Name: Austin Mack
Position: Wide Receiver
Ht/Wt: 6’2" / 205 lbs.
Location: Bishop Luers - Fort Wayne, IN (2016)
Offers: Michigan, Ohio State, Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Indiana, Ohio
Rating: ★★★★ .9787 (247 Composite)
Ranking: #50 NAT / #9 WR (247 Composite)
FILM
Monday wasn't entirely about 2016 basketball offers as the football staff decided to offer touted wide receiver prospect Austin Mack after his impressive camp performance. Mack explained how and why the offer was extended.
"Man, I was super excited! After a workout in The Big House, Coach Hoke just came and talked to me and then offered me. Right there on the field. It was awesome!" Mack exclaimed. "He said that I fit the system. The coaches liked how I 'get big' when I catch. I caught the ball well and just made a scene."
Mack's excitment was easy to detect. The Michigan offer was obviously one that he wanted badly, but the Wolverines aren't the only big time Big Ten school that has offered him. The Buckeyes beat Michigan to the punch just five days prior and both schools are in good shape with him. Which offer did he enjoy more?
"You know I couldn't even tell you," He said. "Ohio State was like the first big one for me so the excitement was a little more, but Michigan has been a favorite for me so it's pretty even."
247Sports has Ohio State, Michigan, and Notre Dame in the "warm" stance with Mack, but that could be a little misleading according to what he said about the Irish.
"Notre Dame is my home-state school, but that's not an offer I'm necessarily wanting," Mack said. "I just haven't really heard much from them. I am too focused on Ohio State and Michigan."
It's safe to say that Michigan and Ohio State are running head to head for Mack's top spot, but they aren't the only schools he's interested in.
"I'd like to get an offer from Michigan State and something from the south," He said. "I think getting an offer from a southern school will just be better for my recruitment."
As for the remainder of his recruitment, Mack wasn't bashful about how Michigan and Ohio State will factor into his future plans.
"Michigan and Ohio State are even for me. Neither of them are my leader, but they are definitely both on top," He explained. "I hope to make a decision next summer hopefully, before my senior year. I'm going to visit Michigan and Ohio State for games this fall and hopefully a few more."
It's always interesting to ask a recruit if they have any "Michigan-centric" comments for readers and fans. Mack's was simple.
"I'm excited about Michigan! Hands down!"
THE VIBE
5 – Trending Blue
4 – Solidly in a top 2-3
3 – Contender in a top 3-7
2 – Among large (8-15) group under consideration
1 – Let’s see if he visits before we talk
0 – Passing interest or none
Austin didn't leave much for the imagination when it came to who he likes. Michigan and Ohio State are his top two and probably will be until he decides. If some of the recent powers like Florida State, Alabama, or Auburn come calling I'm sure they'll be seriously considered, especially since he's interested in a generic southern school, but Michigan and Ohio State are "it" for him right now. He is a very real possibility to become part of Team 137 along with Erik Swenson and Messiah deWeaver.