Ordinarily, a team’s spring game is one thing and recruiting is another. Typically, the two aren’t even closely associated. However, that way of thinking may not necessarily apply to Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh this season.
Given Michigan’s beyond-basic, anti-spring game in 2014, not to mention the subsequent 5-7 face plant in the fall, an impressive showing by the Wolverines on April 4 at The Big House in Ann Arbor could end up serving as the ultimate recruiting tool during the upcoming contact period.
There’d be a whole lot of chest-beating going on if Harbaugh, who’s just two months into his new gig, managed to put anything that closely resembled the Michigan of old on the field next month—a whole lot.
Fans would notice; so would the media and, more importantly, Harbaugh’s class of 2016 targets. Of course, performance and progression this fall will likely determine whether the Wolverines secure top picks such as 4-star quarterback K.J. Costello, 5-star defensive tackle Rashan Gary or 5-star offensive tackle Ben Brederson.
At the moment, they’re each “warm” for Michigan, per 247Sports. But a Harbaugh-ed, throwback-inspired, back-to-work attitude in the coming weeks could spike their temperatures. They could become “warmer” if the methods of Harbaugh’s staff are quickly and successfully installed.
With that said, there are a couple of guys who need to be wowed. Costello, via Anthony Broome of Maize ‘N Brew, could be one of them. According to 247Sports' Steve Wiltfong (h/t Broome), Costello wants to visit soon, but he’s also considering Stanford and USC. His choice could, in theory, be partially based upon what he sees during the spring game and what he hears about the Wolverines’ spring practices.
An improved offensive line and re-energized group of receivers could entice the 6’4”, 213-pound big-armed Californian to travel east to see what Harbaugh has to offer.
Conversely, a poor spring game and/or workouts filled with the same old, same old—a struggling line and discombobulated offensive scheme—could easily prompt the country’s No. 4-ranked pro-styler to erase Michigan from his list.
There’d be no sense in escalating talks with the school if the program wasn’t moving forward.
The lack of real, measurable and visible progress on both sides of the ball this fall could translate into a lack of high-end signees in February 2016. The rebuild is under way, and the pressure is now on Harbaugh’s staff to immediately change the attitude and demeanor of a program that was once the choice destination for many of the nation’s most talented preps.
This year’s spring game has the potential to be more than just a spring game—it could be the grand preview everyone’s anticipated since Harbaugh’s introduction on Dec. 30.
The Idea
Rewind to the 2014 spring game, which was a disappointing televised pitch-and-catch session that provided little, if any, perspective on what to expect from Team 134. It took a few games this past fall before the general public realized that the Wolverines simply weren’t “there” and wouldn’t be for at least another year or two.
Now let’s say that former coach Brady Hoke had put on an exemplary display—that could have rekindled interest from previous targets such as 5-star receiver George Campbell and 5-star running back Damien Harris.
Campbell severed ties in December 2013 and Harris turned away in January 2014. Only they know for sure, but it’s not crazy to think that a constructive, optimism-filled spring game could have caught their attention and inspired a new view of the Wolverines.
Or maybe an impressive spring game would have kept Shaun Crawford, a 4-star defensive back, from saying goodbye shortly after in May.
Again, only they know. But again, the “what ifs” are too strong to ignore.
Now flip that to this year. Another laughable spring game could cause the Wolverines to fall out of favor with the undecided crowd. The guys who were once “warm” or “warmer” could go ice cold. Worse yet, it could cause some players to cancel visits or decommit altogether.
Perception matters, especially to impressionable young men.
Execution
Per NCAA.org, the next evaluation period begins April 15—or roughly 10 days after Harbaugh’s spring game—and ends on May 31. As mentioned above, having the opportunity to brag about a quick turnaround and successful spring session would be worth its weight in gold on the recruiting trail.
A coach who has positive news probably stands a better chance with a recruit than one who doesn’t. Coaches only have two permissible dates with prospects during the upcoming evaluation period, so striking while the iron’s hot should be the goal for Harbaugh, who has the hot hand, the shiny revamped staff and pro pedigree needed to capitalize on what could be six of the most important weeks of the year.
Follow Bleacher Report’s Michigan Wolverines football writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81.
Unless otherwise noted, all recruiting information came courtesy of 247Sports.
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