff.
*** Another key connection to Michigan for the Nolen family is four-star cornerback commit Kody Jones and his father, Keith. Jones and Nolen grew up playing against and with each other in little league football. Their fathers helped run their respective youth programs and became close friends. The two talk weekly, and Keith is doing his best to recruit Walter Sr. Jones and Nolen are having some discussions about it as well. The Memphis-area prospects would love to reunite in college. In fact, they almost did at the high school level at IMG Academy. Jones and Nolen are set to officially visit Michigan together on June 18.
*** Let’s take an overall look at Nolen’s recruitment. Nolen just visited Alabama for its spring game, and he plans to be back there for an official visit on June 25. Nolen’s first official visit is scheduled with Florida. That will take place during the first weekend in June. Those are the only three he has locked in at this time. While Nolen has talked about making a summer decision, he told me he just doesn’t know right now. Nolen added that he may take his final two official visits in the fall. Schools like Ohio State, Georgia and LSU would definitely be in the running for those. Right now, Alabama is my biggest concern for obvious reasons, but Michigan is very much a top contender and is right up there with the Crimson Tide.
*** Bellamy has taken full command of this recruitment. A rising star on U-M’s staff, Bellamy has connected so well with Nolen on a personal level, and the two actually talk almost every single day. Bellamy is originally from Louisiana and has pitched Nolen on leaving the south and carving his own legacy, which is very appealing to Nolen. The two also play video games together and just talk about life in general. New Michigan defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald has also been very involved here and has impressed Nolen and his family with his scheme and ideas. Both Nolen and his father believe Nolen would be a terrific fit.
*** Look, I know pulling Nolen from the south seems like an almost impossible task. But I just get the sense that Nolen likes the idea of being the big man on campus and doing something different. Nolen can be an immediate impact player for a Michigan program that desperately wants to desperately get back to where it once was. Alongside fellow five-star Will Johnson, Nolen can be part of the turnaround for the winningest program in college football history. Of course, he can just go join Alabama or Ohio State, win and get to the NFL. But Michigan gives him the opportunity to truly have a legacy.
*** As I’ve mentioned before, Nolen’s grandparents live in Detroit, and his mother, Yolunda. is originally from there as well. In fact, there are multiple Michigan alums on her side of the family, and she visited campus a couple of times while growing up. Yolunda told me that having Nolen at Michigan would be great for her because she could see her son play and visit her parents. She wants him to make the best decision on his own, but she would be all for Nolen siding with the Wolverines and added that she loves the program in general as well as the conversations she's had with the coaching staff.
*** Another key connection to Michigan for the Nolen family is four-star cornerback commit Kody Jones and his father, Keith. Jones and Nolen grew up playing against and with each other in little league football. Their fathers helped run their respective youth programs and became close friends. The two talk weekly, and Keith is doing his best to recruit Walter Sr. Jones and Nolen are having some discussions about it as well. The Memphis-area prospects would love to reunite in college. In fact, they almost did at the high school level at IMG Academy. Jones and Nolen are set to officially visit Michigan together on June 18.
*** Let’s take an overall look at Nolen’s recruitment. Nolen just visited Alabama for its spring game, and he plans to be back there for an official visit on June 25. Nolen’s first official visit is scheduled with Florida. That will take place during the first weekend in June. Those are the only three he has locked in at this time. While Nolen has talked about making a summer decision, he told me he just doesn’t know right now. Nolen added that he may take his final two official visits in the fall. Schools like Ohio State, Georgia and LSU would definitely be in the running for those. Right now, Alabama is my biggest concern for obvious reasons, but Michigan is very much a top contender and is right up there with the Crimson Tide.
