Michigan landed its second member of its 2017 class on Tuesday as four-star PG Eli Brooks committed to the Wolverines over Ohio State and Villanova (his childhood favorite and dream school). According to Scout.com’s Sam Webb, Brooks, the No. 112 recruit to 247sports, had a better feeling in Ann Arbor and with John Beilein.
Nova was Brooks' dream school. “He just felt a better feeling about Michigan. He really loved @JohnBeilein.” – @JSWarriors coach Tony Sagona
— Sam Webb (@SamWebb77) July 20, 2016
New assistant coach Billy Donlan played a big part in Brooks’ recruitment:
. @CoachDonlon was point man for Eli Brooks. Beat boyhood fav (Nova) & arch rival (OSU). Wright State said he was incapable of such a feat
— Sam Webb (@SamWebb77) July 20, 2016
Brooks was scheduled to visit Ohio State about two months ago. Billy Donlon, the lead recruiter, asked him to swing by Michigan.
— Brendan Quinn (@BFQuinn) July 20, 2016
Eli Brooks on Billy Donlon's recruitment: "A lot of assistant coaches don't show their personality, but he definitely did & I enjoyed that."
— Brendan Quinn (@BFQuinn) July 20, 2016
Brooks also noted that Donlon wasn't a coach who texted/called every day. "He gave me a lot of space, but I could tell that he cared."
— Brendan Quinn (@BFQuinn) July 20, 2016
Eli Brooks on coming in behind Xavier Simpson in the Michigan PG pecking order.
(Spoken like a coach's son.) pic.twitter.com/aNfqVfkOCj— Brendan F. Quinn (@BFQuinn) July 20, 2016
[photo Chris Knight/For GameTimePA.com]