[jwplayer LF4Q7Y9u-XNcErKyb]
What a turn of events.
Just days ago at this time, it seemed that if Michigan wanted to add another receiver to its 2021 arsenal, it would have to look at a player like Jayden Thomas, the Atlanta (GA) Pace Academy four-star, who won’t be deciding for some time. The Wolverines already have California four-stars Cristian Dixon and Xavier Worthy committed, as well as Clayton (OH) Northmont three-star Markus Allen. But it seemed that in-state target Andrel Anthony was a non-starter, as he had ten 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions all prognosticating that he’d end up at Michigan State.
Funny, that.
With an announced July 31 commitment, the Spartans getting the East Lansing (MI) standout seemed imminent. However, Anthony reportedly made a quiet, unofficial visit to Ann Arbor to take another look around, and it seems that made the difference. On Wednesday, just two days before his decision, the 247Sports Crystal Balls shifted dramatically towards the maize and blue.
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And on Friday, his commitment came to fruition, as he spurned MSU and his hometown for Ann Arbor and the Michigan Wolverines.
He announced live on Instagram.
A two-sport star in high school, 247Sports’ national recruiting analyst Allen Trieu projects Anthony to be a Power 5 starter once he acclimates to the college game.
Long, thin frame. Very smooth, natural athlete. Changes directions and comes in and out of his breaks fluidly. That serves him well as a route runner where he creates separation. Excellent ball tracking skills and body control. Shows ability to make catches in traffic. Solid runner after the catch. Must get physically bigger and stronger. Pure straight line speed is something he can still add more of as well. Should be a very good college receiver who can play on the outside or in the slot and be a difference maker at the Power 5 level.
Had Anthony committed to Mel Tucker & Co., he would have been the Spartans’ highest-rated pledge in the 2021 class.
But with Michigan stealing him away, it bolsters the Wolverines to 21 commitments in the cycle, pushing the maize and blue ahead of North Carolina for the eighth-ranked team nationally in the 247Sports Composite team rankings.
Anthony is rated the No. 529 player in the country according to 247Sports, the No. 12 player in the state of Michigan and the 85th-best wideout nationally. Sherrone Moore led his recruitment for the Wolverines along with offensive coordinator Josh Gattis.