Michigan wins the battle for in-state WR Andrel Anthony
East Lansing, Mich., wide receiver Andrel Anthony boasts an offer list that features schools from across the country, but when it came down to a decision, Anthony announced on Friday he was staying in-state to play for Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines.
“I chose the University of Michigan because ever since my sophomore year they have been recruiting me hard,” Anthony said. “They offered me very early, and that showed they really saw something in me.
“Even up to now, they still text me every day, call me and it means a lot to me. When my dad was sick a few months ago they all sent him graphics, text messages, called him and checked up on him. That really meant a lot too. They care about the family aspect.”
**Stay tuned to TheWolverine.com for on-site coverage from Andrel Anthony's commitment announcement**
Officially, Anthony’s final four were Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame and Penn State, but the public’s focus, especially late, was on the two in-state programs.
Living in the heart of the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry, Anthony heard from advocates of each program every day. Saying no to the hometown Spartans was a difficult decision.
“It was very hard because they are both great schools, the coaching staffs are both amazing and they both show a lot of love,” Anthony said. “I feel like stuff could have been different if coach (Mel) Tucker’s staff was there longer. The relationship and bond I had with them was pretty amazing considering they just got there in February. It was kind of tough because I visited one time, then all we could do is FaceTime and text.
"With Michigan, I have visited with their staff since my sophomore year, went to the camp two years in a row. They've really been recruiting me heavy since then."
Besides the coaching staff, Anthony has strong relationships with Michigan commitments like quarterback J.J. McCarthy, receivers Markus Allen and Xavier Worthy as well as Detroit offensive lineman Raheem Anderson. He also connected with some current Wolverines during his visits on campus.
“(Sophomore receiver) Giles Jackson, I’d say he is the director of recruiting for them,” Anthony joked. “He was telling me what the Business School is like and where they players stay at. We were talking about the Michigan State vs. Michigan aspect for about 45 minutes. He just seemed like a cool guy.”
Anthony is the third wide receiver commitment Michigan has received this summer and his addition boosts the Wolverine’s 2021 class to No. 7 overall in the Rivals Team Rankings.