Michigan Football Looking To Add Significant Piece To 2024 Class
A big-time Michigan target is set to announce his college decision tomorrow. Gatlin Bair, a four-star wideout from the state of Idaho, is considered the No. 1 wide receiver from his home state and the No. 9 overall wideout nationally - and he's certainly high on Michigan's wish-list.
Earlier this month, Bair announced that he would be announcing his college destination on August 5 at 7:00 pm ET. The speedster will decide between Boise State, TCU, Oregon, Nebraska and Michigan.
Bair has gained a considerable amount of attention this year, not just for his football skills, but for his blazing speed on the track. The 6-2, 180-pound speedster came to Ann Arbor back in June for his official visit, and by all accounts it was a very fruitful visit for both sides. Recounting his experience at Michigan, Bair had nothing but good things to say.
"The environment, the facilities, and everything else did meet my expectations, and then the people surpassed my expectations," Bair said. "I was really impressed with a lot of stuff." Jim Harbaugh is the best original coach in college football. He doesn’t hide or fake anything, he’s just him. And all the other coaches are just like that, very real people."
Bair is an interesting prospect, given that he's part of the 2024 class but he won't be on his perspective campus until 2026. Following high school, the top-rated prospect will spend the next two years on an LDS mission. He recently opened up about this decision to go on the mission, how some schools have used NIL as a way to help pay for it, and how much the mission itself means to him personally.
"Yeah, I mean, there’s all these opportunities but I really don’t think I want to take part in any of those — especially for the mission. I just think it’s something that is very personal and I don’t necessarily want to be helped through it. It’s something that is kind of a burden for your family, and I think it’s meant to be that way. It’s a sacrifice, it really is. You’re sacrificing yourself, your time and your possessions to serve the Lord. I really don’t think I’ll be taking part in any of those deals. Obviously, it’s a great gesture. I just think there’s a form of sacrifice that comes with doing that."
Although there will be a delay in terms of being able to utilize his talents on the football field at the collegiate level, Bair is certainly worth the wait. The combination of size and elite speed would create a matchup nightmare for any opposing defense, and adding another high character piece to your locker room is always a good idea.
