Signing Day Capsule: Blake Bars

Blake Bars is the fifteenth commitment in the Wolverines 2012 recruiting class. Get up to date on his recruitment and learn more about this tenacious lineman.

Blake Bars
Offensive Tackle 6-5/275
Montgomery Bell Academy HS (Nashville, TN)
NR: *** - Position Rank: 58

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His Recruiting Story
The Name Bars is one that UM fans should be familiar with. His dad Joe Bars played linebacker at ND, his brother Brad plays DE at Penn State, and being a Nittany/Irish legacy, those groups took early interest in Blake. This large road grader, though, has also made a name on his own. Schools vying for his services included LSU, Florida, Mississippi State, Penn State, and many others. His strong performance during his junior and senior seasons led him to pre and post season Tennessee 1st team All-State selections, and selection to four different senior bowls such as the Offense/Defense All-American, East/West All-Star, International Under 19 Bowl, and finally an invite to the Army All-American bowl which he turned down because it conflicted with Hoke’s in-home visit – now that is blue dedication.

His Commitment Comments
“I felt like I would fit in well. They have a great program. I really like coach Hoke and his staff. The academic support is there. I also really like the campus. I feel like all three of those things factored into my decision”.

GoBlueWolverine Commentary
Blake has the frame to add needed weight at the D1 level, and shows an excellent drive each and every play. He is not as tall as some of the other UM commits and could possibly end up on the interior, or with lack of depth at center at UM he could find a home there. He shows excellent balance, punch in his blocking, and the athleticism in run blocking. He plays with excellent knee-bend and keeps his pads low because he understands his position and trench war execution. “What stands out as much as anything when watching Bars is his tenacity. He likes to get after, he plays until the whistle blows, and he looks complete each block. He plays with that nasty streak that you like to see in offensive linemen. He has the frame you like as well” –Chad Simmons.