Bios for 2015 Michigan Football Signees

Brian Cole
Wide Receiver • 6-2 • 190 • Saginaw, Mich. (Heritage)

Prep ... attended Heritage High School (2015) coached by Don Maloney ... Honors and Rankings ... Rivals.com four-star prospect, the No. 4 athlete nationally, the No. 2 player in Michigan and the nation's 101st overall prospect ... 4-star prospect, the No. 9 wide receiver nationally and the top-rated wide receiver in Michigan according to Scout.com ... four-star recruit, the nation's No. 148th overall prospect, the 11th-best athlete in the country and the second-best player in Michigan according to ESPN.com ... selected to the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game ... selected to the Detroit News Blue Chip List as a senior.

Personal ... Brian Cole was born April 3, 1997.

Jim Harbaugh on Cole: "Brian enrolled early, stepped into college life and has fit right into our program. He has a great demeanor and work ethic that comes from a great family unit. I know that his parents are extremely proud of Brian, not only for the type of player that he is, but the type of respectful, high-character person that he is today. Brian has worked hard and gotten off to a great start with his academic and football responsibilities. We can't wait to get into spring football and see how Brian develops as a player. He has a bright future as a member of our team. And, we at Michigan are fortunate to call him one of our own."

Jedd Fisch on Cole: "I am really excited that Brian enrolled early and has been able to get a jump start on his college career. He is working hard and doing a great job with his academics early on. All of the reports from the weight room have been great. I'm really excited to see him get onto the field this spring and compete for one of our slot receiver spots. He has great speed, great quickness and is really going to make an impact."

Alex Malzone
Quarterback • 6-2 • 205 • Bloomfield Hills, Mich. (Brother Rice)

Prep ... attended Brother Rice (2015) coached by David Sofran ... helped lead team to Catholic League Championship ... Key Statistics ... appeared in 39 games, completing 428-of-641 passes for 6,254 yards and 69 touchdowns ... also amassed 203 rushing yards and six touchdowns ... assumed punting duties senior year, averaging 35.5 yards per punt ... Honors and Rankings ... Rivals.com four-star prospect, the No. 11 quarterback and the No. 3 player in state of Michigan ... 4-star prospect, the No. 14 quarterback in the nation and the No. 1 quarterback in Michigan according to Scout.com ... four-star recruit, No. 16 quarterback prospect and fourth-rated prospect in Michigan according to ESPN.com ... selected to the Detroit News Blue Chip List as a senior ... earned a spot on the Detroit Free Press High School Dream Team as a senior.

Personal ... Alex Malzone was born October 10, 1996.

Jim Harbaugh on Malzone: "Alex is a great young man who is dedicated to being a leader. He is a winner that elevates those around him, evidenced by the three state championships at Brother Rice. You can see from his high school film that Alex loves competition and that his passion and enthusiasm brings out the best in his teammates. He has been a competitor his whole life, growing up playing basketball along with football. His parents told me that when he was in seventh grade, he led the eighth grade basketball team to the CYO championship. They are proud that he has embraced the privilege of being a role model, and I agree couldn't agree more. Alex has a great attitude and has done everything that has been expected both academically and within our program since arriving on campus. We are really excited to get to work with Alex and see him develop his game. And, we at Michigan are fortunate to call him one of our own."

Jedd Fisch on Malzone: "Alex has jumped into the fold right away and done a great job getting acclimated to school and football. He is a winner. Alex has won 32 games in high school, and I think he only lost one game as a starter. He is constantly seeking the ability to learn and get better whether it's in the weight room or school. Alex has a huge future."

Andrew David
Kicker • 5-9 • 170 • Massillon, Ohio (Washington High School)

Prep ... attended Washington High School (2015) coached by Jason Hall ... served as kicker, kickoff specialist and punter ... Key Statistics ... notched school-record 58-yard field goal ... also posted 49- and 48-yard field goals during senior campaign ... averaged nearly 40 yards per punt ... Honors and Rankings ... Rivals.com two-star prospect ... three-star prospect according to Scout.com ... three-star recruit, No. 10 kicker prospect and No. 45 player in Ohio according to ESPN.com.

Personal ... Andrew David was born May 9, 1996.

