recruit interviews
An Interview With Brennan Clay
As per usual: Tom VanHaaren's work below.
Brennan Clay is one of the top running back prospects in the country, and happens to be the former teammate of the Wolverines' new quarterback. Clay had expressed his interest in staying out West, but that opinion has recently changed. Not only is Brennan a great football player, he's got his head on straight for his future if football doesn't work out. Take a look at the conversation we recently had.
TOM: What’s all this I’ve been hearing about you and Michigan?
BRENNAN: There’s been a lot lately. I really like them a lot right now.
TOM: Since when? I know you've always liked them, but I thought you wanted to stay out west?
BRENNAN: Yeah, I thought about it, and I don’t mind to be honest. We'll see. I’m not making any decisions until I visit at least four schools.
TOM: Is it just what Tate has been saying, or what changed your mind?
BRENNAN: Somewhat, and that I've been looking at connections for the future. I'm looking at schools that will better my future, once I graduate.
TOM: So what research did you do, or what did you see that you think Michigan could help with in your future?
BRENNAN: As of right now, I'm really considering in majoring in business, and having a minor in communications. So with Michigan, their business school is pretty darn good. I think they’re top 5 across the board.
TOM: So when kids say that academics is the most important, you really mean it?
BRENNAN: I mean what I say. Growing up, that's what was embedded in my mind, education first. That's what has gotten me this far. I think I'll stay with the plan to continue being successful
TOM: What has Tate said to you so far?
BRENNAN: Well Tate and I obviously enjoyed playing alongside each other during our high school careers. It was a great duo. We knew everything about each other. It was almost like we knew exactly what we wanted to do on the field.
TOM: So having that comfort would be a factor for you, or could be?
BRENNAN: Yea, that is something I'll miss this year, and I have the option of reuniting with him, which could be pretty insane.
TOM: Has Tate said anything about Michigan though, that has made you think twice, or that you thought was pretty special?
BRENNAN: I've been researching UM, and the biggest thing that sticks out to me about that program is the 3 senior RB's leaving this year. That's huge in my eyes, because I feel confident enough that I could possibly make a great contribution to that program as a true freshman.
TOM: Especially with already having timing down with the QB.
BRENNAN: Yes sir, but to be honest, I'm just taking it day by day and enjoying this process.
TOM: So how else has your list changed? Who else is on it?
BRENNAN: I'm considering all schools that are recruiting me. As of right now my offer list has grown. Some big ones would be Oklahoma, Georgia, both Washington schools, both Oregon schools, Arizona State, BYU, Michigan, and some others.
An Interview With Ken Wilkins
PA LB/DE Ken Wilkins is a new offer of Michigan's radar from Washington Trinity, the same school that sent Andrew Sweat to Ohio State and Mike Yancich to Penn State. Wilkins' coach says he's more physically gifted than either, or just about anyone else:
"The sky is the limit for him. He's one of the most phenomenal, naturally gifted athletes I've ever been around. He was born with gifts that a lot of people couldn't imagine having."
Wilkins is strongly considering Michigan. Tom Van Haaren got the latest, but first some highlights:
TOM: I don't think a lot of people know about you yet, so tell me about yourself.
KEN: I’m really aggressive, and I’m pretty speedy. I can pretty much do anything on the field. I play a lot of positions. I play linebacker, defensive end, tight end, and quarterback sometimes. I’m just real versatile.
TOM: You live in Pennsylvania, so is the Midwest where you want to play college ball at?
KEN: Distance doesn’t matter to me. I just want to find the best fit for me. I’m going to check out all the schools, and see where I think I fit in the best.
TOM: You're 6'4" and 235 pounds, as a junior. Like you said you play LB, DE, and TE. What are you the best at? What position, and inside that position.
KEN: I’m best at defensive end. I have a real quick first step, and I have a nose for the ball. I can play that hybrid role, the linebacker and defensive end role pretty well too. Schools say I could play both, but I think the hybrid role is best for me.
