Before the days of Jim Harbaugh in Ann Arbor, the Michigan Wolverines were struggling to recruit players out of the state of Alabama. Naturally, the Alabama players would commit to schools in SEC Country — mainly Alabama and Auburn.
That is all beginning to change, however.
In the short time that Harbaugh has been Michigan’s head coach, he has already attracted three recruits from the Heart of Dixie.
Just how big of an accomplishment is that? It’s something that hasn’t been done in over a decade.
From Drew Hallett of SB Nation’s Maize n Brew:
No recruit from the state of Alabama committed to Michigan from 2002 to 2014. In 5+ months since Harbaugh's hire, three have.
— Drew Hallett (@DrewCHallett) June 7, 2015
I overlooked Max Martin, who came in 2004. But point remains: a decade without a recruit from Alabama and then three after Harbaugh's hire.
— Drew Hallett (@DrewCHallett) June 7, 2015
It is hard not to be impressed with that.
Sure, the Wolverines still have a way to go before they are competitive at the top level of the Big Ten, but Harbaugh has done a great job of generating excitement.
In order to improve your program, you need the players to buy in and top recruits to join your team. So far, so good for Harbaugh and company.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports