Michigan football picks up 6th Ohio recruit, 2013 class at 15 members with addition of CB Gareon Conley
This story was updated with comments from Scout recruiting expert Allen Trieu.
The Ohio pipeline continues to flow for the Michigan football team.
The Wolverines picked up a verbal commitment Saturday afternoon -- yes, another -- from Ohio cornerback Gareon Conley, according to recruiting service 247sports.com. Conley is a four-star recruit according to Scout, and the nation's No. 20 cornerback.
He is the 15th player to extend a non-binding commitment to the Wolverines, and the 12th in the past three weeks. The next closest Big Ten team is Ohio State at five.
Michigan didn't pick up its 15th commitment last year until defensive lineman Tom Strobel committed June 26. Strobel is from Mentor, Ohio, a little more than an hour's drive from Conley's hometown of Massillon.
Conley is ranked by Scout as the No. 16 recruit in Ohio. That gives Michigan four players in the top 16 of that state -- the same as Ohio State, although the Buckeyes' four are all in the top six -- and five in the top 20.
Michigan coach Brady Hoke said upon his hire last year that he would place a renewed emphasis on mining Ohio -- his home state -- and he's shown an early acumen for it.
"They’re clearly targeting the state, and they are doing so with great success," Scout Midwest recruiting expert Allen Trieu said. "They have ties down there. Multiple coaches have recruited Ohio before, so they have those relationships and know what they're doing.
"I think it’ll keep going. I don’t see (that connection) slowing at all."
After Michigan averaged four Ohio recruits per class in the previous 10 years, it grabbed nine in Hoke's first full cycle in 2012. That's one more than the Wolverines signed from their own state.
Now, Michigan already has added six Ohio recruits for 2013.
One trend that has developed is, although five of Michigan's six Ohio commits rank among the state's top-20 players, only safety Dymonte Thomas held an offer from the Buckeyes.
It appears the schools have differing philosophies. Hoke is finding guys he likes and offering early, and also is casting a wide net (Michigan reportedly has at least 30 more 2013 offers out than Ohio State). Conversely, the Buckeyes' Urban Meyer has been slower to offer players, even in his own state.
Mike McCray, for instance, is Ohio's No. 2 linebacker, and his father was a captain for Ohio State. He received early interest from the Buckeyes, but no scholarship, so he accepted Michigan's offer last week before the class filled up.
"Kids feel that pressure right now because Michigan's class has filled so fast, and they don't want to lose their spot," Trieu said. "Like Conley, with his skill-set, he could have blown up over summer. But he didn't want to wait, and then get pushed out of the class.
"Michigan wants to get in early before these guys accumulate a ton of offers, and it's working out, obviously."
But what happens when Ohio State does begin offering these guys? Is there a chance Meyer could flip Michigan commits, as he has with several players elsewhere around the Big Ten?
"It's a possibility," Trieu said. "I think they're already working hard on Thomas, and he has the family connection (with cousin Bri'onte Dunn committed to the Buckeyes). McCray, his dad played at Ohio State and I think they may try to get in on him at one point.
"It's never safe until signing day next February."
Conley enters at a position of need after Michigan signed only one corner in the 2012 class (Terry Richardson of Detroit Cass Tech). He is the second corner in this class, joining Detroit Cass Tech's Jourdan Lewis.
He stands 6-foot-2, which instantly makes him the tallest corner who plays for or is committed to Michigan.
"That's one of the things that jumped out at us right away," Trieu said. "He plays like a smaller guy. He's a fluid guy, and athletic. The thing you wonder about 6-1 or 6-2 corners is, can they change directions well enough to stick with smaller receivers? And he can do that.
"We put the film on, and he just jumped off the screen. He can really play."
Trieu said Michigan could be done recruiting at cornerback, but would add one more if the right situation surfaced. It already has an offer out to the nation's No. 1 corner in Florida's Vernon Hargreaves III, for example, and would certainly make room for him if he wanted to commit.
The Wolverines currently can sign a class of about 19, although that's expected to swell into the low-20s after accounting for seniors who don't return for a fifth year and other forms of attrition.
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
pop coats
Tue, Mar 13, 2012 : 3:19 a.m.
