Pine-Richland’s Michael Merhaut, right, carries the ball as he’s taken down by Pittsburgh Central Catholic’s Damar Hamlin (3) and Bryan Glover (30) on Nov. 21, 2014, in Pittsburgh.
With National Signing Day approaching in February and several of the top prospects in the nation looking to enroll early, recruiting is hot. Below is a look at the top five uncommitted prospects in the class of 2016 in the Big Ten region and where they stand in their recruitments.
1.) LB Daelin Hayes of Ann Arbor Skyline
The 6-foot-3, 254-pounder is rated the No. 1 recruit in Michigan and the No. 13 player in the nation overall. Hayes has narrowed his list to Notre Dame, Ohio State and Michigan State. He has officially visited all three schools and is looking to make his decision sometime in December so he can enroll in January.
No. 1 player: AA Skyline’s Hayes has unmatched potential
2.) WR Donnie Corley of Detroit King
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Corley is rated the No. 2 player in Michigan and No. 82 in the nation. He will announce his college decision on Dec. 8, his mother’s birthday. Michigan State, Ohio State, Tennessee and Michigan are involved, and Corley also plans to enroll in college in January.
Recruiting: MSU, U-M vie for King’s Corley
3.) DB Damar Hamlin of Pittsburgh (Pa.) Central Catholic
Hamlin is the No. 4 player in Pennsylvania and No. 132 overall. The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder projects as a safety at the next level but is athletic enough to play cornerback, as well. Hamlin is focused on four schools: Ohio State, Notre Dame, Penn State and Pittsburgh. He does not have a timetable for making his college choice.
4.) ATH George Hill of Hubbard (Ohio) High
Hill is rated the No. 6 player in Ohio and No. 209 in the nation. The 6-foot, 185-pounder had been committed to Ohio State but reopened his recruitment. Hill is focused on Wisconsin, Michigan State, Pittsburgh and West Virginia. He is the teammate of current Spartan LJ Scott and has been to campus twice for games this fall. He could officially visit Michigan State for the Penn State game Nov. 28.
5.) LB Brendan Ferns of Saint Clairsville (Ohio) High
The 6-foot-2, 222-pound Ferns is rated the No. 9 player in Ohio and No. 216 overall. His recruitment is interesting because he is only looking at schools that offer his desired major: petroleum engineering. Penn State and West Virginia offer the program, and Ferns’ brother Michael plays for the Mountaineers after transferring from Michigan,
Matt Dorsey is a recruiting analyst for spartanmag.com and rivals.com.
