Derrick Green Plans to Take an Official Visit to Michigan in October

Before 5-star running back Derrick Green (Richmond, VA) visited the University of Michigan at the end of July, the Wolverines did not appear to be a serious contender for his services. However, that unofficial visit went so well the nation’s No. 12 overall prospect recently announced he will use one of his official visits to return to Ann Arbor on October 20. 

Roughly two weeks ago, Green eliminated all but six of the schools vying for his services. In addition to the Wolverines, the nation’s No. 1 rated running back is still considering Auburn, Virginia Tech, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Oregon.  

This weekend, the Hermitage High School senior is making unofficial visits to Auburn and Georgia, who could creep into the picture if they are able to blow Green away. 

Green’s third trip to Michigan will give him a chance to see the Wolverines clash with arch rival Michigan State in a game that will play a significant role in determining the Legends Division champion in the Big Ten Conference this season. 

Another school that will play host to Green this fall for an official visit is Oregon. The 6'0", 220-pounder labeled the Ducks as a “wild card” team when he released his top six schools. 

“Right now, I’m just trying to find out what school I have the best relationship with, where I can go and see some early playing time,” Green informed Jason Stamm of HokieHaven.com on Thursday.  

“I’m definitely looking at the depth chart more, see who they have coming in and in my recruiting class and stuff like that. Also, definitely academics.” 

The recruiting process can often times be overwhelming for a prospect of Green’s caliber, but the Virginia native has not been bothered by the attention and is intent on taking things slow in order to make the best decision for his future on and off the football field. 

"It’s not overwhelming or anything like that," Green said. "It’s fun and I’m enjoying the process. I could be without this process, could not be No. 1, but it’s a blessing to be No. 1."

All of this is great news for Michigan, who appears to be the favorite to land Green out of his six finalists after his visit their last month.  

As always things can change, but if Green loves the game day atmosphere at Michigan as much as he enjoyed bonding with several of the Wolverines class of 2013 commits during the Barbecue at the Big House it will be tough for him to turn down a chance to don the maize and blue.

Update:

Green enjoyed his unofficial visit to Georgia on Saturday afternoon and let the writers at UGASports.com know exactly how well it went via text message. 

"It was a great visit! I enjoyed every part of it," Green said. "I rate it a 10."

Green went on to say the Bulldogs have a "very high chance" of getting an official visit, but he's "going to have to wait and see when I drop my next list".

Zach Dirlam is the former Lead Editor of the College Basketball section as well as Big Ten columnist for the FOX Sports/MSN/YardBarker affiliate website Sports at Work. Check out his blog, Dirlam’s Dirty Dugout Sports Blog, which features this story, along with other articles and video reports on major sports.

Follow Zach on Twitter.