Jim Harbaugh is headed out of state in June, but it won’t be for a satellite camp.
According to the Bergen Record, the Michigan head coach will deliver the commencement address for Paramus Catholic (NJ) High School. The event will take place on June 9 at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., about 20 miles south of the school’s campus in Paramus.
Confused? Well Paramus Catholic is the school of Michigan signee Rashan Gary, the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2016 class. Two other Michigan players, star defensive back Jabrill Peppers and offensive lineman Juwann Bushell-Beatty, are alums of the school. Additionally, former Paramus Catholic head coach Chris Partridge was hired as Wolverines linebackers and special teams coach in January.
Despite the obvious athletic connections, school president Jim Vail told the Record Harbaugh was chosen for his leadership qualities.
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“Commencement is an academic ceremony. It’s not connected to athletics,” Vail said. “But I have gotten to know coach Harbaugh pretty well. I’m not a football guy, but I know a great educator when I see one, and he always impressed me as a great educator and great leader. He’s a very dynamic individual. He does many things that would make him a great role model for our students.”
Vail told the Record he offered Harbaugh the chance to speak “several months ago,” but the coach had to run things through Michigan’s compliance department to make sure everything checked out from an NCAA rules standpoint.
“Leadership is leadership, whatever the field is,” Vail said. “Coach Harbaugh is a leader, and he’s someone I feel comfortable trusting [with] our students' welfare too. I think the kids will be excited. They’ve been excited about many of our speakers in the past. Coach Harbaugh is a very noted and well-respected public figure, and not just for sports. And I think he’ll have a very good message for the kids.”
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Oh and for the record, according to Rivals, Michigan has offered three players on the current Paramus Catholic roster: 2017 four-star linebacker Drew Singleton, 2017 three-star defensive lineman Corey Bolds and 2018 quarterback Allan Walters.
Harbaugh never stops recruiting.
For more Michigan news, visit TheWolverine.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
