Rivals100 No. 1 Rashan Gary picks Michigan

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After some late drama, Rivals100 No. 1 Rashan Gary announced his commitment to Michigan. The Paramus (N.J.) Paramus Catholic star chose the Wolverines over Clemson.

Gary’s relationships at Michigan outside of the football program helped him realize that Ann Arbor was the place for him.

Gary’s first offer came when he was just finished his freshman year of high school at Scotch Plains-Fanwood (N.J.) Scotch Plains. He attended his first Rivals Camp Series event in New Jersey with still just the offer from Rutgers and blew away the competition. The following week a couple of SEC schools offered and his offer sheet blew up from there.

After consulting with a number of people, Gary and his family decided to transfer to Paramus (N.J.) Paramus Catholic because they felt like that environment and the coaching he would receive would prepare him better for his college football career. He thrived under the tutelage of head coach (now Michigan linebackers coach) Chris Partridge.

In the early stages of Gary’s recruitment, he was in awe of SEC schools like Alabama and Florida but his focus shifted to programs like Clemson, Florida State, Ohio State, Michigan, and LSU. After his junior season, Chris Partridge took a job at Michigan. At that point the Wolverines, who were already one of Gary’s leaders, became the favorites to land Gary’s commitment.

As Gary moved into his senior year at Paramus Catholic it became clear that his top schools were Michigan, Clemson, Ole Miss, Alabama, Auburn, USC, Georgia, and LSU. Relationships started playing a much bigger factor in his recruitment. Chris Partridge at Michigan, Brent Venables at Clemson, Chris Kiffin at Ole Miss, Will Muschamp at Auburn, and Ed Orgeron at LSU had the best relationships with Gary and his family. Near the beginning of his senior season Auburn had pulled even with Michigan but Gary was focused on having a great year on the field before setting up official visits.

Within in the last few days Clemson's had momentum after Gary's official visit over the weekend. On Tuesday Gary made up his mind that Michigan was the place he wanted to be.

Michigan, Clemson, Ole Miss, Auburn, and USC received official visits from Gary.