Michigan Football: Jim Harbaugh's Media Blitz Is All About Recruiting

Jim Harbaugh has proven to be a master media tactician during his brief tenure as Michigan head football coach. He’s been everywhere— sitting courtside next to Michigan basketball coach John Beilein, helping prep NFL quarterback prospects and tweaking archrival Ohio State from his Twitter account.

Harbaugh thrives on attention but these recent interactions aren’t about stroking his ego or stirring up controversy. His first national signing day may be over but now he’s positioning Michigan as a top destination for future recruits.

Harbaugh’s appearance at the recent Michigan versus Michigan State basketball game was ostensibly to support the introduction of his new staff at halftime. But it also ensured plenty of conversation about his recent tutoring of pro football quarterback prospects Jameis Winston and Bryce Petty.

The two players came to Ann Arbor to meet with Harbaugh and prepare for the NFL combine. While they were here he conducted what may be the first post-graduation recruitment in college football history.

Two elite players from top collegiate programs left Ann Arbor gushing about Michigan and Jim Harbaugh on a video posted on mgoblue.com:

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Winston: “That was a blessing, to meet a guy like that. It was just an honor to meet him and all of his accomplishments and the type of coach that he is. I wish I could have played for him.”

Petty: “If there's anybody you want to play for, as a player, it's a coach like him. Just a fun, energetic guy, passionate about football. From the second he came over here, he was sizing up Jameis and wanted to see his grip. He's just a quarterback. That's the coolest part about playing the position and being coached by somebody that's been there and done that."

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Both quarterbacks also came away impressed with Michigan’s facilities, particularly the indoor football facility, as posted on mogoblue.com:

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Winston: “These guys don’t know how blessed they are to have this type of facility. At Florida State, we’re a very prestigious school, we have nice stuff, but we don’t have this. I love Florida State. Go Noles ‘til the day I day, but [Michigan’s] so much more advanced than us.”

Petty: “This is bar none the best I’ve seen. We’ve got great ones in Waco. I loved what we had at Baylor, so it’s cool to see other places. This is definitely by far one of the best I’ve seen.”

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Harbaugh’s impact on these two players will pay dividends on the recruiting trail. The chance to work with him for an entire collegiate career will be a powerful draw for top quarterback prospects.

Besides his appearance at the basketball game, Harbaugh has taken to Twitter to share his thoughts on competition and take a veiled shot at Ohio State.

He and Urban Meyer had fought over Michigan high school running back Mike Weber. Weber eventually signed with Ohio State only to learn that one of the coaches instrumental in his decision was leaving for Chicago (NFL). The perceived deception angered Weber and his prep football coach.

Harbaugh’s tweet spun the focus away from that fact that he had lost a coveted instate recruit and made Ohio State’s recruiting tactics the issue.

Harbaugh admitted during a recent podcast that he’s enjoying Twitter so fans can expect continued tweets from him.

Harbaugh is conducting a masterclass in leveraging media appearances but any recruiting benefits are a year away. In a few weeks spring practice begins and Harbaugh will need to prove that he is as adept on the sidelines as he has been during his media blitz.

Positive press is great but no amount of media spin will make up for not beating Michigan State or Ohio State on the football field.

Phil Callihan is a featured writer for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotations obtained firsthand

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