Does 'Harbaugh to Los Angeles' mean a 5-star commitment for Oregon Ducks?
It's not quite the butterfly effect, but Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh's reported move to the NFL and the Los Angeles Chargers could have unintended consequences on the recruiting trail.
Despite only being one month removed from the early signing period, Burley (Idaho) wide receiver Gatlin Bair is the last remaining unsigned five-star recruit in the class of 2024.
And for some time, the All-American Bowl standout and track superstar has been down to a final two of Michigan Oregon.
While many believe the Wolverines will promote offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore for some continuity, the Harbaugh move could be a game-changer for Bair.
Recently, the blazing-fast pass-catcher indicated Harbaugh's contract and his future in Ann Arbor were major factors in his final choice.
"I think the biggest thing right now is coach (Jim) Harbaugh's contract," he told SBLive Sports. "That's kind of why I'm stuck in the middle right now, just because i don't know what's happening there. I think, from what Coach (Dan) Lanning has told me, he's going to be there for a long time. That's something I'm looking for... stability. It's hard to go to a program and have coaching changes."
Contrast Harbaugh's move to the NFL with Lanning's highly-publicized decision to remain in Eugene, and it's no surprise that fuel has been added to the "Bair to Oregon" fire.
Still, even if Bair were to choose Oregon over Michigan soon, it would be some time before his impact was felt in Eugene.
The Idaho product will take a two-year LDS mission beginning February 19, where he will be in Dallas, Texas.
What will Michigan or Oregon be getting in Bair when he does arrive?
After a stellar week at the All-American Bowl, the nation's No. 27 overall prospect and No. 6 wide receiver showed he can be a major contributor at the college level.
He earned 247Sports' "Welcome to the Elite" award:
"... Gatlin Bair never seemed out of place at an event that often puts a deer-in-the-headlights look on rural prep stars. Bair’s elite track and field profile manifested regularly on the practice field in his ability to stretch the field vertically, but also find late separation when required. He plans to serve a two-year LDS mission before playing in college, but Bair possesses physical tools and verified athleticism that will make him ready to jump back on the field when the time comes."
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