The big fish in town this weekend was Wayne (NJ) DePaul Catholic running back
Kareem Walker, Ohio State commitment and currently ranked #1 in the country at the running back position.
Kareem Walker
RB | 6-1 | 210
De Paul Catholic (Wayne, NJ)
Class of 16
247Sports Composite
0.9818
Natl 31 Pos 1 State2
Hard Commit 1/12/2015
Full Profile
After talking to three different people regarding his visit this weekend, I can give the following on what we know:
1. Not news, but Walker's interest is very legitimate, and this was not a courtesy visit or anything along those lines. He knew the stakes and what the reaction would be if Michigan was a school he saw, and made the decision to visit with that in mind.
2. One source I talked to sort of said the opposite, that it was a courtesy visit. This was
roundly denied by (by far) the best source I talked to regarding the visit.
"He's absolutely heavily interested," they said. "He not only sees carries to be had in Michigan's backfield, but knows he doesn't have to necessarily be the only guy either. That's important. It's a lot like when Alabama pulled in a stable of running backs in one class. Get better and be effective, but do it while staying fresh and healthy."
3. Michigan's New Jersey commitments were all over him while on the visit, particularly Ahmir Mitchell, who we posted on earlier regarding his dream scenario to finish in New Jersey.
Ron Johnson and Brad Hawkins also were with Walker for a bulk of his visit, and Johnson went on the record with me to give what he believed.
"I'm going to respect his decision no matter what," he said. "But I'd love for him to be a part of this class. He has that "Jersey swag" like the rest of us and that's something that rubs off. We know each other and know what we'd be capable of if we play together. I know he likes the type of offense that Coach Harbaugh is running and I know his interest in us is real."
4. Ironically enough, the biggest indicator to me that Michigan's chances with Walker are real came before the visit.
Michigan sent running backs coach Tyrone Wheatley out to DePaul Catholic to watch Walker on Friday night. It's noteworthy for a couple reasons. One, Michigan has not been sending coaches on the road very heavily so far this season. It's mostly been a "focus on the game" type of atmosphere, which isn't uncommon obviously but still important when it pertains to him taking the trip. On top of that, to take it on the eve of Michigan's most important game of the season is usually a good sign that the interest is somewhat mutual.
Michigan has more manpower on the recruiting trail than they did under Brady Hoke, but they still sent the actual position coach and Walker's main recruiter to watch him live less than 24 hours before the Wolverines kicked off in Ann Arbor. They aren't going to waste their time.
Note: This is the beginning of what we'll post on Walker. We're hoping to have more tomorrow, but I wanted to get up what I had for now.