Jim Harbaugh on David: "Andrew's work ethic and drive is what makes him a special young man. He is a great competitor, a tremendous teammate and someone who has incredible passion for everything he is involved with. As his parents told me, Andrew has always overcome obstacles in his life simply 'by outworking everyone and everything in his way.' As it became clear when meeting with Andrew, he is truly a people person who really enjoys building relationships with those he is fortunate to come across. Andrew is a natural leader who takes pride in seeing his teammates succeed in all aspects of life, on and off the field. He is an extremely confident young man but a very humble one first and foremost, which endears him to many of his teammates and classmates as well. He also happens to be a great athlete who was blessed with a tremendous ability to kick a football. Andrew finished his career at Massillon High School as the all-time career leader in kicking and punting. He also holds the county record with a 58-yard field goal this season. He was selected as a Preseason All American Kicker, was named first-team All-Ohio and is the only player ever, at any position, to earn all-county first-team honors all four years of high school. Andrew was also a great high school baseball player and is ranked as one of the country's top players at his position, shortstop. On top of that, Andrew is up for his school's Outstanding Senior Boy award, which is awarded to someone who excels academically and conducts himself the right way in his community. And, we at Michigan are fortunate to call him one of our own."

John Baxter on David: "I was really impressed with Coach Mattison's evaluation of him and the recruiting process that went on to secure him. We are really excited about the future with Andrew. He is technically very sound, beyond what you normally see from a player his age. The fact that he kicked a 58-yard field goal in a game in Massillon, Ohio, which is non-altitude, is impressive, because there are thousands of players who have played at the college level that don't have that type of range. We look forward to the future with Andrew and what he brings to the table."

Zach Gentry
Quarterback • 6-7 • 230 • Albuquerque, N.M. (Eldorado High School)

Prep ... attended Eldorado High School (2015) coached by Charlie Dotson .. three-year starter at quarterback ... helped team to two state semifinal appearances ... Key Statistics ... completed 316-of-582 career passes for 3,734 yards and 27 touchdowns ... also rushed the ball 242 times for 1,013 yards and 26 touchdowns ... Honors and Rankings ... Rivals.com four-star prospect and the No. 4 quarterback prospect ... four-star prospect, the No. 19 quarterback and the No. 1 quarterback in New Mexico according to Scout.com ... four-star recruit, the No. 9 quarterback nationally and the top-rated player in New Mexico according to ESPN.com ... named first-team all-state his senior season and named second-team all-state his junior year.

Personal ... Zach Gentry was born September 10, 1996.

Jim Harbaugh on Gentry: "Zach is a leader by example, who has dedicated himself to his goals. In addition to his gift of size and athleticism, Zach has always worked hard during the off-season throwing and working on footwork, weights and nutrition. I know his family is very proud of the hard work and effort that Zach has put in to be in the position that he is today. Just a few years ago he would spend his Saturday's watching every college football game while wearing his youth football uniform. That shows his love for the game. His family told me, 'as a parent it is a special feeling knowing that his childhood dream of being a part of a major college program will come true. We never had to force this on Zach. Aside from athletics, we can say that we never worried about Zach doing the wrong thing or making bad decisions. We are very fortunate to have a teenager that we can completely trust. I wish we could take credit for this, but he has made things easy for us.' And, we at Michigan are fortunate to call him one of our own."

Jedd Fisch on Gentry: "Zach is a big guy, 6-7 and 230 pounds, and is an outstanding runner. He is going to continue to develop as a passer. We think that Zach is going to make a huge impact for us at the quarterback position. He will come in from New Mexico and have the opportunity to learn from Coach Harbaugh and the staff that we have assembled. I think it will be a great opportunity for him."

Karan Higdon
Running Back • 5-10 • 190 • Sarasota, Fla. (Riverview High School)

Prep ... attended Riverview High School (2015) coached by Todd Johnson ... Key Statistics ... amassed 1,471 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on 218 carries during high school career ... hauled in 18 receptions for 237 yards and six touchdowns as a senior ... Honors and Rankings ... Rivals.com three-star prospect, the No. 45 running back and the No. 77 player from the state of Florida ... three-star prospect and the No. 84 running back prospect by Scout.com ... three-star recruit and the No. 70 running back prospect according to ESPN.com.

