A look at five EDGE recruits Michigan could circle back to this cycle

Michigan suffered a tough loss on the recruiting trail over the weekend as four-star EDGE Elias Rudolph flipped his commitment to Miami. With Rudolph leaving the class, Michigan now has a void at the position.

Here is a look at five EDGE recruits the Wolverines could circle back to.

Brian Robinson, Westerville (Ohio) North

Kentucky has the lead for Robinson on the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine. However, the Wildcats are hard at work trying to flip four-star prospect Jacob Smith away from U-M. It appears that Robinson is on the back burner for a handful of teams. Remember, Michigan held the lead here for what seemed like forever before slowing things down following his official visit in early June. The On300 prospect has a high floor but isn’t the usual long athlete the Wolverines desire at the position. Robinson has also had a tumultuous offseason that included a high school transfer.

Dakyus Brinkley, Katy (Texas) Seven Lakes

Michigan never offered Brinkley, but he is a prospect the Wolverines were monitoring closely in the winter and spring. A four-star recruit, Brinkley had multiple major offers before siding with Kansas last month. At 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, Brinkley has a similar build as Rudolph and could slide right into the role he was supposed to play. He is ranked as the No. 21 EDGE and No. 289 overall prospect, per the On3 Industry Ranking.

Deshawn Warner, Goodyear (Ariz.) Desert Edge

Warner is very similar to the aforementioned Brinkley. He didn’t notch a Michigan offer before committing to Kansas last month but was very much on the radar throughout the offseason. At 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, Warner is another lanky speed rusher with plenty of upside. Three of the four major services have him ranked as a three-star. However, On3 has him listed as an On300 prospect. Oregon State, Texas and Washington were other contenders before Warner picked the Jayhawks.

Edward Smith, Pearland (Texas) Dawson

Michigan was in the Houston-area during the spring evaluation period and checked in on Smith, who committed to Texas Tech in late June. While the Wolverines didn’t offer, he was on the board as a potential target this offseason and could be a guy they revisit. Distance may be a factor, but Lubbock is a nine-hour drive from Pearland, and Michigan is a superior program. The three-star prospect is ranked as the No. 32 EDGE and No. 423 overall recruit nationally, per the On3 Industry Ranking.

Gerard Johnson, Virginia Beach (Va.) Cox

Michigan made a late move in the Tidewater region of Virginia last cycle and it pulled in Brandyn Hillman. Now, the Wolverines could look to do the same with Johnson. The 6-foot-5, 215-pounder is an intriguing prospect and one Michigan evaluated throughout the offseason. While he didn’t notch on offer, he was firmly on the radar. Johnson is committed to home state Virginia Tech, but a Michigan offer could change things. Three of the four major services have him ranked as a three-star. However, On3 has him listed as an On300 prospect.

The post A look at five EDGE recruits Michigan could circle back to this cycle appeared first on On3.