Lets face it , we may lose 1 or 2 commits, but anyplayer who gives you his word and then goes back on it , isn't worth having in the first place and is a less than honorable person
RudeJude
Mon, Mar 12, 2012 : 4:46 p.m.
I'd not bother arguing with Albee and Ted. They'll find a way to diminish any of Michigan's accomplishments. I'd say welcome them, as they'd never show up here if Michigan's recruiting wasn't going so well, more precisely, going better than any other team in the nation thus far. Thanks for your presence, guys, you make a great barometer for measuring Michigan's success! We are obviously doing very well. Thanks again, Rudejude
Ted Bundy
Mon, Mar 12, 2012 : 1:48 p.m.
Albee Macaw- Thank you for your "trash" in Charles Woodson and Desmond Howard, who are all from Ohio. You're talking like its a bad thing. I heard Oscar is whining to the recruiting sites to make a new ranking: 6 star! But only the players he gets can have the new ranking. He is threatening that he will quit coaching, then say the next day that hes staying and then quit again weeks later. Good luck in your bowl game this season! O! H! LIE! O!
Terry Star21
Mon, Mar 12, 2012 : 3:19 a.m.
Some of these comments are funny, but the fact is many of these players are abandoning their home state of ohio for a winning program - and Michigan is it. The sour, hurt and embarrassed ohio buckeyes should take comfort in knowing that yes, your state produces some great football players even if their dad's played or were once captains at ohio. Problem is; the best of ohio want to play for Michigan - can you blame them ? MgoBlueForTiM.....the best players rushing to get in to the Michigan family..
Albee Macaw
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 8:17 p.m.
Conley is ranked by Scout as the No. 16 recruit in Ohio. That gives Michigan four players in the top 16 of that state -- the same as Ohio State, although the Buckeyes' four are all in the top six -- and five in the top 20 The above says it all. Our trash is your treasure
Steve McQueen
Mon, Mar 12, 2012 : 3:28 a.m.
hmmm...ok...lets see here: Dan Dierdorf...your trash..thanks man, well take it... Rob Lytle...hey thanks for that trash too... Elvis Grbac, Desmond Howard, Charles Woodson...man just too much of your trash to list ...thanks so much for that... it built Michigan to the winningist program of all time... perhaps it is time to reevaluate what you throw out ouhio.
Terry Star21
Mon, Mar 12, 2012 : 3:10 a.m.
You can really see the hurt and embarrassment @ ohio by the postings...
GoBigBlue
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 11:06 p.m.
Yeah and Michigan has 4 of the top 5 in Michigan. Generally each program does better in their own state. Its common knowledge amongst most people who have any sense.
The OSU
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 7:59 p.m.
This is all just "FANTASY FB" until signing day. Kids change their minds. Coaches over-recruit.
Terry Star21
Mon, Mar 12, 2012 : 3:09 a.m.
But it still hurts you though......
TheGreatAD
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 4:08 p.m.
After "The Wolverines" incredibly successful 2012 season, and bowl win; just to mention the name: "MICHIGAN" will strike fear into the hearts of every "suckeye buckeye" and every recruit who is pledge to "MICHIGAN" will be very happy, satisfied, and honored to be an incoming member of the "MICHIGAN" family. Remember: "Those who stay, will be champions!" "Hail to The Victors; Go Blue!"
catfishrisin
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 3:53 p.m.
Recruit by telling kids what a great education kids will receive at UM...after they commit place them into a "general studies" major..talk about your bait & switch.
catfishrisin
Mon, Mar 12, 2012 : 9:25 p.m.
Trust me..they are "placed" or at least highly persuaded (pressured) to be in General Studies otherwise they wouldn't last a semester
Bmore_Wolverine
Mon, Mar 12, 2012 : 6:30 p.m.
"Place them?" They place themselves. No one is told that if you are accepting into the Engineering School that you'll be kicked off the team. (See Mark Huyge) Besides, GS at Michigan is equivalent to Medical School at OSU. :)
Terry Star21
Mon, Mar 12, 2012 : 3:08 a.m.
That's pretty funny - but you'r in the wrong newspaper. The one you want doesn't have how many days their team has been a loser at the top.
ted
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 2:39 a.m.
