Michigan Football Recruiting: Gareon Conley Commits To Wolverines

Gareon Conley, a cornerback recruit from Massillon (OH) Washington High School, has committed to the Michigan Wolverines according to SB Nation's Michigan outlet, Maize n Brew.

Although he's only listed at 165 pounds, his lanky frame certainly seems to have the room to add significant weight. During his senior year of HS, and likely redshirt year in Ann Arbor, he'll hopefully put on sufficient weight to put himself into a position to replace JT Floyd when he graduates. Competition may be limited, depending on how much weight someone like Raymon Taylor is able to put on, or whether or not the staff decides to give Jarrod Wilson or Tamani Carter a shot at the spot. If he loses that spot, he should, at the very least, be given a shot to take over the nickel position. The coaches plugged in Thomas Gordon and Raymon Taylor there this year, both of whom show a penchant for physical play.

As I mentioned above, Conley's lack of offers is surprising, to say the least. He's a smooth, athletic CB, with fluid hips that show little stiffness. His backpedal is a little choppy, but he flashes the ability to take a quick first step and cut into the ball's path. He's a bit inconsistent in this regard, though. What really separates him from the pack of average CBs is his exceptional set of ball skills. He's a ball hawk, in the Standifer mold of yesteryear. His vertical leap is exceptional, and he has some of the softest hands of any UM CB recruit I've seen in years. His long arms also afford him a wide window around his body in which he can snatch the ball. He'll cut in front of WRs, jump over them, or reach around them, and then allow his sticky hands to take over. I expect we'll see big numbers out of this kid, in the future.

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