Personal ... Karan Higdon was born September 8, 1996.

Jim Harbaugh on Higdon: "Karan is an outstanding young man who has displayed exemplary leadership. He is a leader both on and off the field, and that is the type of character we recruit at Michigan. He is extremely intelligent and has always been academically focused. His mom, Samantha, told me that she is most proud of the way he acts as a role model for his three younger siblings, and that he has always been humble and caring. Karan is a young man who never backs down from a challenge. His attitude is tremendous -- Karan is dedicated and hardworking. That positive example rubs off on others around him, and that is a true talent and gift. We are ecstatic to bring him to Ann Arbor and see him grow. And, we at Michigan are fortunate to call him one of our own."

Tim Drevno on Higdon: "Karan is a power back, a physical runner -- he's got great instinct and football awareness with real good vision. He does a great job of lowering his pads especially when he's entering the goal line area. He is a real smart young man who had a 4.0 in high school."

Shelton Johnson
Defensive End • 6-5 • 225 • Delray Beach, Fla. (Atlantic Community High School)

Prep ... attended Atlantic Community High School (2015) coached by T.J. Jackson ... Key Statistics ... ran 40 yard dash in 5.26 seconds ... Honors and Rankings ... Rivals.com three-star prospect and the No. 37 defensive end prospect ... four-star prospect, the No. 27 defensive end in the nation and the fourth-rated defensive end in Florida according to Scout.com ... three-star recruit, the No. 36 defensive end prospect and No. 75 player in Florida according to ESPN.com.

Personal ... Shelton Johnson was born February 17, 1997.

Greg Mattison on Johnson: "Shelton has all the physical characteristics necessary to be successful at the defensive end position. He has very high character and is an excellent football player. He will fit in perfectly in our scheme."

Reuben Jones
Defensive End • 6-4 • 225 • Lakeland, Fla. (Lake Gibson High School)

Prep ... attended Lake Gibson High School (2015) coached by Keith DeMeyer ... helped lead team to state championship his sophomore season ... Key Statistics ... appeared in 40 career games, notching 212 total tackles, 27.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries ... posted 71 tackles and 10 sacks during senior campaign ... ran 40-yard dash in 4.89 seconds ... Honors and Rankings ... Rivals.com three-star prospect, the No. 27 defensive end and the No. 69 player in Florida ... three-star prospect, the No. 145 defensive end in the nation and the No. 18 defensive end prospect in Florida according to Scout.com ... three-star recruit, the No. 58 defensive end prospect and No. 106 player in Florida according to ESPN.com.

Personal ... Reuben Jones was born February 10, 1996.

Jim Harbaugh on Jones: "Reuben is a strong leader who looks at every situation in a positive light. His parents told me they are most proud of his ability to persevere through tough times and his ability to spread joy to others and brighten a person's day. He is a motivation to his friends and family and a great mentor to those in his community. Reuben has a great personality, which was clear when we visited with him. As his family told me, 'He understands that life is what you make of it.' Reuben is a young man who encourages others around him to strive for excellence. His family told me he has 'a heart of gold,' and I know they are proud of him for listening to the values they instilled in him throughout the years. Reuben is very close to his family, and I know they are excited to share another great life experience with their son. And, we at Michigan are fortunate to call him one of our own."

Greg Mattison on Jones: "Reuben Jones is an outstanding young man, and we are excited for him to join our program. He has everything we are looking for at his position -- the ability to run, play physical and rush the passer. I know he will be a great addition to our defensive unit."

Tyree Kinnel
Defensive Back • 5-11 • 200 • Huber Heights, Ohio (Wayne High School)

Prep ... attended Wayne High School (2015) coached by Jay Minton ... Honors and Rankings ... Rivals.com four-star prospect, the No. 15 safety and the No. 10 prospect in Ohio ... 4-star prospect, the No. 10 safety nationally and the No. 1 safety in Ohio according to Scout.com ... four-star recruit, the nation's No. 196th overall prospect, No. 12 safety prospect and the seventh-best player in Ohio according to ESPN.com.

Personal ... Tyree Kinnel was born January 31, 1997.

