[jwplayer HoRvdRoz-XNcErKyb]
Michigan already has one California four-star receiver committed in the 2021 class, could it be in the market for another?
The Wolverines have been long targeting Fresno (CA) Central East wideout Xavier Worthy, who’s rated by 247Sports as the No. 95 player in the country, regardless of position. He’s additionally the 11th-rated wide receiver and No. 8 player in the state of California.
PAC-12 power Oregon held a strong lead in his 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions — until Thursday.
The maize and blue have been making a run, with four picks coming in for Michigan, with The Michigan Insider’s Sam Webb putting in a confidence rating of 7 out of 10. Also notable is that 247Sports’ director of football recruiting Steve Wiltfong put in a prediction for the Wolverines, though his confidence ranking is a mere 4 out of 10.
[protected-iframe id=”656c3e23c3697bd6feecd14b13c4c9fe-146813584-139854940″ info=”https://247sports.com/PlayerInstitution/Xavier-Worthy-at-Central-East-237928/CurrentExpertPredictions/Embed/?SnapShot=637293125102619397″ width=”600″ height=”200″ frameborder=”0″ class=”twofourseven-embed”]
Still, given that the Ducks seemed to have the edge a month ago, that Michigan is suddenly receiving predictions for the 6-foot-1, 160-pound speedster indicates that the Wolverines are making a push.
Also notable is that West Coast-based national recruiting editor Brandon Huffman — who had a pick for Worthy to Oregon — put in a prediction for Michigan to win out, and he had this to say about Worthy as a prospect, having personally evaluated him:
Explosive speedster with elite speed (10.55 PR in 100m as sophomore), dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. Crisp route runner, with ability to quickly gain separation and stretch the field. Natural pass-catcher who can get deep consistently while also taking shorter passes. Good body control and ability to adjust to throws. Also adept punt and kick returner. Slender frame will need to add weight and strength. Projects as immediate impact Power 5 player and second or third day NFL draft pick.
Worthy had tweeted back on June 3 that he intended to pledge to his school of choice on June 27, however that never came to fruition, as he announced on June 21 that he was ‘postponing his commitment.’
He appears to have developed something of a bond with fellow California receiver Giles Jackson, as the Wolverines sophomore has frequently made his pitch for Worthy to wear a winged helmet in the future.
He announced a top six on June 1 of Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Michigan and Oregon.