Michigan is a perfect 10

Rivals250 linebacker Thaddeus Gibson out of Euclid, Ohio took his first official visit of the recruiting season to Michigan this past weekend. The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder with 4.5-second speed enjoyed his time in Ann Arbor. What stood out about the trip to the four-star prospect?

"It was a really nice visit and I enjoyed myself," he said. "I got up there Friday night and met with one of the coaches and players for dinner. Then I went back to my hotel and ate breakfast the next morning and headed over to the stadium. I attended the game and last night I hung out with some of the players including my hosts Prescott Burgess and Pierre Woods. They were great guys to be around and told me what a great environment Michigan is and it's like a second family. They also said all the players are really close and you can't go wrong.

"Today, I went through the academics and met with the coaches. I talked to coach Carr and he's a great guy. He asked if I'd want to redshirt if I came so that I could get another year to learn the system. He did mention that I'd be starting without a doubt my sophomore year. Personally, I thought that was pretty good because weight wise I don't think I'm big enough yet and I wouldn't mind getting bigger and stronger."

What did the No. 8 outside linebacker in the country think of the Wolverines tough 25-21 loss to Ohio State?

"It was a great game as it was sold out and crazy," he said. "People were everywhere and I came out of the tunnel and the fans knew my name and yell, forget the Buckeyes, come to Michigan. On the field, I saw Prescott play my position doing certain stunts and the coaches have said I'll be doing things just like him."

Overall the No. 6 player in Ohio gave the trip to Ann Arbor a perfect 10.

"I enjoyed myself a lot," he said. "All the players are like brothers and Michigan is a great program. I also liked that the coaches were really straight forward and told me what they think. They don't beat around the bush. I'd say now they are definitely in my top five.

"Next I'll be going to Tennessee on December 3rd and I hope to see much of the same type of atmosphere. I know Tennessee is a great school and I'm looking to see what I get out of the coaches too."

Gibson plans to schedule an official with in-state power Ohio State soon as well.