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Consider it an insider secret, but you don’t technically have to sign a national letter of intent if you’re a highly sought after recruit and the defensive coordinator who pulled you in suddenly pulled out of town and left you hanging.
This is what outside linebacker Roquan Smith has decided to do after the UCLA Bruins’ former defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich became the Atlanta Falcons’ current linebackers coach.
Smith was ESPN’s No. 29 ranked overall prospect, and he is looking for a promising program with firm leadership; and honestly, I can’t think of a more promising program than the one firmly led by Jim Harbaugh.
Of course, the Michigan Wolverines are currently in the midst of decline, but they reminded us of their still relevant clout when they wheeled, dealt and signed Harbaugh this winter — pulling from their pedigree as the winningest program in Division I college football.
Michigan already has a respectable defense; it’s just the rest of the team (cough, cough, quarterback) that needs to be refined. In turn, elevating the Wolverines’ defense will raise each area of their program. The waves made by Smith if he were to decide on Michigan with all eyes watching would leave a wake covering the country. He may not represent the tipping point to the resurgence of Michigan football, but he’d definitely be the first domino to fall.
Smith would enter into a competitive environment under a tough coaching staff, and it would cut a clearer path to Smith becoming a pro. Conveniently enough, Harbaugh is a coach who works well with his team’s strong suit, and he frequently molds his team’s greatest strength into their style and identity. The San Francisco 49ers were so tenacious at one point that nobody wanted to see them on their 2012 or 2013 schedules. In large part due to Harbaugh, the Stanford Cardinal went from Pacific Ivy laughingstock to an institute also known for stringent and tactical football.
How this wouldn’t be the perfect environment for both Michigan and Smith to bloom and benefit is beyond justified speculation. But in the meantime, speculation is all we have. Although Smith may announce where he’ll be heading on Friday, it appears his final intent will be executed when he enrolls with his school of choice this summer — here’s to the power of prognostication that it’s Michigan.
Jerry Landry is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jerry2Landry, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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