East Lake offensive lineman Mason Cole has ended his recruiting process.
Cole announced on his Twitter feed that he has committed to the University of Michigan, and confirmed the news to Bright House Sports Network in a phone conversation.
"It just felt right, everything about it," said Cole, one of BHSN's Top 30 players for 2012. "Being there, everything felt right. I just woke up and knew it was the right place. Great fans, great facilities, great people and great coaches."
He took a visit to Ann Arbor for a third time over the weekend.
"When they get to that one spot, they're just going to feel it...I kind of had a feeling when he was going back up there for the third time and was having to pay for it out of his own pocket," East Lake head coach Bob Hudson said. "He asked if we can talk today, he sat me down and talked about everything. He's found his place."
The Bay area's top ranked offensive line prospect, Cole had offers from dozens of Division I schools, including Louisville, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Arkansas, and Alabama. Cole is currently ranked No. 107 in Rivals250 prospect rankings.
"They (Michigan) really, really like him, and foresee him coming in, competing and having a chance to play early," Hudson said, "it's a good opportunity there for him."
Despite being almost a year away from National Signing Day, Cole wanted to make his decision in the Fall, before the season. He was born in Chicago, and felt right at home in the Midwest.
"The rich history and tradition, and being in the Big Ten," Cole said on what made Michigan the favorite. "I grew up in the Midwest, and I wanted to play in the Big Ten. I like the way they play, just smash-mouth football. I know it's the right decision."
Last season, Cole helped anchor a line that protected the Bay area's top quarterback Pete DiNovo, who is now at the University of Central Florida.
"After the first time he visited there (Michigan), and he had been a lot of places, that was it," Hudson said of Cole. "You could just see it in his eyes. It kind of reminded me last year of when I took Pete over to UCF during spring break. You could just see it."
Now, with the recruiting process over, Cole can focus on his ultimate goal of leading the Eagles to Orlando.
"It's just right," Cole said. "I've seen 15 schools altogether. I just wanted to get this done now, finish my senior year and go compete for a state championship. After that, then I'll focus on being the best I can at Michigan."
Ryan Bass and Katherine Smith are reporters for Bright House Sports Network. Follow them on twitter, @Ry_Bass and @Katsmith_bhsn.