Detroit Renaissance tackle Alaric Jackson.
With all the offensive line shuffling going on recently — Erik Swenson being dropped, Devery Hamilton flipping to Stanford, Michael Onwenu’s status uncertain — Michigan might be trying to make sure it fills all of its spots on National Signing Day on Wednesday.
Its most recent scholarship offer apparently has gone to Detroit Renaissance offensive tackle Alaric Jackson.
Jackson had been planning a Monday announcement between finalists Nebraska, Iowa and Iowa State. (He also was offered by Michigan State but chose not to visit East Lansing.)
Then he tweeted that he instead will announce Wednesday.
Recruiting: Full coverage
“He was a little early, and we wanted to enjoy all of the Signing Day events with the Detroit Public School event and other opportunities with the Big Ten Network,” Renaissance coach Lou Beatty said today. “If he had done that (Monday), he wouldn’t have had that opportunity.”
Beatty figured that Jackson trying to decide which school to pick accounted for 10%-20% of the delay — “he was pretty clear on where he wanted to go,” Beatty said — but most of it was the chance to be a part of the festivities.
Michigan’s entrance into the picture is very late, but it was an opportunity that Jackson had to consider, Beatty said.
“I think Michigan offered him yesterday,” Beatty said. “It was unexpected. He has not visited Michigan. If he were to decide, it probably would be without a visit. Ironically, because he’s been a different character throughout the whole process, he’s taken it all in stride. Michigan visited early on. I think (U-M coach Jim) Harbaugh was in the school, but nothing in terms of recruiting came about.”
Jackson recently began following U-M offensive line coach Tim Drevno on Twitter.
His appeal is his potential. He’s ranked as a three-star tackle and No. 56 nationally at the position, via the 247Sports Composite.
“Why he is so coveted? Because he is a 6-7, 290-pound athlete, he passes the eye test and, with his type of potential, they see the football player they can make out of him,” Beatty said. “It’s only his second year playing football. They’re looking at it from a passing point of view. … Once I get my hands on him, this is what I can make, eventually. He has a great work ethic, mind-set and is a quick learner. He is capable of becoming the guy they think he can become.”
Recruiting: U-M has many irons in fire on Signing Day
All-Detroit football first-team defense
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