Michigan lands 'good catch' in Schofield

Sandburg's Michael Schofield is headed to Michigan.
(Stacia Timonere/For the Sun-Times)

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Playing football in the Big Ten has always been a dream for Sandburg offensive tackle Michael Schofield.

After Monday, that dream is almost a reality.

Schofield – one of the most sought-after linemen in the country – gave an oral commitment to Michigan on Monday. He chose the Wolverines over offers from more than 15 colleges, including Illinois, Iowa, Penn State, Notre Dame, Miami (Fla.) and Boston College.

“He’s the first good catch for Michigan out of Chicago in some time,” recruiting analyst Tom Lemming said. “In one or two years, he can really develop into an All-American. He has a lot of potential.”

Schofield settled on Michigan after a recruiting process that included constant communication, a half-hour meeting with new head coach Rich Rodriguez and two visits to Ann Arbor, the second on June 10.

“I’ve been to Michigan twice and both times I loved it,” Schofield said. “I talked to all the coaches there and I liked them all … I like everything about Michigan. I like the campus and the whole environment.”

Already listed at 6-7, 275 pounds, Schofield has the potential to be the “perfect size for the left tackle position,” according to Lemming.

Still, it wasn’t his makeup that caught the attention of recruiters, rather it was his feet.

“When you watch him on film, he can really move,” Lemming said. “He can slide and mirror.”

In his first two years at Sandburg, Schofield ran the 110 high hurdles for the Eagles’ track team, winning a conference title his freshman year and finishing second his sophomore season. He also moved up to the varsity team for the state tournament during his sophomore year, finishing sixth in sectionals.

“[College recruiters] like hearing he ran track his freshman and sophomore years,” said Sandburg football coach Dave Wierzal, who also coaches Schofield in track. “After his sophomore year, he continued to fill out and grew taller. He turned out to be really something to get excited about.”

With Rodriguez planning to install a spread offense at Michigan, having an athletic offensive lineman like Schofield is critical.

“[Michigan is] going to be in a spread offense and they are going to need offensive tackles that can move a little,” said Schofield, who now throws the discus and the shot put for the Eagles. “They said I’m a really good fit for them. They really liked my athleticism.”

Because of that athleticism, Wierzal plans to use Schofield more on defense this upcoming season. As a junior, Schofield substituted in at defensive end, recording several tackles and blocking an extra point.

“It will be interesting to see how other teams deal with him,” Wierzal said. “He’s really an easy kid to like and to get excited about. ... Michigan got a good catch.”

Schofield said he couldn’t be happier with his decision.

“Ever since I was little kid, I always wanted to play Big Ten football. That was always my dream,” Schofield said. “It feels really good. Michigan is the perfect fit of football and academics.”

ajahns@chicagosuntimes.com