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Posted on Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 10:49 p.m.

Amara Darboh is first wide receiver in Michigan's 2012 football recruiting class

By AnnArbor.com Staff

The Michigan football team's 2012 recruiting class got its first verbal commitment from a wide receiver on Sunday.

Amara Darboh from West Des Moines, Iowa, chose the Wolverines over Iowa, Notre Dame and Wisconsin, according to multiple reports.

Darboh told the Des Moines Register that he made up his mind while visiting Michigan Stadium during the Wolverines' 40-34 win against Ohio State.

“That was something, being in that stadium for that game,” Darboh told the newspaper.

“I was going to make an official visit to Florida, too, but there’s no use now. My gut said Michigan, so that’s where I’m going.”

Related content: Get to know the members of the Michigan football team's 2012 recruiting class

Darboh, the 24th member of the 2012 recruiting class, is rated a 4-star recruit by both Rivals and Scout. Rivals rates him the 31st-best wide receiver in the nation and Scout lists him at No. 33. ESPN rates Darboh as a 3-star and the No. 77 wide receiver in the nation.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Darboh -- who is listed with a 4.42-second 40-yard dash time -- had 48 receptions for 765 yards and 11 touchdowns for Dowling Catholic. He missed part of the football season, the Des Moines Register reports, because of a torn labrum. He will have surgery Dec. 30.

Verbal committments are non-binding. National Letters of Intent can be signed beginning Feb. 1.

Comments

Meangoblue

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 2:17 p.m.

Amara Darboh ........hands down heisman winner 2012!!!!

DonAZ

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 2:23 p.m.

For Michigan they'll bend the rules and issue multiple trophies! :-)

81wolverine

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 1:50 p.m.

Darboh is a great recruit for Michigan. He's a talented receiver with some size, who is also a great kid and excellent student. I like too he's already got very good blocking skills. He's like another Jason Avant with a little more speed. What's not to like about him? Welcome to Michigan Amara!

lawrencelaundry

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 6:54 a.m.

Sounds like the next Michael Floyed. Go Blue!

Rufus

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 6:27 a.m.

Just need Dunn and Diggs to round out a fantastic class.

Terry Star21

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 6:07 a.m.

I would say this turned out to be a pretty good day for the Wolverines. Welcome to the Michigan Family Amara Darboh - we're going to have a great time the next four years. MgoBlueForTiM.......who will be next to wear the historical #1 jersey....

blUeMaize_N_SD

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 8:48 a.m.

I really would like to see Gallon get that number. Stonum is gone in a year, Hemmingway gone, would like to see Gallon get the #1 and possibly Countess the #2. But here is a debatable thought, what about Avery as the #2 jersey? Countess is the easy pick, but what about looking for that someone that is there like a Woodson? Avery was in many big moments this year. Why not him? TiM!!!

DonAZ

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 4:42 a.m.

Very nice write-up on this kid over at: <a href="http://mgoblog.com/content/hello-amara-darboh" rel='nofollow'>http://mgoblog.com/content/hello-amara-darboh</a> Best of all ... Meeechigan got this kid away away from offers from Notre Dame, Florida (!), Iowa (his home state) and Wisconsin. I exclaimed the Florida offer because anytime Florida comes north for talent it's time to sit up and take notice. They see something in this kid. As did Meeechigan. And we got him.

ted

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 4:39 a.m.

Hop he is a yac guy. Possesion recievers will get beat my talented defenses

DonAZ

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 2:26 p.m.

@81wolverine -- &quot;moving the chains&quot; Amen ... so many people overlook the importance of being able to secure the first down, even if it's &quot;only&quot; for 8 yards. Football is all about moving the chains. That's why coaches focus on 3rd down conversion rates so much. Had Wisconsin been able to move the chains on that final drive the whole &quot;running into the kicker&quot; thing would never have entered the picture. I'd argue that a team that can get -- oh, what? -- 60% of its 3rd downs is a team that wins a lot of football games.

81wolverine

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 1:48 p.m.

Possession receivers are critical to moving the chains. And good ones (like Darboh potentially) can beat any defense - all they need is discipline in running routes, a little quickness, some strength, and good hands. It sounds like Darboh has all these qualities.

Terry Star21

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 6:09 a.m.

My favorite play is a tall receiver celebrating in the end zone.

DonAZ

Mon, Dec 5, 2011 : 4:45 a.m.

6'2&quot;, 200lbs ... mgoblog.com seems to indicate he's got a knack for breaking tackles and getting yards. So yeah ... could be a &quot;yac guy.&quot;