TOM: You're pretty fast for your size, is that something you've been focusing on, your speed?
KEN: I do parametric, and our school has a speed training coach. We work with him two times a week. I’m gaining weight pretty quick, so I want to keep my speed too. We just started doing that this year, but I can already tell the difference, it’s definitely helping. I can’t wait for next year when it really kicks in.
TOM: You've got offers from almost every school in the east and Midwest. How are you going to narrow this down?
KEN: I just want to see the area, the environment, and the school. What the whole school is about and the overall program. The biggest thing for me is the relationships with the coaches and players, and how I feel around them.
TOM: When do you plan on making your decision by?
KEN: Probably mid June or July. I just want to get it over with before my season starts, so I don’t have to focus on it anymore. I have enough offers that I can make my decision, and be done with it. Once I commit, that will be it.
TOM: Do you already have a good idea of a top 3?
KEN: I don’t really have a top list, but Michigan and Pitt are near top. Michigan was always my favorite team growing up. Coach Gibson has been coming in lately, and I’ve been getting to know him. I also have a good relationship with the Pitt coaches.
TOM: Where does Michigan factor into all this, are they near the top, or at the top?
KEN: If I had to name a leader I would say it is Michigan. Once I go up there, if I like it I’ll pull the trigger and commit. I’m talking to my uncle about it, and I think I’ll be up there in about two weeks. I think I fit what they’re trying to do right now, and the coaches that I do know are all great. Everything about Michigan is great, and I could definitely see myself there.
TOM: What do the coaches talk to you about? What is it that you like about them?
KEN: They’re really laid back. They’re like a good friend, and not a recruiter. I really like that they aren’t pressuring me about the school. Coach Gibson told me that all these schools are good, even if it’s not Michigan, they’re all 5 star hotels, it’s just which one you want to stay at. So it was nice to talk to someone who didn’t try to tell me what to do. He’s like a good friend.
TOM: I saw a play on your highlight film, where it actually looked like you ate someone. Are you one of those guys that just throws his body around, and loves to hit?
KEN: Yeah, I love to hit. I just always played defense, and I find the ball easy. It’s just fun to go out there and hit somebody.
TOM: Have you been in contact with any other recruits? What do they say?
KEN: I built a relationship with some guys from my area, Chad Hayden is one. Most of the guys around me, I’m trying to see if they’ll come with me and play with me.
An Interview With Rashad Knight
Florida cornerback Rashad Knight (right, obviously) recently picked up two pieces of good news: a Michigan offer and four stars from Rivals, where he's the #18 cornerback. After the Michigan offer he declared the Wolverines his leader. MGoRecruitingGuy Tom Van Haaren caught up with him and got the latest.
TOM: When did you get your offer from Michigan?
RASHAD: It was recent, about 2 weeks ago. Right now I have a total of 12 offers though.
TOM: Was it something you expected? Were the coaches in contact with you before hand?
RASHAD: Michigan’s a big school, and I got a lot of hand written letters from them, but I didn’t expect it this soon. I did expect to get one eventually though.
TOM: What coaches have you started to build a relationship the most with?
RASHAD: From Michigan, Rod Smith. I have the nicest relationship with coach Disch from Illinois, we talk a lot.
TOM: You have all offers from up north schools; do you have ties up there?
RASHAD: No, I don’t have any ties. A lot of the north schools want more speed, and they say that I can add a lot. So, I just think it’s because they know that there’s a lot of speed in Florida. UCF recruits me really hard; I get a lot of letters from them. I talk to the coach from USF a lot too, but that’s really it for the south schools.
TOM: Are you comfortable leaving Florida?
RASHAD: Yea, I have no problem with that. My family will probably stay here, and come up for a couple home games, but there’s no problem.
TOM: I saw that you play safety, running back, wide receiver, and you return kicks too. What do you think you play the best, and what do you like playing the best?
