Trieu: Can UM land Corley, Hill in package deal?
Winning a state championship is the focus for Detroit King stars Donnie Corley and Lavert Hill right now.
While both players still have questions to answer about recruiting – Corley, an outstanding wide receiver, remains uncommitted while Hill, a fleet-footed cover corner, is committed to Penn State but has still visited other programs – neither is eager to make any decisions in the near future and disrupt preparation for a season where many believe their Crusaders are prime contenders for high school football's ultimate prize.
When their decisions are made, there is still a good possibility they will arrive at the same choice.
"Me and Donnie would like to play with each other in college," Hill told The Michigan Insider's Josh Newkirk. "Me and him talk about it mostly every day."
Michigan is angling to be that school. The Wolverines appeared to be behind in both recruitments, but both players recently attended the school's annual BBQ at The Big House for recruits. For Corley, it was the second time he made his way to campus in the span of five days.
"It's building pretty well," Corley said of relationship with head coach Jim Harbaugh. "The first time I went there I wasn't so sure. I just wanted to give him another chance. He was talking real good. I loved that about (him)."
Corley also reported that his mother, who accompanied him on the trip, also enjoyed her time there. Hill's family is already quite familiar with Michigan as older brother Delano is a safety battling for a starting spot this season.
Hill says he likely will be back this fall to see a game, but more as a fan of his brother than anything else because he maintains his commitment with the Nittany Lions is still solid.
"(My relationship with Michigan has) been developing, but like I've said, I'm still committed to Penn State," he said.
Michigan State, West Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia and Ohio State are the primary schools Michigan will compete with for Corley. The Spartans, who Corley was rumored to be close to committing to leading up to The Opening, are also a player in Hill's recruitment.
None of those schools are likely to find out about either prospect until King has completed its season, and if the preseason rankings are correct, that might not be until the end of November.
The Crusaders kick off their 2015 campaign on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 2 p.m. against defending state champion Warren De La Salle in the Detroit Prep Kickoff Classic.
Ross visiting again Saturday
Orchard Lake St. Mary's 2017 linebacker Josh Ross will attend Michigan's practice on Saturday. Ross is the younger brother of Wolverines linebacker James Ross and is one of the team's highest priority recruits in his class.
Wolverine commits set to start season
A handful of Michigan commits begin their seasons this week. Hartland (Wis.) Arrowhead offensive lineman Ben Bredeson and his squad will take on Mequon Homestead on Thursday. Quarterback commit Brandon Peters and his Avon (Ind.) Orioles host Plainfield on Friday night. Running back commit Chris Evans and Indianapolis Ben Davis are at Indianapolis Tech, and athlete commit Kiante Enis' Winchester (Ind.) team will host South Adams. The remaining Wolverine commits will begin play next week.
More information
Allen Trieu began covering the state of Michigan for Scout.com in 2005 and began managing the entire Midwest in 2009. He has been featured on the Big Ten Network on its annual Signing Day Show. His Michigan and Michigan State recruiting columns appear weekly at detroitnews.com.