2016 QB Messiah deWeaver Decommits from Michigan: What's Next for 4-Star, UM?

It's been in with the new and out with the old at quarterback for Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh over the last week.

The Wolverines reeled in a commitment from former Texas pledge Zach Gentry during the weekend, and just days later, 2016 prospect Messiah deWeaver backed off his verbal pledge:

"

pic.twitter.com/p69aamAJPw

— Messiah deWeaver (@Siah_10) January 28, 2015"

The 6'3", 202-pound Dayton, Ohio, product initially committed to Brady Hoke's regime in June. However, recruiting dynamics are often significantly altered when a new coaching staff enters the equation.

It isn't known whether Harbaugh failed to make deWeaver feel welcomed since his arrival, or the Wayne High School standout simply preferred to explore other options with another year separating him from signing day.

DeWeaver, ranked 14th nationally among pro-style quarterbacks in 247Sports' composite rankings, has picked up scholarship offers from Michigan State, Duke, Indiana and Penn State since pledging to Michigan.

He received an in-person visit from Kentucky offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson on Tuesday, according to 247Sports. Wolverines rival Michigan State could also emerge as a legitimate contender as things progress in his recruitment.

Spartans coach Mark Dantonio dropped by to check in on deWeaver in the immediate aftermath of his decommitment:

"They have a great family atmosphere, a great work ethic in practice and you can tell why they win," deWeaver said. "Coach Dantonio is a really great guy. Sometimes you can't really tell how a coach coaches, but when you go to practice and see how they interact with players, that's how you can get a feel of a coach."

Part of his qualms with a commitment to Michigan may have been the sudden presence of two passers in the 2015 recruiting class. Gentry is set to join early enrollee and fellow 4-star prospect Alex Malzone in Ann Arbor this year.

Unlike Gentry, deWeaver wasn't handpicked by Harbaugh.

The first-year coach may have alternative plans at the position for his 2016 class.

Harbaugh met with 5-star Washington quarterback Jacob Eason on Tuesday, per Jake Rowe of 247Sports. The development casts light on the fact that Harbaugh is aiming high as he looks to reinvigorate Michigan.

Credit: 247Sports

Eason is the nation's top quarterback and No. 5 overall 2016 recruit in 247Sports' composite rankings. He committed to Georgia in July and is considered the crown jewel of Mark Richt's recruiting class.

Other programs will surely continue to pursue Eason despite his loyalty to the Bulldogs. The 6'5", 205-pound passer threw for 5,770 yards and 55 touchdowns in two seasons as a full-time starter at Lake Stevens High School.

No verbal pledge should ever be considered set in stone, further evidenced by Harbaugh's ability to flip Gentry away from a long-term commitment to Texas less than two weeks before national signing day. 

Harbaugh may have started the 2014 football season with hopes of preparing for his second Super Bowl appearance this week.

Instead, he's putting in work on the recruiting trail across the country, and those efforts have provided a spectacle of their own.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.