Two Harrison Hawks Eager To Become Wolverines

senior tight end Devin Funchess and senior defensive lineman Mario Ojemudia are making their final playoff run, but the two will remain teammates in years to come, as both have verbally committed to the University of Michigan football program.

Both Funchess and Ojemudia are rated as three-star recruits by Rivals and are a part of a class that Rivals has ranked as the second-best in the nation.

Funchess was the first of the two to commit to the Wolverines, on April 22. He said that his biggest reason for choosing Michigan was the atmosphere created by the first-year coaching staff, led by head coach Brady Hoke.

“I really liked the new coaching staff and how they made everyone feel welcome when we were there visiting,” Funchess said. “The way they interacted with the players was very calm and cool. Nothing was too serious; it was very relaxing.”

Funchess also said that he likes the direction of Michigan’s offense under Hoke and offensive coordinator Al Borges.

“I like how they are passing the ball a bit more,” Funchess said. “They’re letting Denard (Robinson) get loose with his running and athletic ability too. I just like how they’re flowing right now.”

Ojemudia made his commitment to Michigan just weeks after Funchess did, declaring his intentions on May 7. He said that while it was his own decision, Funchess did play a role in getting him to consider the Wolverines.

“It’s not so much what Devin said to get me there, but he’s the reason I went up there to give it a shot in the first place,” Ojemudia said. “I just liked it a lot when I was up there.”

Ojemudia said that right now, he weighs about 220 pounds, but would like to be at 230 pounds by the time he enrolls at Michigan and eventually get up to 260 pounds over his college career. Still, the Wolverines’ starting defensive line for their game against Purdue on Oct. 29 averaged 289 pounds. While some say Ojemudia’s speed negates his relative size disadvantage, recruiting analysts have speculated that he may change positions while at Michigan, perhaps moving to linebacker.

“I’ll play whatever they want me to,” Ojemudia said.

Right now, the two future Wolverines are focused on capturing their second straight state championship and extending the Hawks’ 24-game winning streak. With a win over Birmingham Seaholm Friday, Harrison is preparing to host Birmingham Brother Rice on Saturday at 7 p.m.