Kyle Whittingham and the Michigan Wolverines are making strategic moves on the recruiting front. Following the de-commitment of Peter Bourque earlier this week, Michigan wasted no time extending offers to two promising quarterbacks: Illinois commit Kamden Lopati and four-star prospect Dane Weber.
The swift response from Michigan underscores their commitment to securing top talent. As reported by Brice Marich of 247Sports, Weber received his offer on February 18.
A native of Temecula, California, Weber is ranked as the No. 34 player in California and the No. 24 quarterback in his class, according to the 247Sports Composite. With 25 offers from schools like Arizona, Oregon, and Washington, Weber is clearly a sought-after talent.
He’s also set to visit Kansas on April 10.
While Weber might not have the same ratings as Bourque or Lopati, his four-star status makes him a valuable addition to Michigan’s recruiting efforts. These back-to-back offers indicate Michigan's strategic planning for the post-Bryce Underwood era. Underwood, who will be playing for Michigan this fall, wasn't recruited by Whittingham, but his presence is pivotal as Michigan navigates the world of NIL and future roster planning.
Whittingham's experience and connections on the West Coast are proving beneficial. Lopati from Salt Lake City and Weber from Southern California highlight Michigan's expanded recruiting reach under Whittingham's guidance. His transition from Utah to Michigan offers him the resources and platform to aim for College Football Playoff appearances and national championships, opportunities that were limited at Utah.
The Wolverines' proactive approach following Bourque's departure is commendable. While the focus remains on maximizing Underwood's potential during his time in Ann Arbor, Whittingham's recruitment efforts are setting the stage for sustained success. His ability to attract top-tier talent could elevate Michigan to new heights, and having a talent like Underwood is a game-changer for Whittingham.
In essence, Whittingham's strategy is about ensuring Michigan's future remains bright and competitive, demonstrating a keen understanding of the importance of depth and readiness in college football.