RASHAD: I play safety, but I'm good in man to man coverage, which is why a lot of schools are recruiting me as a corner. Offense is ok with me, but I love playing defense.
TOM: What are most schools recruiting you as? How are they saying you can help them on the field?
RASHAD: They’re recruiting me as a corner. Louisville said they want me to play a little offense. They said if I get in real good shape I could play both. Most schools are just for corner though, which is what I like.
TOM: Have you taken any visits yet? Where do you plan on going?
RASHAD: I’ve been to Florida State a couple times. Towards the summer I’m going to Illinois, Vanderbilt, Louisville, and I want to make sure I go to Michigan too. I’m still planning out when though.
TOM: Who’s helping you the most?
RASHAD: My coach played at FSU, but he’s like my high school agent. He does everything for me, and takes care of everything for me. My other coach went to Florida, so they know the process and take care of everything.
TOM: You recently were quoted saying Michigan was your leader, and then retracted that and said Indiana is one of your top schools. Let’s clear this subject. Where do all the schools stand?
RASHAD: I don’t really have a top 5 for sure. I’m still open, but I would have to say that right now Michigan is at the top. I still want to take a look at everyone though. Michigan is just a good school, and I would have to say right now they are probably at the top. I just want to make sure I see everyone.
TOM: Do you have a timeline for when you want to make your decision?
RASHAD: I might take it to signing day. My coaches told me to make sure I’m comfortable, and build relationships. When I go take a look, I want to make sure I feel comfortable on campus, and the atmosphere. I also want to see if there’s a chance for me to play early, that’s important.
An Interview With Daniel Easterly
Daniel Easterly is a tall, skinny defender at recent Michigan feeder Cass Tech who could play anywhere from safety to defensive end (or "spinner" DEATHBACKER). Check this highlight video, which claims Easterly to be a "SS/LB/WR/DE/CB":
Easterly is made by RONCO. He slices, dices, chops, grates, minces, juices and mops! Stop having a boring tuna. Stop having a boring life!
Uh… anyway: Easterly's one of a couple instate recruits who's racked up an impressive set of offers (Illinois, Wisconsin, State, Purdue, Louisville) recently, and while Michigan hasn't joined that list yet there have been rumors they're on the verge. Tom VanHaaren interviewed Easterly a few days ago; the results start now:
TOM: How’s your recruitment going so far?
DANIEL: It’s going good. A lot of schools have contacted me, and they want to come see me at school. It’s really enjoyable to know that you’re wanted. I just got offered from MSU last Saturday. I think I’m up to 6 or 7 offers now. I’m still waiting on Michigan, but that will come soon. I keep in regular contact with them, and I went up there for the spring game. They really want me, but Coach Rod wants to see me at a camp, and then he’ll offer. I’ll go to their camp, and a whole bunch of other ones too. I think the most recent one is the Nike camp.
TOM: You’re a part of the Cass Tech family. Has it helped you having your teammates already go through the process?
DANIEL: Yea, it’s a great thing to have more than one person go to Michigan, and get recruited. All the guys go to Michigan, and Dior likes Michigan, so it’s pretty cool to have them there. They know what they’re looking for, which helps me.
TOM: What has been some of the advice they’ve given you? Are they trying to persuade you to choose Michigan as well?
DANIEL: They told me to wait out for it. Thomas and Teric waited, and showed it all out at camp. They’ve been telling me for awhile that I’ll be a big time player, and just be patient. Big Will is a lifetime friend, and a big time influence in my life. It has really helped to have someone like him there for me. They’re definitely trying to get me up to Michigan. I’m just waiting for that offer, so I have more time to look into them, and find out more about them to make my decision. The sooner I get offered, the sooner I can find out more about Michigan.
TOM: Will that be important to you, playing with your former teammates?