Mick and Jim , I have a great understanding of the game of football and have excellent insight into a recruits ability. Things you two just don't understand. This is what I see in this kid...... I think he may be the best pure corner in Ohio. His ball skills are second to none. His range and athletic ability are second to none. He can match up with the number one receiver. The trait that Cam (Burrows) has over him is he may be more physical. But Gareon is 'twitchier' in the hips. But, all that said, he still does not have any stars next to his name.... Now maybe you two can see why I AM THE AUTHORITY on Michigan football matters.
GoBigBlue
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 4:38 a.m.
YOU ARE THE AUTHORITY on lusting over Urby. But I can't completely blame you. He is awfully dreamy. I think after oh st finishes their class of 22 - 5* kids who are ranked 1-22 on rivals, you, rightmind, and albee should all get matching Urby tattoos. I hear there's a great parlor in cbus where you can get them for free!
Steve McQueen
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 11:32 p.m.
This kid is a baller. The play that he makes at 3:10 above is one heck of a football play. To play an off zone like that against trips and be able to make that read on the QBs eyes and break underneath for the pick is sooo sweet, and a heck of a football play. Gareon is a heck of a prospect.
Steve McQueen
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 7:58 a.m.
watch your tongue boy... McQueen curtsys for no one.
Steve McQueen
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 11:35 p.m.
Oops my bad, the play is at about 1:00 in of the 3:10...sorry.. ... also lol at the Biggest Punter in the world number 75.... ha
Albee Macaw
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 9:57 p.m.
You can already see the panic in B (toss in a diet coke) Jokes methods as he is grabbing anything he can. Granted some seem to be descent players but seeing TOSU made an offer to only one of them speaks volumes. He knows that if Urb gives an offer the kids will jump on it like the Joketser on a free buffet. It is obvious Urb is targeting the cream (5 star) of the crop and Joke has to settle for the 3 and 4 star kids. Our garbage is your gold. The below paragraph says it all. Conley is ranked by Scout as the No. 16 recruit in Ohio. That gives Michigan four players in the top 16 of that state -- the same as Ohio State, although the Buckeyes' four are all in the top six -- and five in the top 20
GoBigBlue
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 11:40 p.m.
Lol yeah your right. 12 - 4* recruits out of 15. They got a couple decent ones. Delusional. If Michigan finishes with a top 10 class and oh st finishes with a top 10 class then how big of a difference can there be? Tressell out recruited RR far and away the last 3 yrs and yet Hoke was able to beat the bucks this year. Use your brain dude.
MRunner73
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 9:35 p.m.
Forget about about some of the posters from ohio or MSU say or think. This article delves into the philosphy of the offers between Hoke and Meyer. Hoke is way ahead and has a clear advantage. My own take: These HS Seniors are not playing the shopping around game for one as they recognize a great offer and two, Michigan's own momentum is causing these young men to make their decision sooner. There is a lot going behind that doesn't meet the eye and it appears that the early success of Hoke is the real thing. As for the long haul to making it to LOI day in Feb 2013; Hoke has established to these verbals that their word is iron, as his word is iron so there is a bond. Perhaps with the numbers being a big as they are, there is always a chance of losing only but a few. GO BLUE!!!
BigWolverine13
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 8:51 p.m.
It would appear that the fence built around Ohio by Oscar Urbanlegend Meyer has been wrecked by the Incredible Hoke!
Mick52
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 8:42 p.m.
Fantastic. Too bad its a year and a half away.
Steve McQueen
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 8:19 p.m.
I have been watching football for a long time, and before that I played football for a long time... and this young CB's highlight film shows him to be one of the most athletic corners with great instincts that I have ever seen. His body frame with long arms as well as his fluidity makes him the perfect corner to put on a larger opposing WR. He is unusual in the respect that he is tall and lanky, but retains quick hip movements that ever good QB needs. He also appears to be well-coached and must have watched some film before. He plays the zone perfectly, coming off of the receiver at the right time to make a play on the ball...that is not only instinctual, but it comes from knowing how to play football. Gaeron may be the most exciting recruit so far in this dominating 2013 class. Once he gets on Michigan's S&C program and packs on some solid pounds, he really is going to be a great football player. We all know what a dominating corner can do fora defense at Michigan. Excellent pickup Coach Hoke & Team. Now its time for a stud RB.
Scott
Sun, Mar 11, 2012 : 3:32 p.m.
