COLUMBUS, Ohio — Michael Onwenu fills out a 6-3, 366-pound frame, so it’s hard to believe something might be bigger than him. The 4-star senior from Cass Tech High School in Detroit increased his stock at the Nike Football Opening regional in Columbus on Sunday. He’s one of the 10 prospects out of 495 who received an invitation to The Opening at Oregon later this summer. That’s big, too. Yet the biggest decision might be where to play next. That’s where the Big Ten East Division comes into play. Ohio State, Michigan State and Penn State are in the Top 15 in team rankings. Michigan is 35th but has just six commitments. There’s a chance all four schools could end up in the Top 25 for the class of 2016. MORE: Preseason Top 25 | Urban or Saban? | 2015-16 bowl projections The perception that the Big Ten East is on the rise is alive on the recruiting trail. Onwenu is one of many prospects sorting out that big choice. “Coming from Michigan, it’s a good feeling,” Onwenu told Sporting News. “The Big Ten has a lot of schools everybody wants to go to. It’s good to have all those schools interested in you.” Onwenu said the addition of Jim Harbaugh enhances the Wolverines’ pitch. “Seeing he comes from the NFL, I see an opportunity,” Onwenu said. “He’s straight from the NFL, hiring coaches from the NFL and offering NFL-level technique.” The Wolverines want Onwenu to play offense, but the Buckeyes want him for defense. He says Ohio State also offers chance to play for a team that knows how to win. Teammates Damon Webb and Mike Weber will be there, too…
Continue Reading: Big Ten East recruiting battles rising with division’s profile