DANIEL: The fact that my teammates are there is very important, but I’m looking for a school that fits me. A school that I know I would fit in perfectly with. My friends that go to Michigan will play a big part in it, but it all comes out to what I think in the end.
TOM: Have you and Dior been trying to visit some of the same schools?
DANIEL: Most definitely. We’re going to take visits together. We’ve been school together since 10th grade, so we do a lot of things together.
TOM: Tell me about you as a football player. What are your strengths?
DANIEL: I think my biggest strength is that I’m an aggressive player. I love contact, that’s my favorite part of the game, that’s what I live for. Hitting is the best part of the game. I need to work on my back pedaling though. Most of the time I’m coming down hill anyway, but I would still like to work on that.
TOM: You’re 6’4 and you play safety, among other positions. What are college coaches recruiting you as?
DANIEL: I’m 6’5 now. I’m getting recruited as a linebacker, safety, wide receiver, and I’ve been offered as a corner too. I think I’m an all around athlete.
TOM: You could probably be built into a couple different spots, what position do you want to play?
DANIEL: I would choose safety or linebacker. Linebacker, because there’s more contact, safety there’s more speed, but I definitely want to play defense.
TOM: What schools are showing the most interest right now?
DANIEL: The schools that offered me are showing the most, obviously. Michigan, USC, Alabama, Florida, Miami, ND, Louisville are showing interest without offers still. Iowa and Purdue are supposed to be offering soon.
TOM: What schools are you most interested in?
DANIEL: The schools that have offered me. I can only be interested in the schools that have offered me; because there’s not a 100% chance I can go to the ones that haven’t offered me. I’m looking into those schools because they said they wanted me. Michigan though, is one of my top schools that hasn’t offered me. Everything about Michigan is great.
TOM: When do you want to get your decision out of the way?
DANIEL: Probably before my senior season. I was also thinking about after, because I want to get my parents involved.
An Interview With CJ Olaniyan
Still Tom doing these, obviously. Next up: Michigan's attempt to extend their rich history of guys named CJ.
CJ Olaniyan is a defensive end prospect from Warren Mott, and will be visiting Michigan this weekend. CJ has gotten national attention, holding offers from Michigan, Kentucky, Virginia Tech, and Oregon to name a few. As a junior he had 85 tackles and 9 sacks.
Take a look at our conversation, and the bold statement he makes about his recruitment.
TOM: You’re heading up to Michigan for the spring game, what are you most excited to see? What are you going to pay attention to the most?
CJ: I want to see the coaches mostly, and how the defense is coached. I haven’t gotten to see that yet, and that’s what’s most important to me.
TOM: Is anyone coming with you, or any other recruits you’ve been talking to about the game?
CJ: Martez Kelly might come with me, and there have been a few guys I’ve spoken to, like Austin Gray. [Probably not since he committed to Iowa since this interview took place. –ed] Everybody thinks it’s going to be a good time.
TOM: Have you been in contact with Greg Robinson, or any of the defensive coaches?
CJ: We just email really. I talk to the coaches about what kind of defense they run, and how I would fit in there.
TOM: What kind of defense are you familiar with, or what would you like to play in?
CJ: We run a 4-3. It doesn’t matter to me what kind is run at different schools. Just as long as I can play, and I get a chance to show what I can do.
TOM: You’ve been getting a lot of attention lately. What school surprised you the most, or intrigues you the most?
CJ: My coach gave me a break down of what was going to happen, and what schools would probably offer, so I haven’t’ really been surprised necessarily. He did a good job of prepping me.
TOM: Is it going to be important for you to stay close to home?
CJ: Not necessarily. I’m not going to look at that when I decide. It’s just going to be about where I fit in, and how comfortable I feel.
TOM: Is there a kind of pride thing with staying in state? Have you talked to any of the other recruits about staying in state?
CJ: Yea, I mean it would be cool to have my family stay, and to play where you’re from. I’ve talked to a couple of the instate guys about it. Austin Gray, and I talked about it before, and thought it would be pretty cool. I don’t know if they will or not, but we’ve mentioned it.
