Michigan Football Recruiting: Wolverines Earn Interest from Top 2014 Ohio QB

The Michigan Wolverines currently have one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country. Soon enough, however, Denard Robinson will be playing in the NFL, and coach Brady Hoke will have to find a pro-style quarterback.

The coach returned the Wolverines to prominence in only his first season in the Big House, but it had more to do with a dominant defensive effort than it did his offensive brilliance.

In a year's time, the Maize and Blue will need a pocket passer, and they've already begun their search for the next great signal-caller.

Will it be the 6'4" rising junior Devin Gardner? Or will it be the 2013 recruit Shane Morris?

Or will it take even longer than that?

The Wolverines cannot be sure, but they hope Morris, a Scout 5-star recruit, is the answer after their incoming 2012 class signed without a quarterback.

If it does take longer, it may be one of the top 2014 quarterbacks who comes to their aid. One in particular, from the rival state of Ohio no less, has plenty of interest in the Wolverines, according to Tom VanHaaren.

DeShone Kizer of Toledo (Ohio) Central Catholic is going to be one of the most sought-after prospects in the country, and there is mutual interest between the Wolverines and the recruit.

The 6'5", 205-pound multi-sport athlete already has three early offers from Toledo, Bowling Green and Syracuse, but was quoted by VanHaaren as saying:

"

I would love to go to a school like Ohio State or Michigan, but being a three-sport athlete I loved to follow the (Texas) Longhorns since they are pretty much a powerhouse in each sport. And living in a state with a rivalry like Ohio State and Michigan, everyone tends to choose Ohio State. My family are all Michigan fans, so I tend to choose Michigan when it comes game time.

"

That is his only tie to the Wolverines, but he also believes himself to be a passing quarterback first and foremost.

As a sophomore he threw for 1,147 yards and 10 touchdowns and ran for 540 yards and four touchdowns. Obviously, the youngster still has his best football ahead of him, and his potential is through the roof.

Will Michigan take note of his interest? Absolutely.

We've seen the Wolverines go into seasons with multiple quality quarterbacks, and in some ways, that competition is all for the better.

It would be a huge surprise if Morris were to sign anywhere but Michigan, yet the Wolverines will continue to pursue other quarterback options.

One thing we've seen from Hoke and the Michigan staff since his arrival is the quantity and quality of early commitments. Michigan's 16 committed recruits in the 2013 class lead the nation, and the Wolverines have made it clear that they plan to use this method of recruiting as long as he's in Ann Arbor.

Whether that method is to include Kizer remains to be seen, but expect to see Michigan ramp up its recruitment of the young star sooner than later.

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