Jim Harbaugh on Kinnel: "Tyree's family grew up Michigan fans and his father, Chris, actually placed a Michigan football in his son's hands the day he was born. As his parents told me, 'Our son is one of the best kids a parent could wish for on the field as well as off the field.' When you look up unselfish in the dictionary you will definitely see Tyree's name under it. On his senior night, he let one of his teammates that played his position start in his place without thinking twice about it. That's just the kind of kid that he is. Tyree has always been focused on school and on the field since he was a young kid, and all his hard work has paid off. He is a tremendous leader and sets a wonderful example for all kids to look up to, young and old. He is just an all-around great kid that has always made the right choices no matter what the circumstances. After going to practically all the spring games as a kid to watch Michigan play, now it is Tyree's turn to be the role model that some of the players have been to him. Today is such a special day for the Kinnel family to see Tyree's lifelong dream that he has worked so hard for come true to be a Michigan Wolverine. And, we at Michigan are fortunate to call him one of our own."

Grant Newsome
Offensive Lineman • 6-7 • 280 • Trenton, N.J. (The Lawrenceville School)

Prep ... attended The Lawrenceville School (2015) coached by Danny O'Dea ... Key Statistics ... on defense, tallied 25 tackles, four quarterback hurries, two TFLs and one sack ... Honors and Rankings ... Rivals.com four-star prospect, the No. 12 offensive tackle and the No. 6 New Jersey prospect ... 4-star prospect, the No. 32 offensive tackle nationally and the No. 1 offensive tackle in New Jersey according to Scout.com ... four-star recruit, the nation's No. 253rd overall prospect, No. 27 offensive tackle prospect and No. 9 Virginia prospect according to ESPN.com.

Personal ... Grant Newsome was born March 2, 1997.

Jim Harbaugh on Newsome: "Grant is smart, hard-working and incredibly independent. It is clear to me that he is mature beyond his years. Grant worked exceptionally hard under Coach O'Dea's tutelage at The Lawrenceville School to get to where he is right now. He is a fantastic role model for his younger brother, and he is the kind of man that will make contributions in his community no matter where life takes him. His mother told me he had his best year academically at Lawrenceville High School last year with straight A's during the height of the recruiting process. On top of that, since he was at a boarding school, he dealt with most of the recruiting process on his own, with great guidance from Coach O'Dea. As his mother told me, 'I like to think we had something to do with imparting upon him the skills to navigate all of that so successfully, but much of it is in his DNA. From the time he was a toddler he has always been quite comfortable with adults and has been well spoken. We feel exceptionally proud to have him as our son.' And, we at Michigan are fortunate to call him one of our own."

Tim Drevno on Newsome: "Grant is a prototypical left tackle, he's got the length and the measurables that you look for. He is a really intelligent kid and excelled at boarding school in Lawrenceville. He fits in really well here. He looks the part when he walks into a room -- he's 6-7 -- and I'm excited to work with him, he's clay that can be molded and taken to the next level."

Grant Perry
Wide Receiver • 6-0 • 185 • Bloomfield Hills, Mich. (Brother Rice)

Prep ... attended Brother Rice (2015) coached by David Sofran ... Key Statistics ... appeared in 12 games as a senior, hauling in 105 receptions for 1,727 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns ... the 105 receptions were state and school records ... 1,727 yards were a school record and tied for second most in MHSAA history ... also added 427 kickoff and punt return yards ... Honors and Rankings ... Rivals.com three-star prospect, the No. 80 wide receiver nationally and the No. 12 Michigan prospect ... three-star prospect, the No. 59 wide receiver prospect and the No. 2 wide receiver in the state of Michigan by Scout.com ... three-star recruit and the No. 128 wide receiver nationally and the No. 9 prospect in the state of Michigan according to ESPN.com ... selected to the Detroit News Blue Chip List as a senior ... earned a spot on the Detroit Free Press High School Dream Team as a senior.

Personal ... Grant Perry was born February 8, 1997.

