Signing Day Capsule: Mark Huyge

When Mark Huyge announced his decision to accept a scholarship offer from the University of Michigan, he was a relative mystery to Michigan fans. Who is the kid from Grand Rapids being brought in to protect Ryan Mallett’s blind side? What is his story and how did this sleeper wind up accepting a scholarship to Michigan? Find out all that and more inside Mark Huyge’s signing day capsule.

Mark Huyge
Offensive Tackle
Grand Rapids Catholic Central
(Grand Rapids, Mich.)
6-6/275/5.0
Star Ranking: **
Position Ranking: 33

His Recruiting Story:
When Mark Huyge joined the 2007 Michigan football recruiting class, he was a relative unknown to those on the recruiting circuit. Huyge, however, is a prime example of the old adage that hard work does pay off. A camper at Michigan over the summer, Huyge impressed enough to warrant a scholarship offer during the middle of his senior season.

“I got out of basketball practice and there was a message on my cell phone’s voice mail from Coach Strip (Michigan assistant coach Steve Striping, who recruits Western Michigan) saying Michigan was offering me a full scholarship to come to Michigan and play there,” Huyge told GoBlueWolverine Magazine back in November. “He hoped I’d accept. On Monday I talked to Coach Carr. Today Coach Moeller (Michigan assistant Andy Moeller, the U-M offensive line coach) was at my school and talked to my coach about me … and I committed!”

Huyge was a regular at Michigan football games this past fall. In attendance for the games against Vanderbilt, Michigan State and Northwestern, Huyge is well aware of the opportunity in front of him.

GoBlueWolverine Commentary:
Mark Huyge is a relative unknown to many throughout Michigan. With that in mind, the same can be said for former sleepers Rueben Riley, Mark Bihl and Adam Kraus. Huyge comes to Michigan to fill a large need at the offensive tackle position. Selected to the All-State team in 2005, he’ll have an opportunity to make a name for himself protecting Ryan Mallett’s backside if he is able to make a quick transition to the college game.

“He’s a true 6-foot-6 now, and 278 pounds,” Tom Passinault, head coach at Grand Rapids Catholic Central said to GoBlueWolverine Magazine. “He’s very athletic, and he’s strong and will get stronger.”

Run blocking will have to be his forte at Michigan. His athleticism and ability to push off as a leader blocker will either make him or break him at the college level. Watch his development over the next three years. He is one that could truly excel in the new Michigan zone-blocking scheme.

He is also a top student reporting a 4.0+ grade point average and a 28 on the ACT.