Five unsung recruiting heroes Michigan fans should be thankful for

Christina DeRuyter, Director of On-Campus Recruiting

Michigan made a terrific hire last March when it brought on DeRuyer to lead a new position. Fast forward to now and DeRuyter has become a rock star on staff. Her work has led to the expansion of the on-campus recruiting sector and has drawn praise from several parents and recruits. DeRuyter is especially involved on unofficial and official visits and making sure prospects feel at home during their time in Ann Arbor.

They said it

“Christina is the best in the game. She goes above and beyond. If you need something, she’s only one call away. She’s doing this and that. You can tell she has everyone’s best interest at heart. She loves doing it. It’s obviously her job, but she’s one of those people that will go out of their way for other people. She’s a really special addition. She was a big part of my decision. She really made me feel at home. She’s a star. I think all the other guys will tell you that she does things really well.” — On300 EDGE commit Enow Etta

Denard Robinson, Assistant Director of Player Personnel

Robinson is one of the best to over don a winged helmet and is an icon in Ann Arbor. The U-M great recently returned to campus and joined the personnel department, where he does a lot of positive work with the team. However, Robinson has seen his role on the recruiting trail increase over the last couple of months. In fact, Robinson is now extremely involved with some of Michigan’s biggest targets, including Nyckoles Harbor, Jadyn Davis and Jyaire Hill.

They said it

“We have a great connection with Denard. My dad really likes him. I really like him. It feels like he’s one of my cousins. That’s my homeboy. He’s been telling me I need to get up there and join them.” — On300 defensive back target Jyaire Hill

Connor Stalions, Player Personnel Analyst

Stalions has a bit of an interesting background. He grew up a Michigan fan and attended the Naval Academy, where he volunteered as a student coach. While there, Stalions also worked closely in recruiting with Sean Magee, who later became an Associate AD at U-M. Stalions volunteered at Michigan after graduating from the Naval Academy and is now playing a key role in many areas. Along with helping the football staff with day-to-day operations on the offensive side of the ball, Stalions has been a huge part of official visits and showing them around campus. He is also becoming a go-to guy for recruits and NIL. 

They said it

“Connor is great. He’s working hard behind the scenes and makes people feel at home . He made a great impact impact on me and my recruiting.” — On300 Michigan EDGE commit Collins Acheampong

Ben Herbert, Director of Strength and Conditioning

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh just tried to nominate Herbert for the Broyles Award for best assistant in the country. Look, Herbert may not be an on-field coach, but if anyone is deserving of the accolade, it’s him. Herbert has done a phenomenal job of transforming players’ bodies at Michigan and is arguably the best strength coach nationally. He has also made a huge impact on the recruiting trail. Not an official visit weekend goes by without a prospect mentioning Herbert and his presentation.

They said it

“One thing did stand out to me when I visited. We were in the weight room and the strength coach (Herbert) asked if anyone wanted to squat. I put my hand up, and he put me front and center. I did a horrible squat. He put me through some stretches, put me in some squat shoes and taught me how to properly squat, which was amazing. What I learned in 30 minutes, I can only imagine what I can learn in three years.” — Top 100 EDGE target Jaxon Howard

Abigail O’Connor, Director of Football Performance Nutrition

You can’t mention Herbert without mentioning O’Connor. The two work hand in hand to help Michigan players reach their potential when it comes to physical development. O’Connor is the go-to expert on diet and nutrition, and her visit presentation if often praised as one of the best by recruits and parents. O’Connor may very well be the best nutritionist in the country, and the Wolverines are lucky to have her.

They said it

“Abigail talked about nutrition but tied it into football. She said if you are a receiver, we need to make sure your body is not only ready to catch the ball but also to block. She was very detailed. She was talking about football like she was a coach on the field. How can you break tackles if you don’t have the right lower body? She did a great job of tying nutrition into football. She does a comprehensive study on your body and what you’re lacking, and she helps you improve that for game days. I really enjoyed the nutrition presentation. That’s the first time I had a chance to hear that.” — Semaj Morgan Sr., father of Michigan commit Semaj Morgan.