Jim Harbaugh on Perry: "After speaking with Grant's family, I can tell you they are very proud of the young man their son has developed into. As his father told me, 'Grant never let his talents overshadow him as a person. He never bragged about how good he was but rather how good his team was. He was and continues to be a kind person to others. If you met him and didn't know who he was, you would never guess he was the guy you read about as an athlete.' Grant's dad told me he used to take his son to Michigan games, and Grant would say, with a big grin on his face, 'I'm going to play for Michigan!' Growing up, Grant collected Michigan football and basketball player autographs. He ate, drank and slept Michigan. Grant's dad used to take Grant to practice with him when he coached high school football. He said, 'Grant ended up with a helmet on running routes and catching passes in the wide receiver drills. We couldn't believe he could run the routes or catch as well as he did at seven. Then he asked if he could play flag football, I said yes, and my wife said is he old enough? I don't want him to get hurt. Grant played, and his team went undefeated and won the championship. From there, he won championships in football, basketball and baseball. The kid didn't know how to lose, and we couldn't believe it.' The joy Grant's family gets from watching their son play is, as his dad put it, 'indescribable.' Grant won three state championships at Brother Rice and holds 13 state records. His work ethic and character are top-notch, and our staff can't wait to work with him. And, we at Michigan are fortunate to call him one of our own."

Jedd Fisch on Grant Perry: "Grant is a very, very consistent football player who makes plays over and over. He had over 100 catches in his senior year. He is a winner and teamed with Alex Malzone, and you can see the chemistry, competition and winning that they achieved. Grant is a high character individual, and we are excited to have him join us."

Jon Runyan Jr.
Offensive Lineman • 6-4 • 275 • Philadelphia, Pa. (St. Joseph's Prep School)

Prep ... attended St. Joseph's Prep School (2015) coached by Gabe Infante ... helped team to two-straight PIAA Class AAAA state champions ... Key Statistics ... anchored an offensive line that helped average 201.5 rushing yards per game ... ran 40-yard dash in 5.26 seconds ... Honors and Rankings ... Rivals.com three-star prospect, the No. 45 offensive lineman nationally and the No. 15 player in the state of Pennsylvania ... three-star prospect, the nation's No. 39 offensive guard and the No. 2 offensive guard in Pennsylvania according to Scout.com ... three-star recruit, the No. 96 offensive tackle prospect and No. 21 player in Pennsylvania according to ESPN.com ... first-team all-state selection.

Personal ... Jon Runyan Jr. was born August 8, 1997 ... son of former Michigan offensive lineman and NFL Pro Bowler Jon Runyan.

Jim Harbaugh on Runyan: "Jon Runyan Jr. is a very focused and respectful young man who is humble in nature. His dad, Jon, is a former Michigan and All-Big Ten offensive lineman. Jon Sr., and his wife, Loretta, are very proud of him and the decisions he has made on and off the field. His parents told me that when he was in fifth grade, he made a goal to attend the prestigious St. Joseph's Prep in Philadelphia because he wanted to get a great education and set himself up to play college football. He set his mind to his goal before he was a teenager, and today he is achieving it. Jon worked hard on his studies to get into St. Joseph's, and that work ethic carried through high school into today. He achieved high academic success at St. Joseph's, and we look forward to him making an impact on the field and in the classroom here at Michigan. And, we at Michigan are fortunate to call him one of our own."

Tim Drevno on Runyan: "Just with his dad, he's got the DNA -- but you turn on the film, and Jon plays with great leverage and physicality. He gets his hips down when he drive blocks and pass blocks -- he has great football awareness and instincts. He has everything you look for and has a great body that he'll be able to put mass on."

Nolan Ulizio
Offensive Lineman • 6-5 • 293 • West Chester, Ohio (Lakota West High School)

Prep ... attended Lakota West High School (2015) coached by Larry Cox ... helped team earn a berth in the state quarterfinals as a senior ... Key Statistics ... anchored an offensive line that helped average 150.0 rushing yards per game ... Honors and Rankings ... ESPN.com three-star prospect, the No. 68 offensive lineman and the No. 25 player in the state of Ohio ... three-star prospect, the No. 42 offensive lineman in the nation and the No. 3 offensive tackle in Ohio according to Scout.com ... named a Fall Prep All-Star and second-team All-District by the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Personal ... Nolan Ulizio was born April 6, 1997.

