Fact or Fiction: Michigan will finish No. 2 in Big Ten in recruiting
National recruiting director Mike Farrell and national recruiting analyst Adam Gorney tackle three topics daily and determine whether they believe the statements or not.
1. Michigan will finish No. 2 in the Big Ten in recruiting for 2021.
Farrell’s take: FACT. This isn’t an easy answer because Penn State has been recruiting at such a high level, but give me Michigan this year to finish second to Ohio State.
Why? The pool of in state talent for Michigan is excellent this year and rare and they will land the majority of those guys. The Wolverines already have one in Giovanni El-Hadi and they will get more. Penn State will do just fine but finish third in the conference.
Gorney’s take: FACT. In the last few recruiting classes, Michigan has actually done poorly at the top-end with in-state recruiting, but my bet is that the 2021 class looks more like the 2017 group where the Wolverines landed the top-three players from the state. The recruitments of DT Damon Payne, OL Rocco Spindler, RB Donovan Edwards and OT Rayshaun Benny could still go a lot of ways, but the Wolverines could clean up and it should propel them toward the top of the Big Ten rankings.
2. Jashaun Corbin will make a huge impact at Florida State.
Farrell’s take: FICTION. Corbin is a talent and he has a few years to contribute at FSU after transferring from Texas A&M and is now allowed to contribute right away. However, a huge impact is probably pushing things. He’s overcoming an injury and I see him as a potential starter but not a super key guy like Trey Sermon could be at Ohio State. Sermon is coming off an injury as well, but I have a better feeling about his fit and skill set. Corbin will be solid but not great.
Gorney’s take: FACT. Mike Norvell’s offenses have 1,000-yard backs and so for that reason alone - along with Corbin’s ability and an improved offensive line - my guess is that the new FSU running back will make a big impact in the Seminoles’ revamped offense.
Two years ago at Memphis, there were two 1,000-yard rushers and Darrell Henderson nearly eclipsed 2,000 yards. I’m a little hesitant to go all-in on Corbin, though, since Cam Akers, who had the ability to have a huge career if the FSU offensive line was even functional, had a strong career in Tallahassee but nothing incredible. If Akers couldn’t do it, could Corbin? The addition of Norvell should make it happen.
3. Tua Tagovailoa looks healthy enough to be a top 5 pick.
Farrell’s take: FACT. Okay, I still don’t think Tua is a top five pick or a franchise quarterback, but the recent video he put out showing his movement was impressive. There appear to be no limitations based on that awful hip injury during the season. I still feel he’s too fragile to stay healthy in the NFL, but he looks good as we head to the draft. Someone will take him in the top 5.
Gorney’s take: FACT. It was a short video and Tagovailoa could show whatever he wanted but I contend he might be the most talented quarterback in this class and he’s worthy of a top-five pick. Maybe he’s injury prone and another one is going to sideline him once he gets knocked around in the NFL but he’s still worth the risk, he’s incredibly dynamic and an outstanding playmaker and in the right situation, Tagovailoa could be a star in the league.