Quarterback Recruiting 3/8/2011

2012 QB Zeke Pike

Quarterback will likely be another point of emphasis in the 2012 class, and the coaching staff will surely be in pursuit of some of the top prospects at the position in the country. Brady Hoke's staff was able to sign Russell Bellomy, who was originally committed to Purdue, this past signing day, but Bellomy is not a guy considered to be nearly as talented as Denard Robinson or Devin Gardner, who are the current signal callers at Michigan. The last two pro-style quarterbacks to choose Michigan were Chad Henne and Ryan Mallett, who were both considered five star prospects out of high school.  Hoke and co. should try to target prospects of a similar pedigree and they should start right away with this class.

One of the early choices for top quarterback in the country is Zeke Pike, a 6'6", 225 lb product out of Dixie Heights high school in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky. Pike currently has offers from a host of elite programs, including Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, and USC. He's also shown an early interest in Michigan. Pike was a 7-on-7 teammate of Chris Bryant who was a member of Michigan's 2011 class, and it sounds like their friendship has at least convinced Pike to visit Ann Arbor. Pike also told Scout.com that he's spoken directly to Brady Hoke over the phone, and the fact that the Wolverines are returning to a pro-style offense has caught his interest. It remains to be seen how interested Pike really is in Michigan, but getting him up to Ann Arbor is huge. If he feels comfortable with the school, the coaching staff and the players, then Michigan certainly will have a chance. I'd expect everyone in the SEC to be in hot pursuit as well, though.

The very first throw that is shown on Pike's video is, in my opinion, a broad illustration of why he's considered an elite quarterback. He's obviously very athletic and has the agility and awareness to avoid being taken down in the pocket, and he caps off the play by throwing a ball on the run that travels forty yards in the air. He has all of the physical attributes that coaches like, he just needs more experience at the position and he'll be well on his way to a successful college career. As stated, though, Pike is and will be courted by the premier programs in the country and I'd be surprised if he ultimately ended up at Michigan. He wouldn't likely have a chance to be the starter until his RS sophomore/junior season, and Michigan doesn't exactly have a ton of pull in Kentucky. However, I wouldn't expect Pike to commit anywhere before he allows the process to play out, which means if Michigan can have an encouraging season on the field in 2011, Pike could be swayed to Ann Arbor. It's still too early to tell either way, though, and for now we'll just have to hope his spring visit goes well.


Keep An Eye On:

Maty Mauk (OH)

Bennie Coney (FL)

Devin Fuller (NJ)

Austin Appleby (OH)

Robert Gregory (IL)

Cole Gautsche (NM)

Jeff Lindquist (WA)

Tyler O'Connor (OH)

Bart Houston (CA)

Brian Blackburn (MI)