UM Football Recruiting - by WM Wolverine

[Hannibal]

Eh. He's probably just trying to squeeze as much as he can out of what is expected to be a boring signing day.

[DennisT]

Banner to USC.

[whodean]

Dennis Norfleet?

[lineygoblue]

I've never heard of the kid.

Not impressed with his size, but he's supposed to be fast. I thought we were done with "mighty mites", but apparently not. He has about the same measurables as Mike Hart when he came out of HS.

He just finished a senior season in which he rushed for 2,033 yards and 27 touchdowns on 260 carries. He's from Detroit M L King. They were a semi-finalist in the state playoffs this year.

Was formerly committed to Cincinnati, but switched on Tuesday evening to Michigan after he was offered by Coach Heck.

Prepare for the meltdown, folks. All kinds of Rich Rod comparisons coming your way .....

[The Oracle]

Nah. I was actually wondering to myself a day or two ago when I knew we'd have some schollies why we never offered him. One of the top prospects in the state, so why not. Good pull. I'm pleasantly surprised about this.

[WingsFan]

Actually sounds like a good last minute catch. Four-star recruit on Rivals, Scout and 24/7 Sports. Only ESPN gives him three stars. Rivals ranks him as the fifth best all-purpose back in the nation, and the sixth best player in the state of Michigan.

According to Rivals, Norfleet's offer list includes Michigan, Cincinnati, Michigan State and Tennessee.

[WM Wolverine]

Likely a receiver if he can catch. Only 5'7", he'd have been an early offer by RR. He's a Gallon, T Robinson, V Smith & Teric Jones type; two of those were four star guys btw... Amazing athletes and very elusive but size limitation will hold them back, especially in Hoke's offense.

[WM Wolverine]

Diggs isn't a guy you take if your on probation, talent...

If you following HS football in M, very surprised you haven't heard of Norfleet.

[Chuck Mallory]

This seems like a steal to me.

[WM Wolverine]

Not a great offer list (not a 4-stars offer list) as he's a guy who doesn't fit in every system. Size is an issue (5'7"), I've got him as a strong 3-star while rivals and at least one other site has him at 4-stars. Looking at him as a receiver, he fits in more places and ability to return kicks/punts helps his value. I might rate him as a 4-star if he came to play for RR. More explosive than elusive in his highlights, nice class filler with potential to be a lot more.

[iam416]

WM:

Re Diggs, understand what you're saying. If he does commit, and that is still, IMO, a ginormous *if*, I would hold my breath for 3 years. That said, from what I've read, he seems far more likely to do something criminal than get caught taking cash. WOoOOOOOT!!!!

Anyway, as you know, the kid is ridiculously skilled. And it's up to the staff to judge the risk/reward on him.

Anyway -- I'll keep all other OSU stuff over in the OSU thread.

[WM Wolverine]

Agree on all accounts, impressive talent and he'd play immediately.

[Chuck Mallory]

Norfleet could be a Breaston type slot receiver and KR/PR.

[JRB]

I think Gallon and Martavious Odoms proved this year that a smaller guy can find a place in this Michigan offense. It remains to be seen if Norfleet can make the transition to slot receiver full-time, but he's had plenty of camp experience running routes, so he'd figure to be ahead of most high school RBs trying to make that transition. Good coordinators find ways to use unconventional talent. If Norfleet's really that good, and he's willing to do the work, he'll contribute.

[iam416]

RichGOD would have had him committed months ago! J/K.

Actually, it does my heart good to watch Hokattison steal away UC's prized top recruit at the 11th hour. Heh.