The best quotes from Michigan's first official visit weekend

The first official visit weekend of the weekend for Michigan saw five marquee targets appear on campus. It’s the initial slate of what will end up being four consecutive weekends the Wolverines will host prospects prior to the summer dead period with the aim of increasing numbers in the 2025 recruiting class.

The Wolverine examines the most signifiant quotes from the weekend, including those said by fathers of the targets.

Top 100 WR Derek Meadows, Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman

Industry Ranking: No. 37 Overall, No. 7 Wide Receiver, No. 1 in Nevada
RPM: Notre Dame (84.3%), Alabama (4.6%), Michigan (3.9%), LSU (2.5%)
Past U-M Visits: 4/20/24

What Derek Meadows Said: “Michigan definitely stands high on my list. They set the bar high and did an amazing job on the OV.”

Top 100 OL Douglas Utu, Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman

Industry Ranking: No. 53 Overall, No. 3 Interior Offensive Lineman, No. 2 in Nevada
RPM: Nebraska (26.9%), Michigan (23.5%), Washington (15.2%), Alabama (12.7%)
Past U-M Visits: 3/30/24

What Douglas Utu Said: “I’ve had a lot of interest in Michigan for a long time. Ever since they offered me, then ever since I was able to see their O-line work, They all work together well. There’s not one person that sticks out. They’re all on the same page. That’s the main thing that stuck out to me when it comes to their tradition as an O-line.”

Top 100 Safety Kainoa Winston, Washington (D.C.) Gonzaga College

Industry Ranking: No. 95 Overall, No. 10 Safety, No. 1 in Washington D.C.
RPM: Penn State (35.3%), North Carolina (26.5%), Michigan (15.3%), Oregon (12.7%)
Past U-M Visits: 4/13/24

What Kainoa Winston Said: “We did a lot. There weren’t a lot of guys, but me and the other recruits had a lot of fun. It was good having a smaller group there. It was individualized. We really got to bond and get to know the other recruits better. We got to know the coaches and the players better, too. I’ve been there before, but all of Michigan is really chill and laid back. They are the national champions, so they are doing something good. They are about their business. Win, win, win. That’s what they really care about. Winning is the main goal as it should be.”

On300 EDGE Marco Jones, Danville (Calif.) San Ramon Valley

Industry Ranking: No. 150 Overall, No. 20 EDGE, No. 15 in California
RPM: Texas A&M (25.9%), Oregon (19.0%), Texas (13.1%), Michigan (10.9%)
Past U-M Visits: 4/20/24

What Marco Jones Said: “They provide internships for the players in May during their off time, and that really caught my eye. They are doing great things on the field, winning national championships and putting players in the league every year. But it’s still cool to see how they help the guys. It’s one team and one family. Even if you do go to the NFL, things could happen and there is still life after football. It’s cool they offer a lot of internships around the country.

“I think it’s really smart. It makes guys think about the NIL aspect and work for the NIL. They don’t just hand you money. They educate kids about NIL. That shows their character and how they care about the players not just as athletes but as real people.”

Deshawn Meadows, Father of Top 100 WR Derek Meadows

What He Said: “This was my first OV. I’d never been through one. But what I can tell from being in one is that my son was a priority for the football team. They were gracious. We had some good conversation between the individual coaches. We had a great conversation with the head coach. Michigan is definitely high on the list as a place that’s a possibility for Derek to attend school.”

Kelvin Winston, Father of Top 100 Safety Kainoa Winston

What He Said: “The degree means a lot. The way we raised Kainoa is you work for things. Michigan is similar to his high school. They just don’t let anybody in. It’s very, very selective outside of football, and it’s the same way with football. They don’t just offer a whole bunch of kids. They pick the right kids that fit, and I like that a lot. All the kids there seemed similar. They were mild mannered, laid back, smart. They really do have a type. They remind me of my kid.”  

Anwawn Jones, Father of On300 EDGE Marco Jones

What He Said: “The visit was outstanding. They put their best foot forward. They had great entertainment. They had a great family atmosphere. We saw how well the staff works. They are doing things the right way. We’re very excited and happy with what we saw. We had a great time. My wife and I really enjoyed it. They did a great job, especially for a first official visit.”