The recruiting marathon has slowed from a feverish sprint to a melancholy jog - at least for Central Michigan and coach Jim McElwain.
After reeling in 13 verbal commitments in a two-month span, the Chippewas have secured just one commitment, and felt the sting of a de-commitment as well, since May 20. Linebacker Diego Neri, who was the Chippewas' first commitment, de-committed on July 4 and Caden DeWald, an offensive lineman from Birmingham Seaholm, joined the class a day later.
While this class certainly has its share of potential star power in the likes of two-way high school teammates DJ Stepney and Eric Reese, there are still plenty of holes to fill as we inch closer to the early signing period in December.
McElwain's class of 2020 had 22 members, with 20 signing during the early signing period. A majority of the class committed to the Chippewas during the summer of 2019, however the summer visits that would normally be taking place are a privilege not granted to college squads due to the current recruiting dead period as part of the NCAA's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Regardless of what the Chippewas can and cannot do, there will have to be a class put together. Let's take a look at some of the Chippewas' top targets available on the offensive side of the ball:
Grayson James - QB (Plano, Texas)
After throwing for 4,121 yards and 44 touchdowns last season at John Paul II high school in Plano, James received an offer from the Chippewas early in June. He's a 3-star prospect according to the 247Composite rating system and would top the commitment board in terms of composite score should he choose the Chippewas.
James competed at the Elite 11 finals in Nashville and, though he didn't blow away the competition, had a very successful finish during the third day of competition. He trains with Kevin Murray, father of Kyler, and is coached by former NFL QB George Teague at John Paul II.
With all of this professional experience, it's not about what he is now but more about what he can be down the line. If the Chippewas land his commitment, he could develop into a solid starter in the Mid-American Conference in time. The traits are there, but development will be key.
James plays in a similar system with his high school and has the build (6-foot-1, 200 pounds) to play right away. With plenty of uncertainty surrounding the position, it would be wise for McElwain and company to do all they can to add a QB of James' caliber.
Other QB targets: Maddox Kopp (Houston, TX), Ron Powlus III (Mishakawa, IN), Kristoff Kowalkowski (Minneapolis, MN)
Taelen Brooks - RB (Pittsburgh, PA)
Central Michigan was the first school to offer Brooks, doing so back in January of 2019. He's a talented player who plays on both sides of the ball. Despite being just a 2-star recruit according to 247, he has good size and speed and could make an impact on either side of the ball.
The Chippewas are very deep at running back but, at 6-foot-1, Brooks could seamlessly slide out wide or flip sides of the ball and still contribute. He has offers from Pittsburgh and Wisconsin, so it's obvious that the Chippewas aren't the only ones who see his potential. Currently, the Chippewas have the commitment of Stepney, another two-way guy, and a slew of young backs already on roster. What's one more talented player?
Other RB targets: Drapher Cribbs (East Kentwood, MI), Tyshaan Williams (Battle Creek, MI), Kyle Franklin (Elmhurst, IN)
Luke Foster - TE (Wallingford, CT)
With Tony Poljan set to graduate after the 2020 season and upper classman Bernhard Raimann largely unproven, there are question marks everywhere within this Chippewa tight end room. Foster, a 6-4, 200-pound beast, would fit right in.
In the Chippewa offense under second year coordinator Charlie Frye, the tight end is used heavily on crossing routes and underneath patterns that leave players vulnerable to a beating from opposing linebackers. Foster has the size and physicality to blend right in with the scheme and the athleticism to play at a high level.
Defensive line coach Justin Hinds did a great job of recruiting the northeast a season ago, bringing in players like Nahree Biggins, Zahir Swann and Myles Bailey. Expect him to try and pull off a similar performance, starting with a player that the coaches on the other side of the ball will love.
Other TE targets: Demetrius Huguley (Louisville , KY), Mitchell Evans (Wadsworth, OH), Blake Nelson (Walled Lake, MI)
Jace Williams - WR (Grand Rapids, MI)
Williams is one of the best uncommitted players in the state and a phenomenal athlete. He's a tall, physical wideout who can get the 50-50 balls with the best of them and possesses good speed.
With three receivers already committed to the class of '21, this would be considered a home run for McElwain and company. The trio of commitments, Chris Parker, Tyson Davis and Clinton Roberson, are all at different stages of development while Williams could be ready to go right away.
With JaCorey Sullivan set to graduate after the season, it would be wise to try and get Williams into the fold. Keeping him in state will be a challenge, as the Chippewas are competing with the likes of Cincinnati and Air Force.
Other WR targets: Vance Jefferson (Poway, CA), Jayson Raines (West Orange, NJ), Jalen Jackson (Battle Creek, MI)
Jaelon Brown - OG (Montgomery, AL)
Brown has just two offers, Central Michigan and Tennessee, but is a 3-star prospect. He's a big kid, weighing in at 360 pounds, who can play right away. The Chippewas are pretty young up front, however bringing in a good sized guy to compete with the older players will bode well for both parties.
It should be noted that the Chippewas have a loaded OL class in 2020, bringing in Keegan Smith, Ronald Novosedliak and Braden Doyle. While it may not be as big of a need right now, Brown's size will prove to at the very least be valuable depth for an offensive line unit.
Other OL targets: Joshua Sales (OT, Brownsburg, IN), Justin Pickett (OG, Carmel, IN), Cole Deery (C, Malvern, PA)
Comments