ADDISON, Ill. -- As programs continue to evaluate 2017 prospects, Detroit (Mich.) Cass Tech safety Jaylen Kelly-Powell will continue to draw attention because of his ideal frame and speed.
Rising 2017 4-star S Jaylen Kelly-Powell taking notice of Michigan
Which schools will join the athletic prospect’s offer list this spring?
SB Nation Recruiting caught up with Kelly-Powell on Sunday at the Nike Opening Regional Chicago camp.
The 6’0, 183-pounder currently holds offers from Michigan, Bowling Green, Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Iowa, Miami (Ohio), Minnesota, Northwestern, Pittsburgh, and Toledo. When the spring evaluation period ends, many more schools could join the mix.
One of those programs could be Ohio State, as Kelly-Powell believes the Buckeyes are close to offering. He speaks with Buckeyes cornerbacks coach Kerry Coombs once a week.
Right now, Kelly-Powell is taking notice of what’s going on just down the road in Ann Arbor.
“They’re changing the culture,” he said. “I can see that. Head coach Jim Harbaugh is doing a great job.”
He stays in contact with recruiter Tyrone Wheatley to build a relationship with him and plans on visiting Michigan on May 31, when he hopes to have a chance to connect with Harbaugh for the first time. The environment in Ann Arbor won’t be anything new, though, as he’s already visited Michigan in the past.
Before that trip, Kelly-Powell will travel to Vanderbilt on May 9. He’d also like to visit Louisville and Stanford and is looking for offers from both of those programs. As with Ohio State, Kelly-Powell communicates with Louisville safeties coach Greg Brown once a week. The Cardinals want Kelly-Powell to graduate early and could offer once he visits.
Since it’s still so early, Kelly-Powell doesn’t have a timetable for his decision, but given his interest in schools like Vanderbilt and Stanford, it’s no surprise when he says that education will be the biggest factor influencing his eventual commitment.
