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Michigan football: former 4-star WR target enters the transfer portal

Could this be the answer at wide receiver?

Published

2 months ago

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Notre Dame wide receiver Lorenzo Styles Jr. (4) runs after making a catch during the Notre Dame vs. Stanford NCAA football game Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend. Notre Dame Vs Stanford Football

Entering the offseason, there haven’t been many questions surrounding the Michigan Wolverines football program. Still, one question that has stood out is wide receiver depth. From last year’s team, the Wolverines are looking to replace three pass-catchers as two went to the NFL (Ronnie Bell and Luke Schoonmaker) while one left through the transfer portal (Andrel Anthony). Now, the Michigan football team has a fantastic opportunity as a former recruiting target of theirs enters the transfer portal.

Lorenzo Styles enters the transfer portal

As a prospect, Lorenzo Styles was a highly sought-after athlete who had the ability to play on either offense or defense. He played wide receiver and cornerback in high school but was viewed more as a pass catcher than anything. Coming out of high school, he was the No. 115 player nationally, the No. 20 wide receiver and the No. 5 player out of Ohio according to 247 Sports.

Ultimately, he would go on to commit to Notre Dame and had two solid years with the program. Following his freshman year, it was looking like he would go on to be a star. He caught 24 passes for 344 yards and a touchdown in his first year with the program, and he had people very excited. Unfortunately, things didn’t quite pan out how he expected, as he would only catch the ball 30 times for 340 yards and a touchdown in his sophomore season.

For whatever reason, he couldn’t make the jump that he, along with fans of the program, had hoped for. Often, the best thing to find that jump is a change of scenery, and now he has entered the transfer portal.

Where does Michigan football stand?

Michigan football is in an interesting situation. Wide receiver is by no means a need for the program. Still, this doesn’t mean it wouldn’t help the program. After losing three pass-catchers in the offseason, bringing in an extra pair of hands would certainly help. Lorenzo Styles could be just the man for the job, if he so chooses.

The Wolverines targeted Styles back in high school, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see them give him a look. This is especially true, considering he is from Ohio, a state they’ve placed considerable emphasis on lately.

In terms of competition, Ohio State, Wisconsin and Florida were all schools that heavily recruited him out of high school. Ohio State might be the biggest threat to gaining his commitment, as his brother, Sonny Styles, is a sophomore safety for the Buckeyes. Still, considering how loaded the Ohio State wide receiver room is, I’d be surprised to see him head in that direction.

Ultimately, there’s no saying whether Jim Harbaugh has any interest in pursuing a wide receiver in the transfer portal. Still, it certainly wouldn’t hurt the team, and a player like Lorenzo Styles could come in and make an immediate impact.

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Managing Editor at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!

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Michigan football recruiting update: Brian Robinson earns new insider pick for Kentucky

A four-star Michigan football recruiting target has been linked to Kentucky with a new insider pick.

Published

6 hours ago

on

June 6, 2023

By

Michigan football recruiting, Brian Robinson, Kentucky
Dec 3, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive back Will Johnson (2) celebrates his second interception of the game during the second half of the Big Ten Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Brian Robinson, a highly sought-after four-star edge rusher in the 2024 recruiting class, has been a prominent target for the recent Michigan football recruiting efforts. Despite numerous opportunities to announce his commitment to the Maize and Blue, Robinson has not done so. Even after a recent visit with the Wolverines, he remains uncommitted. However, ahead of his official visit with the Kentucky Wildcats, a new insider prediction from ON3 suggests that Robinson is now likely to choose the SEC instead of Michigan.

Michigan football recruiting target Brian Robinson projected elsewhere

Earlier this week, we reported that there seemed to be a disconnect between Michigan football recruiting and Brian Robinson, with the young four-star target showing interest elsewhere. Now, Robinson’s focus appears to have shifted, with insider predictions pointing towards him joining Kentucky in the 2024 class. This is a noteworthy hiccup for the Wolverines, as many fans were excited about the potential of Robinson committing to the Maize and Blue, making it a hot topic within the recruiting community.

