Michigan nets Birmingham offensive lineman Dan Gibbs as a preferred walk-on
The Michigan football team picked up a second newcomer Monday.
This one, though, arrives on campus next season.
Less than three hours after Detroit Crockett tight end Khalid Hill became the third member of the 2013 class, Birmingham Seaholm offensive tackle Dan Gibbs announced via Twitter he will join the Wolverines next season.
He will be a preferred walk-on, which means he will not be under scholarship but is assured a spot on the team. Michigan's incoming class will remain at 25 scholarships.
"Officially playing football at Michigan next year!" Gibbs tweeted. "Couldn't be happier with my choice."
Gibbs is a two-star prospect according to Rivals and a three-star according to Scout. He reported interest from five Big Ten schools, including Michigan, but had scholarship offers from only Ball State and Eastern Michigan.
He stands 6-foot-7, 315 pounds, great size for an incoming freshman. But, as a walk-on, he faces a long road toward overtaking scholarship classmates such as Kyle Kalis, Erik Magnuson, Ben Braden and Blake Bars.
Kalis, Magnuson and Braden each project to play tackle.
The Wolverines did have two former walk-ons receive significant playing time last year in safety Jordan Kovacs and defensive lineman Will Heininger.
Gibbs provides depth at offensive line after Michigan lost one recruit via decommit (Caleb Stacey) and missed out on three others. The Wolverines also lose two of their eight scholarship players at that position to graduation.
Four-star offensive lineman Alex Kozan is believed to still be deciding between the Wolverines, Auburn and Iowa.
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
Tom
Sun, Feb 12, 2012 : 4:24 p.m.
If his academics were strong he'd have opted to play football in the Ivy League.
Hailmary
Tue, Feb 7, 2012 : 1:32 p.m.
Appears to me to be the type of guy Wisconsin goes after.
Scott
Tue, Feb 7, 2012 : 6:14 a.m.
Mr. Gibbs is one of the largest human beings I have ever seen. This fellow could bulk up to 380 lbs and he wouldn't even be fat. 6'8- he's probably still growing. As for Kozan I hope he doesn't come. Kalis, Magnuson, Bars, Braden, Williams. Any more on the O line might be overkill. Lewan, Schofield, Barnum, Washington, Bryant, Omameh, Mealor, Khoury are all on scholarship. To keep adding guys to this class isn't going to change whether they can play or they can't. If a freshman needs to contribute this year (which is only a possibility not a probability)than the 5 guys coming in will provide at least one or two rising stars. At some point competition for playing time is going to discourage top recruits in 2012.
Scott
Wed, Feb 8, 2012 : 3:37 a.m.
Riley: I didn't know Kozan "projects" to center. whatever that means.. Thanks for pointing out my dumbness.
riley
Tue, Feb 7, 2012 : 8:31 p.m.
Real dumb Scott, I certainly hope Mr. Kozan signs with Michigan. None of the signed lineman project to the center position, where we have very little depth and Kozan would play center in college.
Matt Patercsak
Tue, Feb 7, 2012 : 4:08 a.m.
depth at tackle. a great thing. 6'7 320. Even if he only plays on the look-squad, he'll give our first D lessons on physicality in the trenches. This man plays nasty.
Terry Star21
Tue, Feb 7, 2012 : 2:59 a.m.
With this kids size and willingness to walk on to be on a Michigan team I see great things ahead. Any bets he will soon out perform someone named Caleb ? MgoBlueForTim.........welcome to the family Dan...
azwolverine
Tue, Feb 7, 2012 : 1:23 a.m.
Welcome, Dan Gibbs. As a UM Alum and fan, I think I speak for all Wolverine fans when I say we're glad to have you. Go Blue!