One...or the Other

“It’s pretty much Michigan or Michigan State,” said Tyler Hoover, who finished his junior season with 87 tackles. “They both are recruiting me probably the hardest. I’m in contact with both about the same too. I just went to the Michigan spring game last Saturday (April 14),” he said. “I had a great time. It was good to see the team play and I got to see (QB) Ryan Mallett in action..."

With nine offers and schools like California, Iowa and Miami showing interest, Tyler Hoover, the 6-foot-7.5, 245-pound athlete from Novi Senior High School (Mich.), says it’s down to two — the Wolverines or the Spartans.

“It’s pretty much Michigan or Michigan State,” said Hoover, who finished his junior season with 87 tackles, eight for loss. “They both are recruiting me probably the hardest. I’m in contact with both about the same too.

“I just went to the Michigan spring game last Saturday (April 14),” he said. “I had a great time. It was good to see the team play and I got to see (QB) Ryan Mallett in action. That guy has an arm! He is really something special.”

Hoover, ranked by Scout.com as the No. 43 prospect in the Midwest, said that the Wolverines were recruiting him for both tight end and defensive end. “Coach (Andy) Moeller (offensive line) texts me almost every day. He told me that where and when I play is really up to me. It’s pretty much equal for both offense and defense as he sees it. I just have to work hard and earn my spot.

“Being recruited for both offense and defense is definitely a plus for me,” Hoover added. “Michigan really needs tight ends right now and I know I’d have a better chance at starting early at tight end than defensive end there.

“Michigan has such a great team, great tradition and great academics,” Hoover said. “I want to major in graphic design/engineering and Michigan has one of the top engineering schools in the county.”

Hoover says Michigan State has a lot to offer as well. “I got my offer from Michigan State about a month ago. They started recruiting before Michigan did. Coach (Dan) Enos (running backs) talks to my coaches a lot and I get texts from him a lot too. He is a great coach. We really hit it off.

“Michigan State is recruiting me mainly for defensive end,” said Hoover, who claims to run a 4.8 forty. “I think I’d have more potential of playing early at State because their defense is really pretty weak. Coach Enos says I am exactly what they need with my size and speed.

“I’m not sure if I’m going to take officials or not. I’ve been to both schools a lot, so I know them really well. I might take a visit to Miami if I get an offer, but I really don’t know yet.”

Hoover says he’s looking to commit by the start of the season. “What it’s going to come down to is where I feel the most comfortable at, education, the program and how I fit into that program. I just need to spend as much time with the coaches and players as I can, then I’ll know.

“My biggest strength is my size and my motor,” said Hoover, who benches 250 pounds and squats 400. “I’m big and fast for my size. I have a good use of my hands too. I want to work on getting stronger. I need to bulk up some.”

Hoover reports a 2.9 core GPA and is scheduled to take his first-time SAT in June.

See more at http://story.scout.com