Michigan football: Harbaugh’s recruiting efforts should end Ohio State’s dominance
By Joel Greer
Oct 25, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Jeremy Langford (33) is tripped up by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Joe Bolden (35) during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 35-11. Bolden and Jake Ryan (47) played high school ball in Ohio. Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Ohio State’s probation helped Michigan
That of course was said before Tressel closed the door on himself by being a part of the tattoo-gate scandal when his players traded memorabilia for tattoos and other gratuities. The coach who posted a 94-22 mark and won six Big Ten championships was suddenly out of a job and Ohio State was on NCAA probation.
Michigan was then able to snare a few of Ohio’s best. Kyle Kalis, Frank Clark and Jake Ryan have certainly made a difference, but Ohio State closed the door again by coaxing Urban Meyer out of “retirement” in 2012.
Fortunately, Michigan was able to return the favor by hiring its favorite son to restore the Wolverines to the elite program that’s won more games (915) than any other NCAA team.
Harbaugh has already made an impact by elevating his 2016 recruiting class to the top-10. He’s done it by using his reputation and creativity to bring in 21 commits from 10 states. Harbaugh’s Summer Swarm, a group of “satellite camps” held from coast-to-coast netted four commits from Florida and two from Alabama.
Surprisingly, none from the 2016 class are from Ohio.
Don’t get me wrong, Harbaugh isn’t neglecting Ohio, it’s just no easy task to compete immediately with a powerhouse like Meyer’s National Champions.
Next: Harbaugh sets stage to recruit Ohio and elsewhere