Last weekend's Nike camp in Columbus, Ohio featured many offered GoBlueWolverine the chance to observe many of the Maize and Blue's top midwestern targets in the 2007 class. Chicago Hubbard's Robert Hughes was one of the more notable recruits in attendance and he made sure the trip was well worth our while.

At first glance Hughes was physically imposing, looking even more muscle-bound than he was a few months ago at the Army All-Amercan combine in San Antonio. However, it was when he hit the field in the one-on-one’s that he made his true impression. Though he was one of the biggest backs in the drills, the 5-11, 227-pounder continually beat his linebacker coverage and displayed a good pair of hands. He showed extreme confidence in his abilities, voluntarily popping up in the rotation time and time again while others chose to slip to the back of the line. While watching Hughes made play after play, it quickly became apparent why the talented back ran over, around, and through his competition last season on his way to 1,920 yards and 20 touchdowns. After he was done flashing his skills for the throngs of observers, Hughes stopped by to update GoBlueWolverine on his recruitment.

“I have eight offers so far," he said. "I’ve got offers from Illinois, Virginia, Purdue, Oklahoma State, Kansas State, Mississippi State, Michigan -- most definitely Michigan -- and Minnesota. Coach Tressel from Ohio State told me that they were having a staff meeting on Monday and I would be hearing from him soon.”

Back in January, Hughes told GoBlueWolverine that he’d like to focus in on three schools... Michigan, Notre Dame and Ohio State. Since then the Windy City star has decided to open things up a bit.

“I don’t have a top five right now," said Hughes. "I’m very open to the recruiting process, but Michigan will most definitely be at the top of my list when I start taking visits.”

The Wolverines strong standing can be attributed to the considerable amount of time they've recruiting the Chicago star. The point man in Michigan's recruitment of Hughes has been offensive line coach Andy Moeller (who was an observer at the combine) and he has made quite an impression.

“He’s been by my school a few times," said Hughes regarding Moeller. "He’s been by to talk with me about how I’d fit in at Michigan with me and my coach. He’s a cool guy. A very cool guy. ”

Rapport with his prospective coaches will be very important to Hughes because he wants to be very clear about where he'll be lining up for whatever program he settles in on.

“I’m looking for playing time and position," Hughes said regarding the factors in his decision. "A lot of schools want me to play fullback or h-back, something like that. I’m going to go to a place I can give running back a shot.”

GoBlueWolverine Magazine will bring you more on Robert Hughes in the coming weeks.