The Michigan Wolverines were one of the earliest programs to show significant
interest California big man Matthew Shaw. That helped vault the Maize and Blue
to the top of the 6-8, 240-pounder's list…a place where they had resided for
well over a year. Recently, though, Shaw has backed off of that stance. He focused
on learning more about ALL of the schools on his list. Last weekend, his curiosity
about Michigan was satisfied when he flew across country and got his first real
taste of the Maize and Blue. He had already heard a great deal about the academics
at Michigan, but he was even more impressed after learning about them first
hand.
"I talked to a lot of academic advisors, walked around campus, and hung
out with the players a lot," Shaw said. " I don't know what I want
to major in, but one thing I really liked was the Kinesiology program they have."
One of the aspects of the visit that Shaw was looking forward to most was
his interaction with the players. Prior to arriving in Ann Arbor, he expressed
a great deal of interest in learning about their personalities and how he would
fit in. After spending the majority of his time with them, (which also included
a little open gym), he was taken aback by just how well they all meshed. "It
was a little bit better than I expected actually," Shaw said of the trip.
"I didn't think I was going to get along with the players as well as I
did. That kind of surprised me. I got a long with them really good, especially
Daniel (Horton) and Chris (Hunter). I was with them a lot."
Shaw also got to spend time with Michigan's headman. After taking in buffalo
wings and pizza at Amaker's home, the coach and recruit had the chance to talk more
in depth. "He talked about their interest in me , how they felt about me,
and me taking my time to make my decision.," Shaw said. "I felt like
they really wanted me. I wasn't ready to make a decision though. I talked to
Coach Amaker a little bit about where else I'd be visiting. I told him I didn't
want to commit without looking around because I want to make sure I make the
right decision. He didn't pressure me at all."
Despite not wanting to make his choice at this time, it is clear that the Wolverines
have only strengthen their standing in the young man's eyes. "Just now
knowing how it is there now, that definitely boosted them up a bit," Shaw
said.
GoBlueWolverine will have more on Shaw in the coming weeks.