Michigan QB climbing the charts

A fast mover up the recruiting charts in the Midwest is Michigan quarterback Mike Canfield. The 6-foot-1, 215-pounder, from Lansing (Everett) had one of the best arms at the U.S. Army All-American Combine in San Antonio this past January. We caught up with Everett coach Marcelle Carruthers to get the inside scoop on his top prospect.

“I don’t know if this going to make sense to you but Mike Canfield is a quarterback’s quarterback.” Marcelle Carruthers said.

“Mike is going to be a four-year starter for me next year which is a phenomenal feat in itself let alone doing it at the most important position on the field. That should tell you a little bit about Mike’s intelligence and athleticism.

“Mike doesn’t have any problems asking the right questions about scheme and defenses. He also has a very strong, live arm.”

As a junior, Canfield threw for 2,100 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also rushed for 500 yards and was named all-conference and all-region. We asked Coach Carruthers about Mike Canfield’s recruitment and which schools are standing out at this point.

“It’s funny, before Mike went down to San Antonio for the combine, things were slow but when he came back, it’s been non-stop.” Coach Carruthers said.

“Pretty much the entire Big Ten has been writing him as well as North Carolina, Boston College, Maryland, North Carolina State, Vanderbilt, Kentucky and a few others.

“Central Michigan offered a scholarship early but I think Illinois might be recruiting Mike the hardest right now. Reggie Mitchell, who used to be at Michigan State, is now at Illinois and he’s very familiar with Mike.”

Will Canfield’s height turn off some college recruiters?

“It all depends on what kind of quarterback you’re looking for,” Coach Carruthers explained.

“No, Mike isn’t 6-foot-5 but he’s probably got as strong an arm as any quarterback out there and he’s more mobile. He can move out of the pocket and throw the ball extremely well.

“Put Mike in the right offensive scheme and I don’t see any reason why he can’t be a success. There are plenty of successful 6-1 quarterbacks out there. You just have to learn how throw between the trees if you know what I mean.

“Mike Canfield is in my opinion one of the best quarterbacks in Michigan for sure and one of the top quarterbacks in the region. He’s a guy you want leading your team. He loves to compete. Mike’s a gym rat. He loves not only football but he loves athletics and competition.”

Scout.com spoke with Mike Canfield last week and he said that Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Notre Dame and Purdue were the schools he liked the most.

EXTRA POINT - There were 600 prospects at the U.S. Army All-American Combine in January. Mike Canfield caught my eye right away. There were several top quarterbacks present including Tim Tebow, Josh Freeman and Mike Hartline. Canfield had as good an arm as any quarterback present. I think you’ll see as we head into the Spring Evaluation Period and summer camp circuit, Canfield will become even a bigger name and he’ll be receiving more scholarship offers. I hope to have film of Mike Canfield up in the near future.