mlive
There was no adjustment period needed for American Fork (Utah) three-star tight end Christian Hanshaw when Kyle Whittingham was hired as Michigans head coach and assembled an almost entirely new staff.
Most of Whittinghams assistants followed him from Utah or came from Brigham Young two schools that were already recruiting Hanshaw in the 2027 class.
When Hanshaw announced his commitment on June 20, choosing Michigan was an easy decision.
The 6-foot-5, 230-pounder cited the relationships he had built with Whittinghams staff and the opportunities available at the university.
Sometimes, its hard to see through all the fluff, Hanshaw told MLive about his recruiting process.
People tell you things that really arent true or things that you want to hear.
I just felt like I was past that point with Michigan.
When I took a step back and just looked at all the advantages that they provided as far as the alumni, the schooling opportunities itself and the power of the program, I just thought, Heck, why would I ever choose something else? The Hanshaw familys connections to Michigans coaching staff run deep.
New tight ends coach Freddie Whittingham served as Hanshaws primary recruiter and played with his father at BYU.
Meanwhile, Michigan receivers coach Micah Simon played with Hanshaws brother, Bentley, with the Cougars.
Hanshaw also took official visits to BYU, Utah and UCLA this spring, but his trip to Ann Arbor during Victors Weekend (June 19-21) confirmed Michigan was the right fit.
He is especially ecstatic to play for Freddie Whittingham, whom he has known since childhood.
After committing, Hanshaw texted Freddie Whittingham a photo of an old newspaper clipping his father had saved from Whittinghams playing days at BYU, highlighting one of his standout performances as a running back.
There are some coaches that Im sure theyre different after theyre done recruiting you, Hanshaw said.
With Coach Fred, he can get fiery but hes real with you.
He teaches the fundamentals well.
He is the kind of guy who I feel I could have great days with and have bad days with as far as have the conversation of, Hey, Christian, theres something that you need to be better at, and thats how youre going to see the field more.
I feel like I can have those conversations with him better than other guys, because at the end of the day, as much as you want to like your tight ends coach, you also want to get better.
You need someone who can shoot you straight as far as what youre not doing correctly so you can further prepare yourself for Saturdays and hopefully Sundays.
Hanshaw, ranked as the No.
520 overall prospect and No.
28 tight end nationally in the 247Sports composite, had visited Michigan once during Sherrone Moores two-year tenure as head coach but wasnt a priority target at the time.
He said his recruitment accelerated after a breakout junior season where he caught 27 passes for 356 yards while also serving as a valuable in-line blocker.
Many high school tight ends spend most of their time split out as receivers before learning to block in college.
Part of the reason Hanshaw went to American Fork is because of the programs track record developing complete tight ends.
He said a handful are currently playing in college, and another, Carsen Ryan, was just selected by the Browns in the seventh round.
I think my tape, I block really well, Hanshaw said.
Thats something that not a lot of high school kids do, and thats promising because Im a willing blocker.
When youre recruiting a massive receiver, which is what most tight ends are these days, its kind of a guessing game whether or not theyre going to be a willing blocker or be good at it or want to do it.
Thats something that I kind of checked the box already, and I think I showed a lot of promise in the receiving game also.
(Highlights embedded with permission from Hudl) Although Hanshaw is part of Michigans 2027 recruiting class, he wont enroll until 2029.
He plans to graduate high school in January before serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
BYU and Utah have traditionally been popular destinations for members of the church, but Hanshaw believes Michigan could become one as well because several members of Whittinghams staff share that faith.
Last week, the Wolverines secured a commitment from linebacker Weston Port, a class of 2025 recruit who will finish his two-year mission in Spain in December before enrolling in January.
It is nice maybe to have some coaches who understand that part of your commitment and how you live, Hanshaw said.
In the meantime, he is gearing up for his senior season and is expected to play a larger role in the pass game.
He said he has added 10 pounds of muscle since the start of last season.
I would like to have a 1,000-yard season, he said.
I think Ive improved so much physically and mentally from last year, and I like how I ended the season.
Id like to be a very well-established blocker, being mean and nasty and have it show on my tape.
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