Conrad gets new perspective on rivalry

Ohio State has been the dream school of La Grange (Ohio) Keystone junior tight end C.J. Conrad since he was young, so seeing the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry as a guest of the Wolverines was something the four-star prospect had to adjust to.

"I'll be honest with you it was a little weird, but I got used to it as the game went on," Conrad said. "The rivalry is no joke. That was the first time I have ever seen the rivalry in-person and it was a crazy atmosphere. It was two great teams going at it and it exceeded my expectations."

Conrad came out of the experience with a higher degree of awareness of Michigan based on his time in Ann Arbor and what he saw on the field. He was particularly impressed with the play of Michigan's tight ends.

"That was probably the coolest thing," Conrad said. "Jake Butt had a great game and I loved the way they used the tight ends. They move them around and they are really involved in their passing game."

Conrad said he gets the comparison to Butt - Michigan's freshman tight end - often because both hail from Ohio and are separated by just two years. The comparison was even brought up by the Michigan coaching staff during Conrad's visit.

"I talked to the tight ends coach after the game and that was the first time I had met him in-person," Conrad said. "He was just telling me how great of a game Jake Butt had as a true freshman and how he is from the state of Ohio. He was actually really impressed with my size and wants to see my junior highlights immediately."

Though neither Michigan or Ohio State have yet offered the 6-foot-5, 220-pound Conrad, both are recruiting him and his interest in both teams was raised as a result of Saturday game visit.

"It was really cool when you're getting recruited by both of the schools," Conrad said. "That was the third time I have seen Ohio State play this season live. I was really impressed with their tight end play too and they caught a touchdown pass."

Saturday was the last game visit Conrad has planned this season, but he expects to schedule bowl practice or basketball game visits with one or more schools in the near future.