• Zach Banner 'blown away' by Michigan

  • By Greg Biggins | September 12, 2011 7:41:32 AM PDT
ESPNU 150 offensive lineman Zach Banner (Lakewood Wash./Lakes) took his first official visit of the year this past weekend to Michigan and the Wolverines made a big impression on the talented athlete.Even with their rich history and tradition, the Wolverines always seemed like a dark horse in the race for Banner. After his weekend visit to Ann Arbor, that no longer appears to be the case."Man, I was blown away," Banner said. "For me, the biggest highlight was just being in the Big House. I felt like a fan, not a recruit when I was watching the game. I was so into it because of the crowd around me. They were the most loyal fans I've ever seen and the game atmosphere there was like nothing I've ever seen."It was more than just the game though, I loved everything about the visit. The campus is really nice and the academics at Michigan are incredible. You get a degree from Michigan and you're set for life. I want to major in broadcasting or sociology and Michigan is strong in both so I would be set there as well."Banner will also take visits to Oklahoma (Sept. 23) and Notre Dame (Oct. 21), as well as USC and Washington after the season. As for where the Wolverines are at on his list, all Banner would say is they're a serious contender."I can definitely see myself at Michigan," Banner said. "I had a great time talking with all the other recruits and they were really selling Michigan hard. I love the fight song, the helmets, everything about the place. They have great coaches, a great football tradition and I really couldn't find a single negative about the visit or the school."Villanueva picks Washington StateWashington State picked up yet another offensive lineman. The Cougars have been on a very nice run over the last two weeks and landed their 15th commitment of the year in offensive lineman Fernando Villanueva (San Jose, Calif./Independence). He took an official visit to Pullman this past weekend and committed on his trip."I just liked the environment there and felt comfortable with the players and coaches," Villanueva said. "I wasn't expecting to commit but it just felt right and I'm happy to be a Cougar. I still want to take my visits but I like the direction the program is going in and the team looked great on Saturday."The Cougars were the first school to offer Villanueva back in March. San Jose State, Utah and Utah State had also offered the lineman.Arizona lands SheltonThe Wildcats picked up a commitment from Inglewood (Calif.) defensive back Devian Shelton. Shelton has safety size but said he'll start out as a corner for the Cats. "I know because of my size, a lot of people have me rated as a safety but I think I'm definitely a corner," Shelton said. "That's what I've always played and I think I can cover, hit and basically lock up one whole side of the field. Arizona has had some good corners and I'm excited to be a part of the program."The athlete said he was just offered by the Cats a week ago and committed to UA over offers from Arizona State, Idaho, New Mexico, San Diego State, SMU, Utah State and Washington State.

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