'Backer To Be 1st JC Wolverine in 10 years?

The last time Michigan had a junior college player on the field was wide receiver Russell Shaw in the '97 National Championship season. But a linebacker from Butler County Community College in El Dorado, Kansas is liable to be the next one.

GoBlueWolverine spoke to Butle C.C. linebacker Austin Panter.

"Coach Stripling was in my school on Monday. And I'm visiting Michigan the December 1st weekend."

What has Michigan said to you about a scholarship offer?

"I don't have a Michigan offer yet, but I hope to get one on my visit."

Usually a Junior College player is there instead of at a four-year school because of academics. that is NOT the case for Panter, who is an outstanding student. In this case, he didn't get recruited out of high schol for another reason.

"I played 8-man football in Northwest Kansas. My little home town of Kensington has 400 people. My graduating class was 26, 13 girls and 13 boys. There were 25 guys on our football team. I played running back, and linebacker on defense."

"Coach Stripling said Michigan doesn't usually recruit JC kids, and I was surprised that he showed up at my school. But he said that because of my academics they like me. I am graduating from Dodge City now, in a year and a half, with almost a 4.0 average."

What kind of player is Panter?

"Coach Stripling said Michigan is looking at me as a MIKE (middle) linebacker. I'm 6-3 right now, and 225 pounds. My coaches have timed me in the 40 at 4.5 seconds, and with a 35 inch vertical jump . And on the bench press I've done 25 reps. of 225 pounds."

Assuming Michigan offers him at his visit, what then?

"I hope to enter Michigan in January so I can go through spring ball."

Panter could also still redshirt a year at Michigan if necessary.

GoBlueWolverine note: The last time Michigan had a junior college player on the field was wide receiver Russell Shaw in the '97 National Championship season. GBW assumes Austin Panter will in-fact be the next. If for some reason he doesn't commit at his U-M visit, he also has an offer and a visit scheduled to Minnesota in mid-Dec.

Panter is considered one of the top 20 junior college players in the country. He was named the Jayhawk Conference defensive player of the year. He recorded 95 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks.

For a recent Scout.com story on Panter, click HERE .