Antonio Bass
- Michigan Football
The Vitals
Year: True Freshman
Position: Wide Receiver
Hometown: Jackson
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 191 lbs
Forty Time: 4.44 seconds
The Lowdown:
Bass was a multi-talented quarterback at Jackson High School. During his career, he rushed the ball 276 times, gaining 2,177 yards with 30 touchdowns. He also passed for 999 yards and 14 scores. During his recruitment, the versatile athlete was told he could play anything from quarterback to safety. But after seeing what Michigan had to offer he chose the Maize and Blue and switched to wide receiver.
What he’s done:
Bass is still adjusting to his new position, but he is already paying dividends for the Wolverines. Against Michigan State, Bass lined up at quarterback on Michigan’s opening drive on a third-and-five. He took the high shotgun snap and carried the ball nine yards, getting the first down.
What they’re saying:
“He’s really that guy (a playmaker). He has great feet and quickness. He’s got to learn the same thing I did since we played quarterback in high school. He’s been eager and working hard, plus he’s got the size already.” – Steve Breaston
Mario Manningham
The Vitals:
Year: True Freshman
Position: Wide Receiver
Hometown: Warren, Ohio
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 185 lbs
Forty Time” 4.39 seconds
The Lowdown:
Playing at football powerhouse Warren G. Harding, Manningham showed that he had what he takes to be a Division I player. In his two-plus seasons on varsity, the lightning-fast receiver made 105 receptions for 1,883 yards and 24 touchdowns. He also showed he could play some defense, snagging four interceptions as a cornerback. Manningham followed in the steps of fellow Warren G Harding graduates Prescott Burgess and Carl Diggs in choosing Michigan.
What he’s done:
Manningham has showed that he was ready to contribute right away. He has already caught 11 balls for 232 yards and three touchdowns. His speed and quickness have been an asset for the vertical passing game this season – he has catches of 43 and 49 yards this year. But aside from his deep speed, Manningham also runs precise routes.
What they’re saying:
“I really expected him to go fast because it was very obvious from the first practice. What he’s done and what he will do, I don’t think any of it will surprise me.” – Lloyd Carr
Kevin Grady
The Vitals:
Year: True Freshman
Position: Running back
Hometown: Ada
Height: 5-foot-9
Weight: 228 lbs
Forty time: 4.5 seconds
The Lowdown:
Grady came to Ann Arbor amid much fanfare. The East Grand Rapids High School alum started at running back four straight years and won two Division III state championships. Grady is best known for smashing state records in several categories. His top-ranking categories include carries (1,154), rushing yards (8,431), touchdowns (151), scoring (924) and consecutive 100-yard rushing games (24). The five-star recruit got a head start on his college career by enrolling last January.
What he’s done:
Grady has been as solid as his thick frame in his backup role in Michigan’s running back arsenal. After getting off to a quick start with 42 yards and a touchdown on just nine carries in his debut against Northern Illinois, Grady was thrust into a featured role when Mike Hart went down early in the Notre Dame game. The untested Grady rose to the occasion, picking up 79 yards on 18 carries. So far this season, the stocky runner has accumulated 210 yards and one score on 53 carries.
What they’re saying:
“He’s 225 pounds, so he’s gonna run you over. But he’s quick, too, so he’ll try to make you miss. He’s a great back.” – Mike Hart
Morgan Trent
The Vitals:
Year: Redshirt Freshman
Positions: Cornerback
Hometown: Brighton
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 185 lbs
Forty time: 4.4 seconds
The Lowdown:
Trent was a four-year starter at Orchard St. Mary’s, where he caught 84 passes for 1,533 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also tallied 23 interceptions, breaking the record previously held by teammate Grant Mason. Besides being a standout on the football team, Trent was an All-American in track. He beat Ohio State receiver Ted Ginn Jr. in the 200-meter run, proving that Ginn may not be the fastest player in the Big Ten.
What he’s done:
After switching to cornerback this past Spring, Trent has been a solid nickel corner for the Wolverines. Teams have rarely challenged the speedy corner, but he has already shown he can handle man-to-man coverage, registering one interception and two pass breakups.
What they’re saying:
“Morgan gets better all of the time. He’s a hard worker and he can run. (He can) play in a game like (Notre Dame), and gain confidence and you feel good about (him).” – Carr