Florida juniors highlight latest group of U-M visitors

BY JOSH HELMHOLDT
FREE PRESS SPECIAL WRITER

Besides the eight high school prospects on their official visits to Michigan this weekend, there were more than 30 unofficial visitors for the Wolverines’ game against Michigan State. Many of those were juniors, including more than a half dozen who are expected to be ranked in the top 100 recruits in the class of 2010.

Coming into the weekend, all eyes were on Eagle Lake (Fla.) Lake Region junior safety Marvin Robinson (6-foot-1, 190 pounds) who had stated before his trip that he would consider making a commitment to U-M at the game. Robinson left Ann Arbor with the Wolverines still in the lead for his services, but without making a verbal commitment.

"Right now I am just focusing on my season and trying to help my team go to the state championship,” Robinson said. “I'm not too much worried about the recruiting process. (A decision) will probably come after the season or maybe longer than that.”

Both of Robinson’s parents joined him on the trip to Michigan and the trio met with coach Rich Rodriguez. According to Robinson, his parents are supportive if he chooses Michigan and plan to relocate to the state to be near him while he's in college.

Robinson was one of four Florida juniors that came for the game. Orlando wide receiver Ricardo Miller (6-3, 208), who committed to Michigan in September and is a friend of Robinson’s, was also along for the trip. His mother is a U-M graduate and he attended the Wolverines’ summer camp in June, but this was his first time experiencing a game in Michigan Stadium.

"It was so huge, and sitting in the Big House, looking around at 110,000 fans, it was just crazy,” Miller commented. “I couldn't speak. I just kept looking around the stadium. I can't believe I'm going to play there in a few years."

Apopka, Fla., cornerback Lo Wood and Lake Region cornerback Tyler Blandin and Orlando Dr. Phillips sophomore running back Demetrius Hart rounded out the Florida contingent. The group stayed through Sunday evening, taking tours of the school and meeting with coaches and academic personnel.

Several notable in-state juniors were also attended Saturday’s game. Ann Arbor Huron receiver Jeremy Jackson, who committed to Michigan earlier this month, Chelsea running back Nick Hill, Inkster quarterback Devin Gardner and Livonia Stevenson running back Austin White all made the trip to Ann Arbor. Each is considered a top ten in-state recruit for 2010.

Palatine (Ill.) Fremd junior offensive tackle Christian Lombard is considered one of the top linemen in the Midwest for 2010. He picked up an offer from Michigan at their summer camp in June, and now has more than 12 total offers before him. Saturday’s contest was the first Michigan game he has attended this fall.

Josh Helmholdt is the recruiting editor for The Wolverine Magazine and TheWolverine.com. He is also a national recruiting analyst for Rivals.com.