Michigan Wolverines still have a lot of work for the 2027 recruiting class, ranking No.17 with only seven recruits. However, Kyle Whittingham and the Wolverines are already making a push for the 2028 recruit. The three-star from Pickerington, Ohio, is Michigan legend Marcus Ray’s son, who broke his silence about his father’s alma mater. 

The 5-foot-10 and 165-pound athlete, Marquis Ray, already holds a couple of offers. But among them, he sees good opportunities in Ann Arbor. 

“The visit was great,” Marquis told Maize n Brew after taking a trip to the Wolverines spring camp. “I definitely felt welcomed and they treated me like family. I think the experience was great and I will definitely be back for games and maybe even camp.”

Marquis’ father was a national champion and All-American in 1997, but that family connection is not the driving force behind his interest in Michigan. Rated as an athlete by recruiting services, Marquis believes his future is on defense in a variety of positions.

“I think I can fit on the team as a field-side safety and a nickel back and help a lot in the pass game,” Marquis said. “The Michigan safeties are well coached, athletic and disciplined. They also have some size.”

Other than the Wolverines, Marquis already holds offers from the Kentucky Wildcats and the Pittsburgh Panthers, among others. According to On3’s predictions, Kentucky holds the highest chance, 45.3%, to land the Michigan alum’s son.

Michigan also hosted another legend,  two-time All-American and Heisman trophy winner Charles Woodson’s son, Charles Woodson Jr., this spring. 

Meanwhile, for Marquis, they have a strong reason to pursue him after he stood out among the best safeties in high school.

Marquis Ray’s Strong Freshman Season Turned Heads Nationwide

Rivals lists Marquis as the No. 25 overall athlete in the country and the No. 18 prospect in Ohio. The son of a former Eastmoor standout quickly turned heads during his freshman season at Westerville North High School. 

He posted 144 receiving yards with two touchdowns offensively and recorded 12 tackles in the secondary. 247Sports reports that he already has 16 scholarship offers.

Even then, he feels that under the new head coach, Whittingham, he will reach great heights. 

“Whittingham’s coaching style fits my attitude, and I could see myself in his program, being developed on-and-off the field,” he said. “I just work, get stuff done and don’t complain.”

His father, Marcus, is rooting for Michigan as well. In June last year, Marquis took part in a camp in Ann Arbor and earned the Defensive Back MVP. Celebrating the success, he tweeted on X. 

“👀.. stay tuned.. Keep working son. Stay humble & hungry,” wrote Marcus, resharing the tweet. 

Big Ten programs like the Ohio State Buckeyes have already landed commitments from two 2028 recruits. Will Marquis be Michigan's first 2028 commitment? Share your thoughts. 

Read more at Michigan Football Community.

Written by

Soheli Tarafdar

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar