West Coast OL recruit reveals why he committed to Michigan Football
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Welcome to the Recruiting Roundup, our three-times-per-week series breaking down the latest developments on the recruiting trail for the Michigan Wolverines. We’ll keep you up to date on the top targets, the visits they take, the predictions that analysts make, and everything in between. Here’s what you need to know today…
Newest pledge explains why he chose Michigan
The Wolverines scored a massive win on the recruiting trail over the weekend when 2027 four-star offensive lineman Lincoln Mageo announced his commitment. The Oceanside, California native chose Michigan over his two other finalists, Utah and Washington.
Speaking with 247Sports’ Blair Angulo ($), Mageo explained why he committed to the Wolverines.
“Honestly, looking at life after football was a big thing for me,” Mageo said. “I really think they can set me up for life after football. And just looking at the football side, I really think that coach Jim Harding can develop me into the best offensive lineman I can be. With his history of coaching and all these options around, that’s why I made the decision.”
The 6-foot-3.5, 285-pound Mageo also revealed what the plan is for him at the next level.
“Talking with coach Harding, he was telling me they see me on the interior, either at center or at guard, and he’s been talking me through their development plan,” Mageo said. “I believe in his coaching and I’m excited to see what I can do over there.”
Mageo is the fourth offensive lineman to commit to Michigan in 2027, joining four-star Jakari Lipsey, and three-stars Louis Esposito and Sidney Rouleau.
Legacy prospect excited to earn Michigan offer
If you’ve been a Michigan Football fan for a while, you are likely familiar with the name “Mario Manningham.” The former star wide receiver for the Wolverines was a two-time first-team All-Big Ten and a second-team All-American before his college career was over. He also won the Super Bowl as a member of the New York Giants.
Well, get ready to feel old, as the Wolverines recently extended a scholarship offer to 2029 wide receiver Mario Manningham Jr.
The 5-foot-9, 150-pounder from Akron, Ohio earned his offer after a strong showing at a camp in Ann Arbor hosted by Michigan’s coaching staff. It was his first D1 scholarship offer.
“I found out about the offer after the camp and I was shocked when it happened,” he told The Michigan Insider’s Brice Marich ($). “I knew that I had a good camp that day, but wasn’t expecting to receive an offer that day, but I was definitely beyond grateful. It means a lot. I just want to continue to work and improve everyday.
“(My dad) was just as surprised as me.”
Having grown up with a father that went to school in Ann Arbor, Manningham has known about Michigan his entire life.
“I’ve always been interested in Michigan from when I was growing up,” he said. “Yeah, I grew up watching a lot of Michigan football and basketball. I’ve always thought highly of Michigan growing up watching them.”
Manningham appears to be a very early top target for Michigan in the 2029 class, so remember this name for a couple years down the road.
Another legacy recruit talks Michigan offer
If Manningham wasn’t enough to make you feel old, how about 2028 three-star athlete Marquis Ray?
The 5-foot-10, 165-pounder from Saline is the son of former Michigan defensive back Marcus Ray. He recently worked out in front of the new coaching staff — including safeties coach Tyler Stockton, cornerbacks coach Jernaro Gilford and special teams coordinator Kerry Coombs — and left Ann Arbor with a scholarship offer.
We highlighted Ray in our Friday Recruiting Roundup after he picked up a prediction to eventually commit to Michigan, but now he is speaking out about getting the offer. He talked with On3’s Ethan McDowell ($) and said how much it meant to both him and his dad.
“I wasn’t surprised, but I was like, ‘Is this real? Is this happening?’ Because I’ve dreamt of that moment, of the offer and stuff,” Ray said. “All the hard work paid out.
“Man, (my dad) was so happy. You should have seen the smile on his face.”
Ray can play a number of positions in the secondary, as well as wide receiver, so the position he will be playing in college is still to be determined. However, the Wolverines like him in the secondary and are currently recruiting him to play defense.
“(The offer) just means a lot, and I can really see myself playing there in the future,” Ray said.
Moving forward, Ray said he will “definitely” visit Michigan this fall. In addition to the Wolverines, he has other offers from schools like Tennessee, Kentucky, Pitt, Louisville, Illinois, Maryland and others.
Quick Hitters
- 2027 four-star defensive lineman Seth Tillman committed to Clemson over the weekend, picking the Tigers over Michigan, Georgia and South Carolina.
- 2028 four-star safety Jackson Parker will make his first ever visit to Michigan for the Iowa game on Sept. 26, he told The Michigan Insider’s Steve Lorenz ($). The Wolverines just offered him last month.
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