On300 in-state ATH CJ Sadler goes in-depth on return to Michigan for the spring game
Michigan has relayed its recruiting emphasis on its own backyard on an annual basis. In the 2026 class, one of its priority targets, who grew up just outside of Ann Arbor, returned on April 20 for the spring game.
On300 Detroit (Mich.) Cass Tech athlete CJ Sadler made his first appearance at The Big House this offseason to watch the exhibition, with several of his former Sound Mind Sound Body (SMSB) teammates competing.
“Spring was good,” Sadler told The Wolverine. “With the new coaching staff up there, not really new, but a couple of new guys there. It’s always like family. When I go to Michigan, man, it’s good.
“Guys competing, keeping everybody safe, but still competing with their brothers, man. Pushing each other, getting each other better, getting ready for the season.”
The must-land status that Sadler garnered under the old Michigan coaching regime remains prevalent in the program’s new era. Relationships will be a significant factor in Sadler’s future commitment, so developing rapport with the staff has been the foundation for all of his visits to U-M.
At the spring game, Sadler reconnected with wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy, whom the sophomore has known for years because of Bellamy’s decade-long tenure at powerhouse West Bloomfield.
“Coach Bellamy is a good coach, man,” Sadler said. “State champion as a head coach, man. Great leader, great mentor. Great man. Those are the type of guys I want to be around.”
Four of the five unofficial visits that Sadler has embarked on to Ann Arbor since the beginning of high school were when Jim Harbaugh was at the helm, so the exhibition allowed him to meet with Sherrone Moore.
“A smooth dude, cool dude,” Sadler said. “Just cool, man. Like an uncle or something (laughs). I feel like he did a great job doing what he did. Winning against Ohio State. Top rivalries. That’s big as a first-year head coach. That’s big. So, I feel like he’s doing great.”
With Sadler residing relatively close to campus, his familiarity with the program also involves the players. Several were once in the same position as Sadler with SMSB, and it’s been special for the four-star to take notice of his close friends representing the state and city by staying close to home and play for Michigan.
“Will (Johnson) didn’t play that much, but when he was in there, he was dominating,” Sadler said. “Semaj (Morgan), when he got in there, man, he gets a little shift from everybody. Jacob Oden, too. It’s nice to see Jacob on the next level because me and him played for the same little league team. It was great.”
“This program has brought great people through here. Great athletes, great mentors, great dudes. It’s been good just to watch those guys come from Sound Mind Sound Body, get to the league and where they need to be. Shout outs to Curtis Blackwell and Sound Mind Sound Body.”
Sadler said another likely visit to Michigan before the start of next season will take place in late July for the annual BBQ at The Big House.
“It’s just like family, man,” Sadler said. “Guys take care of you. Kind of like every school I go to, they treat me like a priority. You just got to feel it. It just has to feel real. You just got to feel like you love it.”
The On3 Industry Ranking lists Sadler as the No. 103 overall prospect and No. 15 wide receiver in the country, as well as the No. 1 recruit in Michigan.
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