Recruiting Roundup: Top QB target sets game day visit to Michigan

Welcome to the Recruiting Roundup, our twice-a-week series breaking down the latest developments on the recruiting trail for the Michigan Wolverines. We’ll keep you up to date on the top targets, the visits they take, the predictions that analysts make, and everything in between. Here’s what you need to know today…

Four-star QB sets game day visit

One of the Michigan football team’s top quarterback targets in the 2028 class is four-star Carter Zingelmann. Zingelmann is the No. 159 player in his class, and he currently attends Coppell High School in Coppell, Texas. He will be visiting Michigan for the UTEP game on Saturday, Sept. 19.

While these comments were before Saturday’s disastrous showing against Western Michigan, Zingelmann has faith that Michigan’s offense can look different than it has in year’s past.

“I definitely believe in them,” he told On3’s Ethan McDowell ($). “I also love their staff. Also, I’m excited to watch some great football.”

South Carolina, Arkansas, Tennessee, Oklahoma State and TCU are some other schools to watch here as well.

Michigan is also looking to get five-star Georgia commit Jayden Wade up to Ann Arbor for the Oklahoma game this weekend, and three-star JJ Howard will visit for the Iowa game on September 26th.

In-state WR breaks down Michigan interest

Michigan is hoping to put some better offense on display for recruits this season than what we saw on Saturday against Western Michigan, but the lone bright spot in the game was the play of wide receiver JJ Buchanan. He finished with six catches for 126 yards and the stunning touchdown on the final play of the game.

If he has more performances like that, it’ll show talented recruits like 2028 four-star 2028 wide receiver Mylan Griggs that the Wolverines are utilizing their receivers. Griggs is an in-state talent, as he currently attends Cass Tech. He is the No. 262 player in his class, and Michigan is recruiting him hard.

“He makes sure you know what you’re doing and you’re focused, you’re on point,” Griggs told On3’s Ethan McDowell ($), referencing Michigan wide receivers coach Micah Simon.

Griggs is beginning to focus on a select group of schools, and Michigan is one of them. The Wolverines’ main competition appears to be Missouri, Texas A&M, Nebraska, Miami, Michigan State, Illinois and Kentucky. The school that can help Griggs in all walks of life will probably be the one that earns his commitment.

“I need mentors,” Griggs said. “I need people that are going to show me more than football and people that are going to just be around me for the count. You know when somebody’s got your back, and I need people that have my back.”

Nothing is scheduled right now, but Griggs is looking to get some visits to Ann Arbor locked in.

“Gotta get on that official visit real soon,” he said.

Michigan eyeing 2027 DL from New Zealand

2027 defensive lineman Amanaki Henoa currently attends Layton Christian Academy in Layton, Utah, but he has spent most of his life in New Zealand playing rugby. He is about to play his first season of football as a high school senior, and Michigan is recruiting him.

“I had to do my research, and people were saying, ‘Man, you don’t know who Michigan is?’” Henoa told On3’s Ethan McDowell ($). “Yeah, I had to do a lot of research.”

Henoa is getting attention from some elite programs without ever playing football in his life, which alone is very impressive. However, he knows that there is still a lot to learn.

“I think I’m just trying my best to dominate everyone’s run game, but I still need a lot of work,” he said. “It’s my first time playing football, so I’m going to need all the help I can get from my coaches.”

His playing career just started, and so his recruitment. However, he feels pretty good about the chance to play at Michigan.

“I’m not sure if I’m going to get a bigger school than Michigan, so I think my best option is just to commit,” Henoa added.

It’s going to be very interesting to see how Henoa’s journey and football career develop over the course of his current high school season.

Quick Hitters

• Michigan offered 2028 four-star offensive lineman Joey Fleming on Saturday. Fleming is the No. 1 interior offensive lineman in his class. He currently attends Huntsville High School in Huntsville, Alabama.

• Check out all of the important updates and reactions from recruits who visited Ann Arbor for the Western Michigan game.