August 16, 2012
Michigan, OSU in tug of war for versatile hustle king Jae'Sean Tate
Sam Webb
Over the past 18 months, much has been made of the Michigan football program's reemergence as a recruiting force in the talent-rich state of Ohio. Meanwhile, though, the recruiting prowess demonstrated by the Michigan basketball program has been just as noteworthy.
John Beilein & Co. quietly have gone about staking their own claim in the Buckeye State, racking up commitments from two top-100 prospects in Trey Burke (Columbus Northland) and 2013 commitment Mark Donnal (Whitehouse Anthony Wayne), while also adding late-blooming 2012 signee Caris Levert (Pickerington Central). Now the Wolverines are back in the Buckeye State on the trail of another prime talent in Pickerington Central junior forward Jae'Sean Tate.
The 6-5, 210-pounder has been on the maize and blue's radar for quite some time thanks to his standout performance at the Wolverines' summer camp in 2011. During the subsequent high school season he teamed with Levert to lead Pickerington Central to its first state championship, and his stock has been on the rise ever since.
Tate's offseason explosion began in May with a breakout showing with his AAU team, All-Ohio Red at the Spiece Run-N-Slam All Star Classic in Ft. Wayne, Ind. Upon witnessing his exploits firsthand, Scout.com basketball recruiting analyst Brian Snow wrote, "The argument could be made (Tate) was the single most productive player at the event."
Numerous impressive performances followed, with arguably his best coming last month at the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League Championship in North Augusta, S.C.
"An undersized player, Tate simply dominates with athleticism, heart, and hustle," reported Snow. "No one was able to keep Tate from getting double-doubles, and he did it at an elite level as a team leader. Coaches all commented on how much they loved watching him play, and that has translated into more offers."
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