Michigan has the best blend for Ferrara

After picking up an offer from Michigan Wednesday night, offensive tackle John Ferrara gave a verbal to Lloyd Carr and became the eighth commitment of the season for the Wolverines. What made the 6-foot-4, 268-pounder commit so suddenly to Michigan?

"I committed right the night I received the offer because out of all the schools I visited and researched I felt Michigan had the best blend of tradition, winning and great academics," he said. "They are just a great school and a great program and coach Carr is a phenomenal coach. When I committed, Coach Carr told me he'll do his best to help me reach my goals and I believe he's going to get me better. I also really like coach Stripling who is recruiting me because he's a really nice guy and my position coach."

Ferrara is delighted to finally have a decision behind him.

"I'm definitely relieved and very excited to be a Wolverine," he said. "I'm glad recruiting is over because I had my share of it and now it's done. Instead I can focus on the remaining part of my season."

The three-star prospect plans to train hard before heading to Ann Arbor next year.

"I'm going to be hitting the weight room hard and I also plan to work to get myself ready for college football," he said. "Hopefully when I get there I can bring a hardworking attitude with me. I know that they'll probably redshirt me and then we'll see what happens."

Ferrara hasn't scheduled an official visit to Michigan yet, but plans to in the next week or so.

The No. 48 strongside defensive end is glad to be a part of the team and had a final word to say to the Michigan faithful.

"I want to thank Michigan for accepting me into their family and I'm going to try my hardest to live up to expectations."