Detroit Cass Tech’s Donovan Peoples-Jones runs against Novi Detroit Catholic Central on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016 at Ford Field in Detroit.
The rumors surrounding coach Jim Harbaugh’s future at Michigan haven’t seemed to impact the Wolverines’ 2017 recruiting class.
Harbaugh, who recently denied reports that he would consider leaving college to return to the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams, landed his biggest recruit in this year’s class on Thursday.
Detroit Cass Tech senior receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones, a five-star prospect, the Free Press’ preseason No.1 player and top-ranked high school player in Michigan by Rivals.com, committed to the Wolverines during a live, nationally-televised event on ESPN2.
Joined by his parents and Cass Tech coach Thomas Wilcher at the Channel 7 studio in Southfield, Peoples-Jones donned a Michigan hat after making his pick.
“Without further ado, for the next three to four years, I will be enhancing my academics and athletic career at the University of Michigan,” he told ESPN2. “I want to play with the best. I believe Jim Harbaugh is one of the best coaches in college football.”
Peoples-Jones (6-feet-2, 193 pounds) picked Michigan over Florida, Florida State, Michigan State and Ohio State. He’s ranked as the No. 13 overall recruit in the nation by Rivals.com, and the No. 2 receiver behind Alabama commitment Jerry Jeudy of Deerfield Beach, Fla.
With so many options to choose from during his recruitment, Peoples-Jones gave each finalist a fair and unbiased chance to give its pitch. He made official visits to Michigan, Florida, Florida State, Nebraska and Ohio State.
“It took a really long time. Each official visit was very crucial,” he said. “My last official visit to the University of Michigan pretty much sealed everything. I have a chance to do very special things there, I believe. That was the best decision for me and my family.”
Wilcher believes his star receiver did his homework before choosing the Wolverines.
“He’s very thorough in everything he does,” Wilcher told the Free Press before the announcement. “He learned checks and balances a long time ago. He’s a thorough, intelligent young man.”
Peoples-Jones will join Cass Tech teammate and three-star defensive back Jaylen Kelly-Powell in Ann Arbor next season. Detroit King defensive back Ambry Thomas, a four-star prospect, is also committed to the Wolverines.
Despite receiving national attention during his recruitment and making his decision on television, Peoples-Jones remained calm.
“Every time I asked how he’s doing, he’s like, ‘I’m good,’” Wilcher said. “For me, it’s all nerves. For him, he’s all good.”
Peoples-Jones, who led Cass to the Div. 1 state title in November, plans to enroll early at U-M.
Blessed to announce that I Am Officially Committed to The University Of Michigan ! 〽️ #GoBlue https://t.co/7bSoZHfWdQ
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Donovan P. Jones (@dpeoplesjones) December 16, 2016🤓
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