Michigan‘s pursuit of a five-star quarterback Bryce Underwoodwho is committed LSUjust took another turn.
Something was lost in the excitement of Michigan fans over the possibility of landing Underwood. The fact that the team already had a quarterback commit. That was the case until Wednesday evening. That’s when four stars Carter Smith announced that he would retire from the team.
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Michigan’s pursuit of Underwood has become very public. That would undoubtedly have some ripple effects. It was just an internet whisper that Michigan reignited its pursuit of Underwood two weeks ago.
Now there are several reports that Michigan has put together a significant NIL package to transfer the LSU obligation to Ann Arbor.
Things move very quickly in the recruiting world. We’re only about six weeks away from the early signing period. But we haven’t heard anything from Underwood or anyone in his camp about this. Underwood is in a great position to negotiate with both LSU and Michigan.
Clearly, LSU doesn’t want to lose the No. 2 prospect in the Rivals250.
They’ve probably already planned to give Underwood a huge NIL package. Coach Brian Kelly and his staff can also sell the reasons Underwood committed the crime in the first place. The relationship with the offensive coordinator Joe Sloan is still strong. Underwood will play with future NFL Draft picks at wide receiver in Baton Rouge.
Those things still exist. LSU will encourage these factors.
Michigan is looking to make a big splash that could change the coach’s trajectory Sherron Moore‘s tenure with the program. There has been a lot of talk about the NIL package Michigan is putting together. It could be reinforced by Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports. There has been private discussion that Michigan won’t be outbid for the five-star.
But money isn’t the only factor.
There is an X factor to consider. How much (if at all) does Underwood enjoy being a hero within the state? His high school is 17 miles away from The Big House. The buzz for Michigan football could be bigger than last year’s big turnaround Dylan Raiola picked Nebraska after committing to Georgia. That could help the program land other promising prospects.
We don’t know the answer to that yet, but Michigan certainly hopes it plays a role.
Underwood’s pursuit was not mentioned by Smith as a reason for the announcement on Wednesday evening. But we can all read between the lines.
Michigan is doing everything it can to land the in-state superstar, which would be a major shock to the program.
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