I see the same thing. Also, when he scores a touchdown he doesn't go crazy like a buffoon. Just jumps up to meet his team mate. Doubt you'll see this kid all covered head to toe in tats and breaking all the rules like the OSU kids.
rightmind250
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 8:23 p.m.
Thats not hard. When did you play 1920, old timer?
rightmind250
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 8:18 p.m.
Ted, There's no way you are a michigan man, dude. You don't drink the kool-aid. Then again there is probably none left after Mick & D21.
ted
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 8:07 p.m.
In fact you know where it is always sunny ? Mexico. But it has nothing to do with Taco Charlton being from there and how great he is. It is just the way the weather happens to be there.
Tru2Blu76
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 8:07 p.m.
This is all good news but as Meinke and the recruiting experts say: there'll be an attack on Michigan recruiting by Urban Legend - and - there'll be the usual "other attrition" to diminish the overall picture BY Feb. 2013. Just sayin' it's too early to break out the champagne (or beer and brats, your choice). Some things we can probably count on: Hoke is "over-recruiting" in Ohio because he knows that Urban Legend is going to try to reduce Michigan's total take in Ohio. And - Michigan so far seems immune to the scandal virus which has already felled Ohio once and it felled PSU also. Viruses like this "mutate": the Jim Tressel variant didn't necessarily immunize OSU against what might become the Urban Meyer variant. Best / Worse Case: All or none of these verbal commits FAX Michigan on 2013 Signing Day. Either: Hoke will have Michigan ending up with one of the top classes in the USA - or - He'll have to fill this 2013 class TWICE (and he's paced to do just that!). Somewhere in between is the more likely bet. No doubt: Hoke and his staff have shown us what they're capable of in all phases of football. I'm "doggone impressed." Go Blue!
D21
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 7:19 p.m.
Recent Twitterisms: @UrbantheMyth: Mr. Gee, why did u let me accept this friggin HC job in first place? @HokeIsIt: Today Ohio, Tomorrow the World! @Theo212: Am replacing WCIFMH with Hoke GO BLUE Recent Craigslist posting under
Terry Star21
Mon, Mar 12, 2012 : 3:04 a.m.
Nice one......
Steve McQueen
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 8:34 p.m.
Theo has a twitter?
D21
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 6:50 p.m.
Mick, good one! :)
Mick
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 6:52 p.m.
thanks D21
Mick
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 6:49 p.m.
Ted, would you quit trying to pretend to us that you're an M Fan. We can all see right through your facade, nice try. I trust Hoke way more than you as far as player evaluations, but thanks anyway.
Terry Star21
Mon, Mar 12, 2012 : 3:03 a.m.
Thank you, I usually get deleted when I voice against the opposition.
Mick
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 6:45 p.m.
Yeah D21, Toledo has a River Walk too, lol! A few thoughts on this commitment: -ohio, all of your talent are belong to us, haha. -This kid can do it all, tackles well, covers great, can blitz and return kicks. Very impressive film on him. -ohio fans will chime in with things like they didn't offer him or he's not good enough or some other garbage to make themselves feel better. -They'll be trying to be funny about how heavy Hoke is. The only thing heavy about Hoke is the hammer he'll be pounding ohio with, beat them in his 1st season and recruiting their state pretty well and will continue to beat them and whoop up on their Urban myth.
umgoblue47
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 7:35 p.m.
great post MICK. . . i think TY ISAAC may be the next shoe to drop (and for ted he is a 4* soon to be a to be a 5* and ty has nothing to do with shoes). if not this weekend probably at the spring game. IT IS REALLY GREAT TO BE A MICHIGAN WOLVERINE!! GO BLUE!!!!!!
ted
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 6:41 p.m.
I was afraid this was going to happen. There are a bunch of 3 stars on campus this weekend who got offered. I was hoping they would not pull the trigger and commit. # stars messing up this great recruiting class sets back Hoke and company's great 2013 class. Hoke does not have any success getting the top skill position players. From what I've seen on tape is this guy has a long stride and that is not good for a corner.
Terry Star21
Mon, Mar 12, 2012 : 3:02 a.m.
Jim - thanks for the stats on the previous players, as I expected 3 stars come in and play like five stars. Ted - if you have to brag so much about it (Michigan Man), you ain't got it, but you already knew that.
Albee Macaw
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 10:29 p.m.
