Eugene rates first official visit perfect 10

Four-star cornerback Jai Eugene out of Destrehan, La. took his first official visit to Ann Arbor this weekend. The 5-foot-11, 169-pounder came away so impressed with the players, coaches and atmosphere that it looks like the Wolverines could be tough to beat for Eugene's services.

"I loved it there," he said. "I'd rate my visit a 10 because it was great even though I stayed for one day. If I stayed longer, it would have been a 20, but my experience was great. I'd say Michigan is definitely in my top five or even my top three, although I still don't have a favorite."

Eugene arrived in Ann Arbor on Saturday just before the game.

"I got there and toured the school and academic center," he said. "Then I went to the game and last night I hung out with the players. I loved the players the most. I was able to hang out with my host Jamar Adams and Mike Hart and I had a great time. They talked about how everyone loves coach English and from my experience he was a great coach. I liked my time with Mike Hart too because he's crazy and a really cool guy to talk to.

"Today, I hung out with the coaches and players some more. I talked to coach Carr as well and he's a really cool guy. We talked about their need for cornerbacks, playing time and the town. I could tell in the game there is a big need and coach told me that I have a good chance of starting next year if I go there."

The Rivals250 cornerback enjoyed taking in the game even though Michigan lost a tough contest to rival Ohio State.

"The game was great," he said. "Michigan has the biggest stadium in the country and for my first official it was wonderful. A lot of people talked to me about how cold it gets up there, but I didn't think it was that bad. I don't think temperature will affect my decision at all."

Eugene knows the four other schools he plans to take officials to and has scheduled two of them.

"I already know I'll be taking my last official to Miami on January 29th," he said. "I also plan to take an official to Southern Cal on January 15th. I know Tennessee and Florida will also get visits probably sometime in January. I'm still looking at LSU too.

"Out of my future visits, I hope to see something more that can excite me because it's going to have to be great. This visit to Michigan was great and these other teams are going to have to show me something even better."