One to Watch: Michigan 2017 FS/RB Anthony Humm Readies for Big Senior Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

There are a lot of playmakers every year at the high school level and there are a lot of two-way players but not every two-way player excels on both sides of the ball while giving maximum effort earning the right to be called a playmaker. One who does is Class of 2017 recruit Anthony Humm.

Humm lined up at free safety and running back for Alma High School giving his all for 5.5 games until a broken collarbone cut short a fantastic season. On defense Humm had 45 tackles, two tackles for loss, six pass breakups, two interceptions, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and three blocked point after attempts, again, all in just 5.5 games.

On offense, Humm averaged 7.1 yards per carry racking up 430 yards off 60 carries with four scores. Showing all-purpose back abilities, he added 11 receptions for 190 yards with another score. Playmakers have a knack of finding that special ability to make things happen and on special teams Humm did returning five punts for 280 yards with two taken back for scores – all in 5.5 games.

Colleges have taken notice of the 6’0”, 180 pound, Michigan talent but that first offer has not dropped yet. The list of interest is building with Purdue, Illinois, Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, Ivy League schools, and Ball State reaching out. The offseason camp circuit should help answer questions about Humm’s ability and he is not shying away from traveling all over the region to showcase what he can do.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Humm to go over his offseason schedule, clear up any thoughts or worries about his previous injury, and received a recruiting news update.

Interview

Anthony, I like to get the tough stuff out of the way first. You had an injury that limited you to 5.5 games. What was the injury?

“I broke my collarbone but it does not affect me at all now. I’m 100 percent healthy and it is not a problem.”

How did you break your collarbone?

“I was running with the ball, got tackled from behind, and fell weird on my side. Then two bigger guys fell on top of me. It was a freak play. I played two more quarters without knowing how serious it was. Later one I figured out I broke it.”

I’m glad you are 100 percent healthy and back at it.

“Thank you.”

Last season, when you were lining up at safety, what were some of the things that you were doing well covering your position?

“I think I’m a smart football player. I anticipate well. I study other teams a lot and know what they are doing. I play aggressive with good instincts and speed.”

Same question but at running back.

“I feel like I am shifty and I make the cut and go. I’m good at making the first guy miss. I’m always falling forward and I keep going after first contact. I’m a pretty decent blocker in pass sets. We don’t throw a lot, but out of the backfield I’m good at getting screens.”

One of the things that I think is the hardest to do on the field is be a successful punt returner. When you’re lined up back there waiting for the punt, what is your mentality?

“I usually like to make the first guy miss and then I look for my blockers. I cut back towards my blockers, find a hole, and just go.”

You make it seem simple. Between running back and safety, which position do you like best?

“Safety.”

What are you working on this offseason?

“I run track and I train with a speed training team. I’m also on a 7×7 team called Legacy.”

Which events are you participating in with track?

“Long jump, hurdle, and sprint relays.”

What was your best long jump last year?

“I struggled last year. My best was 18.8 but I feel like I will be over 20 easily this year.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you right now?

“Ball State, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan, Illinois, some Ivy League schools, and Purdue.”

Which camps are you going to coming up?

“I plan on being at the Nike Opening regional in Chicago. I don’t have my college schedule set yet.”

Even though you may not attend the different college camps, which camps do you have an eye on attending right now?

“I would like to go to Illinois, Purdue, Western Michigan, Central Michigan, and Eastern Michigan. I’d like to go to a lot of Ohio schools. I think I will be on a camp tour that includes Penn State, Ohio State, Maryland, and Syracuse.”

Have you been on any unofficial visits so far?

“During the season I visited Central, Eastern, Western, Ball State, Purdue, Michigan State, and Notre Dame. I plan on being at Eastern for their Junior Day. Ball State, Illinois, and Central have invited me to their Junior Day as well.”

When you started taking these visits, what were some of the things that jumped out at you about the college experience?

“I like to look at things outside of football. I look at how well the program helps kids develop into men and leaders. How do they help kids academically? Most kids do not make it to the NFL, what are you going to do after football?”

You mentioned academics, how is everything going in the classroom for you?

“I have a 3.4 GPA.”

Have you taken your ACT or SAT yet?

“No, I’m taking the SAT next month.”

Have you started thinking about what you want to major in while in college?

“Possibly business or industrial design.”

What offseason goals have you set for yourself before your senior year?

“I’m hoping to gain five more pounds and drop my 40 time. I know my time is decent. My straight line speed is good. I’ve regained all my strength back from my injury and I’m making gains on my overall strength.”

How does Alma look heading into next year? Do you guys have a lot of talent coming back?

“Yeah we have five varsity starters coming back and other kids that have done well coming back. We have new kids coming up that were successful in JV (junior varsity).”

Do you guys have a deep run playoff caliber team?

“We are playoff caliber team. We have to commit to the team and keep working hard in the offseason to make a deep run.”

Other than track, do you play any other sports for your school?

“I play basketball.”

Which position?

“I play point guard and shooting guard.”

How does the basketball team look so far?

“We are starting our state tournament this week. We are one of the better Class B teams. I think we have a chance to make a deep run in the state tournament.”

Anthony, thanks for your time today. Good luck in the state tournament and with all the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: berecruited.com; No. 5 Anthony Humm.

Photo credit: highschoolsports.mlive.com; Anthony looks for running room.

Photo credit: miprepzone.com; No. 15 Anthony Humm puts on the breaks against Hemlock.