Recruiting Roundup: Tristan Bounds Impressed With U-M Win And Andrel Anthony Preps For Postseason
Now four days after Michigan's dominant season-opening victory, many are looking at the Wolverines in a new light. Even though there are so many new starters on each side of the ball, U-M looked prepared to face Minnesota, and that was reflected by the team's 25-point victory on the road.
Bethesda (Md.) Choate Rosemary Hall offensive tackle and SI All-American candidate Tristan Bounds has long known that Michigan could compete for a Big Ten title this year, but last weekend's game really solidified that standpoint for the Michigan commit.
"Michigan looked really good, really solid," Bounds told Wolverine Digest. "Obviously, not to discredit the win at all, but the road environment is different with COVID. I think playing in the Big House will be a little bit less of an advantage for Michigan this season without 110,000 people screaming, but still a great road win. Joe Milton looked really good. I hadn't seen him play before, so I was excited. Blake Corum, who is from this area and I played against when I was younger, had a couple big, explosive plays. The offensive line looked great. Aidan Hutchinson is an animal. They played really well. It was super fun to watch."
As Bounds alluded to, Corum, a true freshman, made an impact with five carries for 24 yards and one catch for 24 more yards, including a swift swing pass that he took for a first down on the initial drive. Corum has long been a playmaker, though, and his talent has been evident for quite some time now.
"When we played him, I think I was in eighth grade and he was the talk the whole week, Bounds said. We knew we had to beat Blake to beat them. I think he ripped off like five touchdowns for 300 yards and smoked us. I knew he was always going to play Division 1 ball somewhere. I'm just happy he's on my side."
One of the major question marks entering the contest was how would Michigan's offensive line perform with so many new starters up front, but the Wolverines blockers acquitted themselves well in Week 1.
"I think they did a great job," Bounds said. "I think they had one pressure. Coach Warinner sent me the grade out of no sacks, one pressure. That's pretty good. They averaged more than eight yards per carry on the ground. The offensive line played a great game."
Andrel Anthony shines despite cold, rainy conditions
Last Friday, Wolverine Digest was on hand to watch 2021 East Lansing (Mich.) High wide receiver Andrel Anthony travel with his team to Okemos in pursuit of a perfect 2020 regular season at 6-0.
The Trojans logged a 42-0 victory on the night, and that was in large part thanks to a standout performance from the Michigan commit. Anthony made several acrobatic, leaping catches along the sideline in the contest, and he showed the big play ability that many are anxious to see when he arrives in Ann Arbor, though he is not satisfied with his performance.
"Some stuff I have to work on are keeping my line when I'm running my routes so quarterbacks have a better place to throw it," Anthony said. "I have to communicate with my head coach too, so I can run more posts and not fades all the time. It's hard for the quarterback to put the ball in a specific spot where I can go up and get it. Getting my foot down was pretty tough. I did okay. I'm glad we got the win."
Now, Anthony's upcoming schedule is headlined by his team's playoff pursuit, but he is also tentatively planning on going to Michigan's campus on Nov. 14 for U-M's game against Wisconsin, a day which is expected to be a recruiting get together for commits and targets alike.
Though the guest list for the event is not finalized, Anthony said he is certainly hoping that Oak Park (Mich.) High lineman Rayshaun Benny is in attendance. Benny was set to announce his decision this past Friday, but that date was pushed back. Still, Benny and West Bloomfield (Mich.) High running back Donovan Edwards remain the two most important targets left on Michigan's board.
How do you think Michigan's 2021 class has come together so far? Which target is the top guy left uncommitted in your mind? Let us know!
