Top TE Target Visiting Michigan This Weekend

Written by Alec Swain

Jeremy Ruckert announced on Twitter today that he will be visiting Michigan this weekend. After recent visits to both Notre Dame and Wisconsin, the 6-foot-5.5, 230-pound tight end from Lindenhurst, N.Y., seems to be continuing his investigation into the top Midwest programs.

On New Year’s Eve, Ruckert released a top five in a video which included Alabama, Florida State, Ohio State, Michigan and Ohio State. Upon his release of his top schools, Ruckert pointed out that his upcoming visit to Notre Dame could impact his original top five. 

In the aftermath of his Notre Dame visit on March 9th, Ruckert was very complimentary of Notre Dame. He claimed that his experience was “unforgettable.”

His coach also told Irish Sports Daily this week that Ruckert had “all positives” to say about Notre Dame.

From South Bend, Ruckert headed to Madison on March 11th to visit the Wisconsin Badgers, who were listed on his original top five list.

Now, Ruckert is off to visit Ann Arbor to continue his Midwest tour. This will not be Ruckert’s first time on campus. He is very familiar with Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines as he has visited multiple times and the coaches made him a priority in January leading up to the 2017 signing day. This will definitely be an important trip for the Wolverines to continue the strong relationship they have built with Ruckert.

Michigan lost tight end Devin Asiasi when he decided to transfer closer to home and enroll at UCLA. Michigan was relying on Asiasi to fill the obvious gap left with the departure of Jake Butt. The Wolverines are now primarily left with Tyrone Wheatley, Nick Eubanks and Ian Bunting.

After not taking a tight end commit in the 2017 class, it’s clear Ruckert will definitely be considered a priority by Jim Harbaugh, Jay Harbaugh and the rest of the Michigan staff.

Michigan is working hard on Ruckert but is also targeting others, including another Irish target in Will Mallory, to help compensate for the lack of tight ends in the previous class. Mallory is a Michigan legacy and the staff should have a good shot at impressing the Florida talent. However, Ruckert looks to be the Michigan staff’s main focus at the position

The Wolverines are not alone in prioritizing Ruckert. Their arch-nemesis, Ohio State, is also looking to add him to their already-stacked roster. With the mention of both of these programs in Ruckert’s top five group, it should be interesting to see if either can leave a lasting impression on him.

Following Ruckert’s visit this weekend, it will be telling to see how “unfortgettable” his Notre Dame visit truly turns out to be. He is definitely a target Brian Kelly, Chip Long and the rest of the staff should covet and try to add to the rich tight end history at Notre Dame. It might be a hard pull considering Notre Dame has some stiff competition in this recruiting battle, especially with Notre Dame bringing in the best tight end Class in 2017 with the additions of both Brock Wright and Cole Kmet.