All the kids we have no interest in B (toss in a diet coke) Joke is on like he is on a free buffet Urb focuses on the 3 and 4 star kids while the Urbanator locks in on the cream of the crop. Again our garbage is our gold.
ted
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 9:07 p.m.
AAhhh...Steve let me be frank with you..If there is such thing is a Michigan Man it is me. Not you or Mick. Mick lives in San Diego for darn sakes. He should be called an Arizona man. Steve the link you gave me was utterly offensive. A Violent and hateful video. How narrow minded are you that you would steep so low. Maybe that's what I should expect from the character type prevalent on this blog who are hostile against the new breed and true backbone of what it means to be a Michigan Man. The gay community of Ann Arbor will not sit quietly by while we are harrassed as such. Shame on you and Mick.
Steve McQueen
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 8:27 p.m.
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrGc9-UwCXg" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrGc9-UwCXg</a> poor Ted... the Orange bowl fell on his head.
Steve McQueen
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 8:23 p.m.
Ted...one question...are you a "Concern Troll"? I dont mean that as an insult, but if you are...then just let us know, so that we know that your true interests are in either Red or Green...but certainly NOT Blue. OK Ted? thanks!
ted
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 8:08 p.m.
In fact you know where it is always sunny ? Mexico. But it has nothing to do with Taco Charlton being from there and how great he is. It is just the way the weather happens to be there.
ted
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 8:05 p.m.
Scott , Mick and Jim the sun and the sky's color have nothing to do with the colors of Michigan and the weather could just as easily be sunny with no clouds in Columbus.
Mick
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 7:48 p.m.
Good call Scott, yeah you're right, the sun in the sky does have a Maize & Blue look to it, Lol! I bet it's usually cloudy in Columbus
Scott
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 7:45 p.m.
Ted's a buckeye in disguise. He's trying to rain on the parade but the sky is blue and the sun is shinning.
jim
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 7:43 p.m.
these guys didn't help us go 10-2 this year did they? morgan 3* clark 3* ryan 3* avery 3* t.gordon 2* toussaint 3* gallon 3* smith 3* hopkins 3* floyd 3* demens 3* barnum 3* omameh 3* roundtree 3* kovacs nr woolfolk 3* huyge 2*
jim
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 7:31 p.m.
sorry buddy but i trust the coaching staff's evaluation of players and our needs more than scout. when scout puts him up as a 4* after they redo their rankings does that magically make it a good offer?
Mick
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 7:29 p.m.
That's hilarious, I live in San Diego for 21 years now.....Ted, I'm pretty immersed in the Mexican culture from a personal and professional stand point. LMBO, you make no sense and I'm mystified by how AA.com allows you to insult M Fans and our comments get deleted.
ted
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 7:22 p.m.
Excuse me Mick, but my understanding of the Mexican culture is obviously a lot more richer than yours. I've have spent a lot of time there getting to know the people and their great traditions. I went there on spring break 4 years in a row. It may not be obvious to the uneducated average person like yourself, but with my extensive experience among the Mexican people, I know that he IS in fact Mexican by just looking at his name. I think it great that Michigan has expanded it's recruiting not just throughout the US, but also beyond it's borders.
ted
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 7:07 p.m.
Anyone want to tell me how many stars are next to his name on Rivals? He's not even ranked.
Mick
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 7:06 p.m.
Yeah okay Ted, whatever you say pal. I believe you cause I'm so gullible. BTW, Taco Charlton is not Mexican, LOl!
ted
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 6:57 p.m.
I am sorry you have a problem with my player evaluation Mick, but based on your previous posts I already know you don't know much about football or the Michigan program. This kid will never see the field. His running style is gawky and awkward. If you watch him with the ball you will notice he is not that great of a runner. Just an honest viewpoint from a real Michigan Man.
umgoblue47
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 6:56 p.m.
don't worry about MICHIGAN. . . we are doing just fine on recruiting! if i were you i would get back to one of your bucknut sites and make shure Oscar meyer has not been replaced. . . dead silence. . . Q the crickets!! GO BLUE!!!!!!
D21
Sat, Mar 10, 2012 : 6:27 p.m.
Let's annex Ohio and abolish the buckeyed institution at the same time. Remember the Toledo! <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toledo_War" rel='nofollow'>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toledo_War</a>