Recruiting Roundup: National Signing Day 2023
In keeping with the new accelerated recruiting calendar, National Signing Day passed without a fuss for the Michigan Wolverines. With all the Harbaugh to Minnesota rumors coming to a head on signing day last year, this should be considered a nice change of pace, but some glaring programmatic issues remain.
Nyckoles Harbor is committed to South Carolina
On the negative side of the ledger, Nyckoles Harbor’s long and disappointing recruitment finally found a shorter end on Wednesday. The five-star athlete — one of Michigan’s most promising candidates in the Class of 2023 — will bring his immense soccer and track talents to Columbia, South Carolina.
Harbor attributed ($) his involvement with the Gamecocks to his relationship with head coach Shane Beamer and their track program in an interview with 247Sports.
“It’s Beamer Ball,” Harbor said. “He’s the hottest recruiter in America, which everyone learns. It’s a great school overall and he’s building something great there. He wants to reach the playoffs and get promoted there.”
Michigan had been viewed as his greatest admirer for most of the recruiting. If Harbor is honest, there is little to learn from this situation. But if NIL or incentive play the deciding factor, Michigan needs to make changes. With arguably the best academic record of any Division 1A school, successful players making tons of money, and Michigan being a prime destination for tight ends — the position he wanted to play in college — there are few excuses to bring out Harbor to miss.
Three-star DL recruit transfers to Michigan
The news wasn’t all doom and gloom, however. Michigan turned over three-star defenseman Cameron Brandt from Stanford.
In an interview with 247Sports ($), Brandt cited Michigan’s track record in development and the relationship he forged with the coaching staff and Mason Graham for the decision.
“It came down to where I thought I would fit in best and where I could see myself for the next four years. If I look at everything, that was Michigan for me. I think they can shape and develop me into the best soccer player I can be.
“Mason was actually my host during my visit. He’s had a great year and he said he loves it there. It was good to be around him, to talk to him about how things are there and I’m definitely looking forward to the opportunity to play alongside him.”
The 247Sports composite ranking lists him as the 51st best defender in class.
Michigan Legacy Prospect schedules the announcement for 6:00 p.m. today
2024 four-star Harper Woods defender Jacob Oden has set his signing announcement for 6pm
All signs point to a pickup for the Wolverines. Former Michigan walk-on Rod Oden’s son, Jacob, has a whopping nine crystal balls projecting him to the Wolverines. Iowa and Michigan State are still threats, but it would be an absolute stunner if he got involved anywhere other than Michigan.
Oden, ranked 160th overall, would become Michigan’s highest-ranked Commitment in the 2024 class, overtaking four-star linebacker Mason Curtis, who is ranked 192nd.
