Four-Star Wideout Raves About Michigan Visit
The University of Michigan hosted the fastest player in the 2024 class over the weekend, and it sounds like Ann Arbor made quite the impression on him. Gatlin Bair, a four-star wideout from the state of Idaho, is considered the No. 1 wide receiver from his home state and the No. 9 overall wideout nationally.
Bair has gained a considerable amount of attention this year, not just for his football skills, but for his blazing speed on the track.
The 6-2, 180-pound speedster spent the weekend in Ann Arbor for his official visit, and by all accounts it was a very fruitful visit for both sides. Recounting his experience over the weekend, Bair had nothing but good things to say about what the University of Michigan has to offer.
"The environment, the facilities, and everything else did meet my expectations, and then the people surpassed my expectations," Bair said. "I was really impressed with a lot of stuff.
"Jim Harbaugh is the best original coach in college football. He doesn’t hide or fake anything, he’s just him. And all the other coaches are just like that, very real people."
Bair is an interesting prospect, given that he's part of the 2024 class but he won't be on his perspective campus until 2026. Following high school, the top-rated prospect will spend the next two years on an LDS mission. Bair recently opened up about this decision to go on the mission, how some schools have used NIL as a way to help pay for it, and how much the mission itself means to him personally.
"Yeah, I mean, there’s all these opportunities but I really don’t think I want to take part in any of those — especially for the mission. I just think it’s something that is very personal and I don’t necessarily want to be helped through it. It’s something that is kind of a burden for your family, and I think it’s meant to be that way. It’s a sacrifice, it really is. You’re sacrificing yourself, your time and your possessions to serve the Lord. I really don’t think I’ll be taking part in any of those deals. Obviously, it’s a great gesture. I just think there’s a form of sacrifice that comes with doing that."
Although there will be a delay in terms of being able to utilize his talents on the football field at the collegiate level, Bair is certainly worth the wait. The combination of size and elite speed would create a matchup nightmare for any opposing defense, and adding another high character piece to your locker room is always a good idea.
Bair indicated that he doesn't expect to decide on a school for another month or so, but its safe to say that the University of Michigan is currently a front-runner for his services - whenever that may be.
