RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesWelcome 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…
Rivals300 DL ‘Bonecrusher’ says Michigan will make his Top 10
One of Michigan’s top defensive line targets is beginning to narrow his recruitment, and the Wolverines remain firmly in the mix. Chicago (Ill.) Mount Carmel standout Caleb “Bonecrusher” Tucker, the No. 124 overall prospect in the Rivals Industry Rankings in the 2028 class, plans to release a Top 10 list soon, and Michigan will be on it.
The 6-foot-5, 355-pound defensive tackle said much of that is because of his relationship with defensive tackles coach Larry Black.
“I love it,” Tucker tells On3’s Ethan McDowell ($). “Coach Black, that’s my guy. We chat it up every day.
“He’s straightforward. He’s a relationship guy, and he likes to stay in touch.”
The next step is getting to Ann Arbor. Tucker hopes to visit for a game this fall as he continues evaluating the schools at the top of his list.
“I want to learn about the culture, the experience,” Tucker said. “I want to see how game days are and how players get prepped and ready for the game.”
Louisiana RB ‘definitely’ planning Michigan visit
Michigan is also making a strong push for a talented running back in the 2028 class. Lafayette (La.) Lafayette Christian Academy standout Caiden Bellard , the No. 786 overall prospect and No. 61 running back in the Rivals Industry Rankings, plans to visit Ann Arbor this fall as his relationship with Tony Alford continues to grow.
Bellard rushed for 1,532 yards and 21 touchdowns as a sophomore last season and said Michigan has become one of the schools recruiting him the hardest.
“Almost every day, we talk,” he told On3’s McDowell ($). “Definitely building a strong relationship with coach Alford and looking forward to getting up there for a game day to meet coaches in person and see what it’s really like up there in Michigan. They are definitely one of the top schools that’s recruiting me right now hard and [I am] ready to continue building the relationship with them and see where it goes!”
Bellard said Alford has made an impression both on and off the field.
“Everything I hear and have heard from him has all led me in ways of liking him more,” Bellard said. “The connection me and coach Alford is building is a relationship that can go very far in life. He tells me that imma dog. Even though we not with each other everyday, he checks on me like we are. He encourages me and helps me be a leader every day!”
Bellard already holds offers from Ohio State, Alabama and Miami, among others, and sees a trip to Michigan as the next step.
“That’s definitely a school I’m building a close relationship with right now and want to get up there and see how crazy it really get on a game day,” Bellard said. “Who knows, maybe one day I might be playing there. Why not get a first-hand view of it?”
Michigan already making moves with 2028 safeties
Michigan’s 2027 safety class is still taking shape, but Tyler Stockton is already laying the groundwork for 2028. The Wolverines are in early contention for Braylen Bedford , the No. 45 overall prospect and No. 4 safety in the Rivals Industry Rankings. Michigan, Tennessee and Kentucky are the three programs standing out most to him early, per On3’s McDowell ($).
Another name to watch is Drake Coellner , the No. 282 overall prospect and No. 25 safety nationally. The Indiana native has already visited Ann Arbor multiple times and plans to return for a game this fall.
Michigan also appears to be in a strong spot with several in-state targets. Jayden Evans has already visited four times this year, while LaMarcus Army called his Michigan offer a “dream come true.”
Then there’s Marquis Ray , a Saline legacy who earned his offer after a strong camp performance in June. Michigan looks like the early team to beat in his recruitment, as there is already one early prediction in for the Wolverines to eventually land him.
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