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Recruiting: Trinity's Wilkins picks 'dream' school Michigan
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Ken Wilkins already had liked the idea of playing football at the University of Michigan. Then he really got hot on the Wolverines after a cookout at Michigan a few weeks ago.
Wilkins, a linebacker who will be a senior this fall at Trinity High School in Washington, announced at a news conference yesterday that he has made a verbal commitment to Michigan. He was recruited to play "quick end," a cross between defensive end and linebacker.
But about that cookout:
"It was a barbecue for some of their recruits, and they had it right outside the Big House [Michigan Stadium]," Wilkins said. "That was the first time I was at Michigan. I always knew they were really high on my list, but I didn't want to say anything until I visited. After I visited, I knew it was the best choice for me.
"I got there a couple hours before it started, so I got to meet with the coaches more than the other kids. That helped."
Wilkins (6 feet 3, 245 pounds) had more than 20 scholarship offers, but his final decision came down to Pitt and Michigan.
"I just felt more comfortable at Michigan," he said. "They have always been my favorite team growing up. Playing there has been kind of a dream for me."
Wilkins visited Pitt this past weekend and met with coach Dave Wannstedt and a few assistants.
"They put some pressure on me, but I had to do what was best for me in the end," Wilkins said.
He is the second WPIAL player from the class of 2010 to choose Michigan; the other is Hampton defensive end-linebacker Jordan Paskorz.
Wilkins and Paskorz are among nine WPIAL players from the class of 2010 who have already made verbal commitments to Division I colleges. Five chose Penn State. They are North Allegheny offensive lineman Tom Ricketts, Fox Chapel offensive lineman Miles Dieffenbach, Canon-McMillan linebacker Mike Hull, Sto-Rox quarterback Paul Jones and Penn-Trafford offensive lineman Luke Graham.
Pitt has one recruit from the WPIAL -- Penn Hills lineman Aaron Donald. Penn Hills linebacker Myles Davis committed to Syracuse.
First Published June 10, 2009 12:00 am
