Gavin Sawchuk / submitted
2022 Five-Star RB Gavin Sawchuk Enamored With Michigan
With the 2022 recruiting class now on the proverbial clock, Littleton (Colo.) Valor Christian running back Gavin Sawchuk looks like he could be one of Michigan's top overall targets in the next cycle. Michigan was the first school to offer Sawchuk back in the day, so he's been hearing from the Wolverines for quite some time, and U-M has done an effective job in selling the program up to this point.
“I really like Michigan,” Sawchuk told Wolverine Digest. “I was able to get there in the spring of my freshman year. I really enjoyed being up there. I really enjoyed meeting all the coaching staff. The facilities were amazing. I really loved the academic piece and the connections you have by being at Michigan and the opportunities that it gives you, not to mention that the football team is amazing. I love the coaches and what they coach and try to preach to their athletes. I love everything about Michigan. I'd love to make another trip out there.”
After giving such a glowing recommendation, Michigan stands in a good position for the dynamic running back, and the fact that Sawchuk is looking to get back on campus is another positive sign for the Wolverines. Sawchuk attends the same school that Dylan McCaffrey was at before heading to Michigan, so that is another connection between the highly coveted prospect and U-M as well.
“There were a couple schools I wanted to get out to, but the whole COVID thing blew up and I wasn't able to get out there,” Sawchuk said. “I've been to Michigan, Ohio State, Notre Dame. I've been to Oklahoma, but there are some other ones I want to get out to like Northwestern, Stanford, USC, and I've been to Oregon but maybe get out there again. Washington is another school I'd like to see.”
Many of those schools are accomplished academic institutions as well, so Sawchuk's prospective visit plan shows that he is taking the scholastic portion of his future college experience quite seriously as well.
“To start, I look at the staff, the program itself and if I can develop as an athlete in that program,” Sawchuk said. “I look at the culture at the school with the athletes and the coaches. I want it to be a program that is a good environment and uplifting, and of course academics.”
At this stage in his development, Sawchuk already holds 26 offers, so Michigan is one of many schools in pursuit, which is not a surprise considering Sawchuk's success on the field. Last year, he racked up 1,786 rushing yards (9.1 yards per carry) and 23 rushing touchdowns as a sophomore, and Sawchuk is determined to add a different dimension to his game this season.
“I've been working on everything,” Sawchuk said. “One of the big things for me that I've been working on is I want to be more of a threat in the pass game. Last year in our offense and my freshman year, we had some plays where I could run some routes out of the backfield, but it wasn't too many. This year, we changed our offense up a little bit. We have some more plays where I can run routes out of the backfield. My coach has some plans to put me in the slot, so I can run routes there. I've definitely been working on route running and catching the ball. Another big thing I'm working on is being smart and being a student of the game, understand every aspect of the offense and the defense more.”
As a 2022 prospect, Sawchuk isn't expected to make his decision anytime soon. If all goes as planned, a commitment could come before his senior season is set to begin, but Sawchuk left the door open in case he gets a good feel for a school. Realistically, Sawchuk would like to take another round of visits since he couldn't do so over the summer. But when he does reach a decision, expect Michigan to be in contention as a finalist with an outside shot to land the blue chip prospect.
What do you think of Michigan's recruiting efforts in Colorado lately? Will the U-M staff earn Sawchuk's pledge when all is said and done? Let us know!