Jim Harbaugh on Ulizio: "Nolan is a young man that proves hard work, dedication and perseverance pay off. He grew a lot as a person, student and football player during his high school years. He grew physically, too -- four inches by his senior year. Nolan loves the grind and the physicality of the sport of football, and he loves his teammates. He has worked hard in the classroom and in the weight room at Lakota West, and I know he is excited to play at the University of Michigan. And, we at Michigan are fortunate to call him one of our own."

Tim Drevno on Ulizio: "Nolan is a young man with an interesting high school career; he's a late bloomer, and you can see that he's an ascending football player. He plays every down like it's his last with unbelievable physicality. He has a mindset -- you just watch him play, he loves to play the game. He has good football awareness, he's instinctive with good hand placement -- it's a great skillset to play on the offensive line."

Keith Washington
Defensive Back • 6-2 • 175 • Prattville, Ala. (Prattville High School)

Prep ... attended Prattville High School (2015) coached by Chad Anderson ... Key Statistics ... was a dual-threat quarterback in high school ... completed 93-of-162 passes for 1,718 yards and 17 touchdowns ... rushed the ball 152 times for 1,201 yards and scored 20 touchdowns ... Honors and Rankings ... Rivals.com three-star prospect, the No. 26 athlete nationally and the No. 16 Alabama prospect ... three-star prospect, the fourth-best cornerback in the state of Alabama and the 62nd best cornerback in the South region by Scout.com ... three-star recruit and the No. 32 overall prospect in Alabama according to ESPN.com.

Personal ... Keith Washington was born December 20, 1996.

Jim Harbaugh on Washington: "Keith is a humble kid, but he is a winner. He was born in Louisiana, was raised most of his life in Texas, but comes to us from Prattville, Alabama. When he first went to Prattville High School he told Coach Anderson that he was going to help lead that team to the state championships game and did just that. Keith is also a strong academic student, who is as concerned about his off-the-field success in life, just as much as he is with his on-the-field success. He has a very strong family support system from both of his parents as well as his grandparents and his aunts and uncles. His family told me, 'the color blue has always been his favorite, and he has had a football in his hand since he was six-months old.' Keith has never been afraid of hard work and truly loves the game of football. He is a young man that has never been afraid to work, and we look forward to having him join the Michigan family. And, we at Michigan are fortunate to call him one of our own."

Michael Zordich on Washington: "Keith has a great feel for the game. He has really good speed and a great change of direction, which means he has fluid hips and good feet. The thing I like the best about him is his length. He has really long arms, and he is the kind of guy we are looking for to get up in somebody's face and go play ball. He is the perfect fit for what the Michigan defense is all about. Keith also played quarterback, where he showed tremendous leadership, and he was probably the best athlete on his high school team."

Tyrone Wheatley Jr.
Tight End • 6-6 • 260 • Buffalo, N.Y. (Canisius High School)

Prep ... attended Canisius High School (2015) coached by Rich Robbins ... Key Statistics ... hauled in 27 passes for 372 yards and four touchdowns ... Honors and Rankings... Rivals.com four-star prospect, the No. 13 tight end nationally and No. 1 prospect in New York ... four-star prospect, the 25th-ranked defensive end nationally and No. 1 overall prospect in New York according to Scout.com ... No. 1 overall prospect in New York and No. 12 tight end prospect in the nation according to ESPN.com ... earned all-area recognition.

Personal ... Tyrone Wheatley Jr. was born February 4, 1997.

Jim Harbaugh on Wheatley: "Tyrone is an exemplary young man who has demonstrated his outstanding work ethic time and time again. He shares the name of an outstanding football player, but Tyrone Jr. is charting his own path as a student-athlete. He is a big, physical player who will help our offense in a number of ways. Tyrone is a leader and carries himself with a quiet confidence. He burns with a tremendous competitive edge, and that will fit in exceptionally well here at Michigan on the field and in his studies. We believe he will experience incredible growth here in Ann Arbor, and we at Michigan are fortunate to call him one of our own."

Jay Harbaugh on Wheatley: "T.J. is a big, strong, powerful guy who has rare movement abilities for a guy of his stature and strength. His ability gives him a chance to impact us early on as a dominant blocker. He is a guy who linebackers will have a very hard time covering."