#Michigan recruiting in 2023 is starting to heat up! #GoBlue
The Wolverines are starting to really attract top-flight wide receivers lately.
The maize and blue made the top group for Louisiana-based five-star Shelton Sampson Jr. as they look to secure some wideouts in the 2023 class. Michigan football reeled in three dynamic receivers in 2022 in Darrius Clemons, Amorion Walker, and Tyler Morris, and has West Bloomfield (Mich.) three-star receiver Semaj Morgan pledged, but is looking to add to its pass catchers of those currently on the clock. And the Wolverines have a target in mind from a familiar high school in Texas.
If DeSoto (Tx.) sounds familiar, it’s not only because it’s a powerhouse program, but Michigan has two players from said school — defensive back twins Gemon and German Green. Years later, the Wolverines are looking at wide receiver Johntay Cook II, who, according to 247Sports, is rated a four-star at No. 41 overall in the composite ranking. He has some high-profile offers, including Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma, and Ohio State, but is starting to whittle down his favorites among his 39 reported offers.
On Sunday, Cook released his top five and despite the aforementioned schools, none of the above made the cut. However, Michigan football did, along with in-state Texas and Texas A&M, Florida, and Deion Sanders’ surging Jackson State.
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Like many of those the Wolverines have recently brought in at receiver, Cook is a two-sport athlete, also running track. Here’s how 247Sports evaluates him:
Checking in at a verified 5-foot-11 and a half and 171 pounds with well proportioned upper and lower body. Cook has a muscular build that can continue to add weight and strength. More than an ample arm length and wingspan that is an asset for him with regards to catch radius.
Very good burst off the ball that gives him an immediate advantage on most defensive backs from the snap. Excellent quickness and change of direction. His short-area quickness is an asset when he is running pivots and in or out breaking routes. Nice at sinking his hips and dropping his body weight where he can create separation and accelerate away from the defender. Good body control with little wasted movement when he is running his routes. Hands catcher that plucks the ball out of the air with ease. Ability to track the deep ball and make tough over the shoulder catches. Will make the tough catches and compete for the 50/50 balls. Adapt to running the route tree from both the slot or outside receiver position.
This 2-sport athlete who also competes in track and field, still has some growth left within his skills and overall game. Putting up very good numbers as a junior where he accounted for 38 catches and 806 yards for a 21.2 ypc average as well as 19 touchdowns. By his production you understand that he is a threat anytime he is on the field. Being a starter once he gets to college as well as a all-conference performer and goals that he can definitely achieve.
Should Michigan manage to secure the likes of him or Sampson to go along with Morgan, the Wolverines could truly be turning the corner when it comes to the passing game, given the currently crowded room with so many receivers on the verge of breaking out.
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