Recruiting Roundtable: What potential targets at nose tackle do you think Michigan will go after?

The Wolverine recruiting analysts EJ Holland and Zach Libby answer important Michigan recruiting questions every week.

This roundtable edition discusses the most talked-about topics, as two priority 2025 targets are scheduled to announce commitments this month.

What potential targets at nose tackle do you think Michigan will go after?

Holland: I think we have to wait and see what things look like early in the fall. College coaches usually put a lot of stock into film from the first four games of a senior season, especially at a position like nose, which often has late risers. I really liked Bryce Jenkins, who is committed to Maryland, when I saw him last fall. I would love to see Michigan circle back to him. Maybe Dilan Battle or Amir Leonard-Jean Charles — both visited last year. Again, I think it’s wait and see here.

Libby: Obviously, there will be a batch of incoming seniors whose film might warrant a Michigan offer. We saw that last cycle with Lugard Edokpayi blowing up later in the fall and ultimately choosing the Wolverines on National Signing Day. As EJ mentioned, Battle and Jean Charles come to mind when it concerns true one techniques. They are listed at 300 and 285 pounds, respectively, and have been to Ann Arbor at least once. The player I really want U-M to make a run to flip for is On300 Frankfort (Ky.) Western Hills star Javeon Campbell. He possesses raw abilities, NFL-type measureables, and will develop into a prolific pass rusher under the the right system. He was offered by defensive line coach Lou Esposito and visited prior to the assistant’s hiring. Campbell is committed to Kentucky, so Michigan will have to push considerably for an in-season official visit to happen.

Reasons why Jayden Sanders will commit to Michigan and reasons why he won’t commit?

Holland: I think the answer here is very clear. Michigan is a superior program — no offense to both Baylor and Oklahoma State. The Wolverines just won a national title, have done a great job of developing defensive backs and churn out NFL Draft picks. All of that is very appealing for Jayden Sanders. New Michigan secondary coach LaMar Morgan has also made him a top priority and connected with him on a personal level. Distance is keeping the regional schools in this, and, of course, Baylor has been playing NIL as of late. 

Libby: If Michigan loses out on Sanders, a significant reason will be distance. However, The Wolverine spoke to Sanders’ mother last month, and she went in-depth about special teams coordinator JB Brown, breaking down the length of time needed to get from Kilgore to Detroit Metro Airport. It’s a two-hour drive to Dallas Ft. Worth International Airport and then a two-hour flight. Comparatively, it’s a six-hour drive to Stillwater, with Oklahoma State involved in the race. Baylor is the closest to Sanders’ hometown, only a three-hour drive, and is growing its NIL enterprise, but the on-field product isn’t comparable to Michigan. I continue to like my prediction for the four-star to enroll in Ann Arbor.

Which school in Andrew Marsh’s Top 5 could overcome Michigan’s momentum? Why are you still confident in your RPM prediction?

Holland: I don’t think any school will. Kentucky has been a thorn in Michigan’s side and is willing to play NIL for big-time recruits. But there appears to be no confidence coming out of Lexington. I feel great about my prediction in favor of the Wolverines and unless something dramatic happens, I would be shocked if Andrew Marsh doesn’t side with U-M on Aug. 20. Michigan has done everything right in this recruitment. The pathway to early playing time is there as is a true bond with wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy.

Libby: When examining the other four schools that made Marsh’s Top 5, Colorado has the “coolness” factor, Texas is the in-state program and closest to Marsh, USC has five-star quarterback Julian Lewis committed, and Washington’s coaching staff comes from Arizona and Marsh likes what they did in Tucson. However, I have no reason to back out of my prediction for Michigan to land Marsh. For him to come up to Ann Arbor five times since May of last year, including three times this summer alone, speaks a lot about how the Wolverines have pitched everything the family seeks.

The post Recruiting Roundtable: What potential targets at nose tackle do you think Michigan will go after? appeared first on On3.