TOM: What are your strengths, what do you think you do the best?
CJ: I just make plays. I do what I’m told, and make the play. I would say my pass rush is the best part of my game though.
TOM: What areas are you going to try to work on this season?
CJ: I’m mostly going to work on my hand work with my stances, getting the right positions, and fundamentals down. I’m going to get bigger, so I always need to work on the fundamentals.
TOM: What’s your top 3 look like right now?
CJ: I think about everybody the same. I don’t want to name any tops right now, I’m not too sure.
TOM: When will you make your decision? Is there a possibility you could make one this weekend?
CJ: My goal is to have it done by the beginning of the season; the middle of the season at the latest. But, yea there’s a possibility one could come this weekend, I’m not sure yet.
An Interview With Stephen Hopkins
Computer issues remain: this is Tom's doing, as per usual.
via DMN.
Texas running back Stephen Hopkins attends a high school with unfortunate uniforms. He's also one of a few bigger backs with a Michigan offer; he's also been offered by Texas A&M, Nebraska and Oregon. You can see him turn linebackers into goo at ESPN. Tom interviewed him over the weekend, and it sounds like Michigan is a strong contender.
TOM: So what schools are showing interest in you so far?
STEPHEN: Stanford, Michigan, Minnesota, Notre Dame, Wisconsin, and Texas A&M are a few off the top of my head.
TOM: Being from Texas, what schools are you most interested in? Is it important to stay close to home?
STEPHEN: I’m interested in all of them right now but I know the most about Michigan and Texas A&M. Distance won’t be a factor for me, I know that. I just want to go where I’m wanted.
TOM: You’re a bigger back already, and only a junior. Do you think that gives you an advantage going into college?
STEPHEN: Yea, it kind of gives me a disadvantage though too. Sometimes there’s a stereotype that I can’t run fast, but I’m going to improve on that. I recently ran a 4.6 40, so I want to try to get that down to a 4.5. I like that I’m bigger, and don’t want to lose that, but I want to get faster too.
TOM: Are you more of a physical back with your size, or do you try to stay balanced?
STEPHEN: I’m going to try to be more balanced next year. I think I can do other things besides hit. I really want to show what I can do this year, and hopefully let the schools know I’m not just a big back.
TOM: You’ve been to Texas A&M, SMU, and Nebraska so far. What stood out to you with those schools?
STEPHEN: I liked A&M the most, because I got the most attention. I don’t want that to sound bad, but I want to be a big part of the program, and make a difference. I don’t want to just be a role player.
TOM: What other visits do you plan on taking over the summer?
STEPHEN: I’m going to KU; my family is from there so that will be easy. I’m going to Michigan April 10th too. Besides that, I’m not really sure; it depends on how my visits before that go. My biggest thing with Michigan is how they’ll use me in the offense. I know they haven’t really had any bigger backs like me before, so that’s one thing I’m going to ask the coaches. Obviously it’s Michigan, so they have great facilities, and the environment is great, I want to see about some other parts too.
TOM: I know it’s early, but what kind of negative recruiting have you seen so far?
STEPHEN: I haven’t really heard any yet. No one has put anyone down; it’s been more focused on their school. I’m still deciding on whether or not I’m going to graduate early, so when I decide that I think I’ll hear more.
TOM: What’s going to make your final decision? What do you want from a school?
STEPHEN: I want to see how I’m used in the offense mainly. Most of the schools I’m looking at have good business schools, which is important. My main thing is how valuable I am to them. I want to be a big part, and I know I can make a difference.
TOM: Where does Michigan rank right now? Do you have a top 5?
STEPHEN: If there was a top, I’d say Michigan’s tied with Texas A&M. I don’t want to say too much, but I haven’t even seen them yet, and they’re definitely up there. I’m excited to see everything up there.