Last Updated: February 10. 2011
Sam Webb
2012 recruit race on, and U-M has early edge on Chicago tackle
With signing day 2011 firmly in college football's rearview, the recruiting focus has shifted completely to the class of 2012. Verbal offers have already begun flying in for talented youngsters from coast to coast. That has certainly been the case for Chicago Simeon offensive tackle, Jordan Diamond. The 6-foot-7, 278-pound junior already has a dozen offers to his credit, and more appear to be on the horizon.
"He's one of only a handful of kids that we have as four-star prospects right now," said Scout.com Midwest regional manager Allen Trieu. "I think he's at least in the conversation to go to five stars."
Diamond's talent became apparent to Scout.com analysts during a camp in Ann Arbor last February. Though only a sophomore at the time, Diamond shone brighter than many linemen one year his senior.
"Jordan Diamond made a case that he was the top lineman there," Trieu said. "He is built like an ideal tackle. He's long and lean and has athleticism to go with it. What was impressive about him was his nastiness. He was aggressive and really got into the opposing defensive linemen and looked to finish them. He still needs some technical work, but he has the tools to be a big-time college lineman".
Numerous college coaches agreed. In the subsequent months Illinois, Arizona, and Eastern Michigan extended scholarship offers. When fall rolled around the offer train picked up even more steam, with Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, Notre Dame, and West Virginia entering the fray. Ohio State added its name to the mix just last week. Amid all those desirable options, though, one school holds the distinction of being his childhood favorite.
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