Michigan still 'in a good spot' for elite 4-star WR Gatlin Bair

Eyes are on Burley (Idaho) Senior four-star wide receiver Gatlin Bair as he remains the highest-ranked uncommitted prospect in the 2024 cycle.

The one-time Boise State pledge came back on the board on Dec. 1 and was immediately linked to Michigan and Oregon. Of the two high-profile programs, it’s the Wolverines that have the momentum heading into the new year.

Bair took official visits to both schools in June, but made a return trip to Ann Arbor at the end of November to watch Michigan defeat Ohio State. Now, after not signing in December, Bair is taking his time before likely making a decision in February — just before he leaves for a two-year mission trip that will delay his college football career until 2026.

“Michigan’s in a good spot. It’s been that way since late November when he returned to Michigan for the Ohio State game — which was his first visit back since his official visit in June,” Michigan insider Zach Libby said on The Inside Scoop. “Michigan has knocked it out of the park in terms of selling what it can sell. Selling a comforting atmosphere, really a family vibe. I think that’s been the basis throughout this whole recruitment — selling family.”

Wolverines putting on full-court press for Bair

Michigan may have the momentum, but Jim Harbaugh and his staff aren’t letting up in their pursuit of Bair. Consistent contact and a December in-home visit from a host of coaches continue to show the speedy wideout that’s he wanted in Ann Arbor in a big way.

“Michigan is going after him with multiple coaches. Head coach Jim Harbaugh, wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy, area recruiter Jay Harbaugh has been in the mix for a while,” Libby said. “They did their in-home right before the Early Signing Period, tight ends coach Grant Newsome was out there with them, so there’s a lot of eggs in the basket for landing arguably the fastest man in pads.”

The Wolverines currently have the No. 16 recruiting class in the nation. Adding Bair, the No. 43 overall prospect and No. 11 wideout in the On3 Industry Ranking, would provide UM a fantastic finishing piece for the cycle, even if he isn’t making his way to college right away.

“Now, Michigan has offered him more than just relationships, there’s more than that. It’s strength and conditioning program under Ben Herbert … they’re selling him a role in the offense. This is a kid — a 10.15 100-meter dash, second-fastest in the country. They’re selling him on being that x-factor in an offense that’s trying to re-brand itself in a way, having a more balanced attack,” Libby said.

Gatlin Bair Scouting Summary

“One of the top overall athletes in the 2024 cycle who is the nation’s fastest football prospect on the track. Has unverified size, listed at around 6-foot-2, 180 pounds. Looks like the nation’s fastest football prospect during his junior track season. Consistently ran scintillating times. Won the state title in the 100 and 200 meters with remarkable 10.15 second and 20.56 second marks. Transfers that top end speed to the gridiron. Shows the ability to blow by corners as a deep threat on vertical routes. Also flashes speed after the catch with the ball in his hands. Eliminates angles and beats defenders to the edge. Also a dangerous return man. Works on the outside and over the middle of the field.

…Can track the ball over his shoulder. Finished his junior season with 73 catches for 1,073 yards and 18 touchdowns. Shows the considerable twitch and bounce on the basketball court where his above-the-rim athleticism shows on alley oops and dunks in transition.Can improve his fluidity and polish as a route-runner as well as his comfort as a pass catcher. Averaged 14.7 yards per catch, which is on the low end among blue-chip receivers and top draft picks, especially considering his weaker than average competition. Reportedly plans to take an LDS mission following high school, postponing his college enrollment for two years.”