Brian Robinson, a highly regarded four-star edge rusher in the 2024 class, is ranked as one of the nation’s top recruits. According to ON3 rankings, he is ranked No. 174 overall in the nation, the 14th best edge rusher in the 2024 class, and the sixth best recruit in the state of Ohio. Michigan has been actively pursuing him, but despite the dedicated efforts of Jim Harbaugh and the coaching staff, they have been unable to secure his commitment thus far.

Wolverines’ 2024 class is stacked so far

It is worth noting that while the Wolverines certainly desired his commitment, the 2024 Michigan football recruiting class has targeted other prospects and has already secured commitments from several edge rushers. This competitiveness within the class may have contributed to Robinson’s hesitation. However, this speculation remains speculative at this point.

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Managing Editor at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!

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Bad news for Michigan football: USC earns insider pick for No. 1 running back in the nation

Michigan football may no longer be the favorite to land the No. 1 running back in the nation.

Published

12 hours ago

on

June 6, 2023

By

Michigan football, Taylor Tatum, No. 1 running back, USC Trojans
Oct 2, 2021; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh looks on during the second quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan football has been actively pursuing Taylor Tatum in their recruiting efforts for quite some time, and until recently, their prospects appeared promising. However, a new insider prediction in favor of the USC Trojans for Tatum, the No. 1 running back in the nation, has dealt a blow to the Wolverines’ hopes of securing his commitment over the summer.

Michigan football is losing its lead with No. 1 running back Taylor Tatum

Tatum’s impressive rise in the 247 Sports rankings, elevating him to the coveted position of being the No. 1 running back in the nation, generated excitement. Michigan received several new predictions suggesting that they might land Tatum, fueling anticipation within the fanbase regarding the Wolverines’ 2024 recruiting class.

Unfortunately, the situation took a turn today as USC emerged with the latest prediction for Tatum’s commitment. It is worth noting that Tatum recently visited Los Angeles for an official visit, where USC may have presented a compelling pitch during his time there.

The Wolverines may still have a shot, but USC Trojans in the lead

Despite this setback, Michigan still has a chance to sway Tatum. For a considerable period, they seemed to be leading the race or at least among the top contenders. With Tatum scheduled to visit Michigan in a few weeks for an official visit, Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines will have an opportunity to make their case. However, at present, the outlook for Michigan football is less than ideal.

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Managing Editor at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!

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Michigan football facing crucial test with two five-star recruits this weekend

Michigan football is looking to sway two major five-star recruits this weekend

Published

16 hours ago

on

June 6, 2023

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Michigan football, five-star recruit, Justin Scott, Ryan Wingo
© Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

This weekend, from June 9th to 11th, the second wave of official visits will take place in Ann Arbor. Michigan football is hoping to secure a new commitment this month and will be looking to do so during these visits. Justin Scott and Ryan Wingo are two highly sought-after five-star recruits that the Wolverines are particularly interested in. The team recognizes the importance of this weekend as it may be their final opportunity to sway these players or at least generate significant interest.

Michigan football facing crucial test with two five-star recruits this weekend

While it may not be highly likely that Michigan lands either Scott or Wingo, the fact that they still maintain solid interest from both players keeps the possibility open. Ryan Wingo, in particular, is a priority for the Wolverines due to their need for elite wide receiver talent to complement five-star quarterback Jadyn Davis, who has been a vocal leader in the recruiting class.

Justin Scott is a five-star defensive lineman from Chicago, IL, according to the ON3 rankings. Although the Miami Hurricanes have shown strong interest and are considered the favorites, official visits have the potential to influence Scott’s decision. Similarly, the Recruiting Prediction Machine heavily favors Georgia as the destination for Scott, presenting a challenge for the Wolverines in their pursuit to flip him.

Michigan football sees this weekend as their last opportunity to sway both five-star targets and challenge Georgia for the top-ranked recruiting class in the nation. Currently sitting at No. 2, the Wolverines are aware of the widening gap between first and second place as the Bulldogs continue to add more five-star recruits.

Even if Michigan football can only sway one of these two top-ranked targets, it would be a huge recruiting win for the program; arguably up there with the likes of landing Jadyn Davis earlier this year.

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Managing Editor at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!

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