Advertisement
football Edit

Chicago back takes in Michigan win

Chicago De La Salle 2014 running back Mikale Wilbon is off to a fast start in his recruitment, with two offers already in hand. Michigan was not among those showing the strongest interest in Wilbon earlier this fall, but that could change after the junior back visited Ann Arbor with teammate Jamarco Jones on Saturday.
"Before I went I didn't have a lot of contact with them," Wilbon said. "A couple weeks ago Jamarco had told me to call the coach. I gave him a call and he said he was looking at me and the whole coaching staff was looking at me. They liked my highlight tape from my sophomore year."
Advertisement
During his time in Ann Arbor, Wilbon talked with the offensive line coach, offensive coordinator, recruiting coordinator and linebackers coach.
"They all said they are interested, I just have to wait and see," Wilbon said. "I am hoping for an offer to come, but I don't know. They haven't seen this year's highlights yet."
Michigan handled Big Ten foe Illinois handily on Saturday and the blowout did not provide the atmosphere Wilbon was expecting, but he still came away encouraged by the visit experience.
"It was a good experience. I love the crazy fan base," Wilbon said. "I thought it was going to be louder because it was the Big House, but it was raining and cold at the same time so that was probably a factor of why it wasn't so loud.
"Their offense right now, they are running a spread because of Denard Robinson. I was hearing they might change it back to pro-style next year when he graduates."
The style of offense is a factor the 5-foot-9, 190-pound Wilbon will consider strongly when making his college selection.
"Offense always is a big factor… and a big line," he said. "The offense I am looking for is pro-style or spread so I can get the ball in different ways."
Wilbon has already added offers from Purdue and Iowa. Whether or not Michigan joins that group remains to be seen, but Wilbon does have a long-standing interest in the Wolverines.
"I always liked Michigan when I was little because I used to watch it with my great-grandfather," Wilbon said. "I love their tradition and it is one of the best traditions in the nation."
In recent weeks, Wilbon has seen increased interest from Arizona State, trading Facebook messages with tight ends coach Chip Long. Other schools showing regular interest include Notre Dame, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, USC, Michigan State, Ohio State, Vanderbilt and Washington.
Wilbon has missed his team's last few games with a knee sprain, but before that he had accumulated 863 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in just four games.
Advertisement