Will Jashaad Gaines Make the Switch?

Jashaad Gaines of Las Vegas, Nev., High School grew up a big fan of the Maize and Blue. It was his childhood dream to one day don the Winged Helmet and run out of the tunnel at Michigan Stadium. However, the Wolverines, at first, didn't return the love, and Gaines moved on and committed to Notre Dame. Michigan is now recognizing the three-star talent - will he return to his first love?

Like the cheerleader who spurns the benchwarmer with the hope of dating the team captain, Michigan winked and played nice with Jashaad Gaines while they pursued higher rated prospects. However, Gaines is no benchwarmer, and like the jilted suitor who desires revenge, in September he committed to one of Michigan's most bitter rivals - Notre Dame. His sister, Tulyah, plays basketball for the Irish.

Now the tables have turned and Michigan is doing the chasing. The Wolverines have recently stepped up their recruiting of the 6-foot-0, 205-pound Gaines since themselves being rejected by Taylor Mays and Antwine Perez, who chose USC, and Myron Rolle, who decided on Florida State. "Coach (Ron) English was out here on Friday and is trying to get me to come for a visit," Gaines told GoBlueWolverine.com. "He said he is going to offer me, but I think it's too late."

When talking with Gaines, it is apparent that the slow-playing that Michigan did with Gaines has been disappointing. "I would have committed to them on the spot had they offered earlier," he said. "My mom wants me to visit. I have to think about it."

The Wildcats are 10-1 on the season, having dropped their first game to Pine View, Utah by a score of 34-28. Pine View is quarterbacked by one-time Michigan target James Lark, who committed to BYU. Las Vegas bounced by the following week by handing powerhouse Bishop Gorman their only loss of the season in a come-from-behind 34-19 win. The Wildcat defense held Gaels star running back, and fellow Michigan recruiting target, DeMarco Murray to just 29-yards rushing.

Las Vegas plays Silverado in the semi-finals of the regional playoffs. They defeated Coronado on Friday 15-7.