A look at five nose options Michigan could explore this cycle

Michigan was close to landing its top two nose targets this summer. However, five-star prospect Justin Scott sided with Ohio State, while three-star recruit Deyvid Palepale picked USC. Michigan has some flex commits this cycle but would still like to sign a true nose.

Here is a look at five recruits the Wolverines could take a closer look at moving forward.

Jericho Johnson, Fairfield (Calif.) Armijo

Michigan hasn’t never really stopped recruiting Johnson after offering him earlier this cycle. However, the On300 prospect has yet to make it to campus despite talks that he could potentially swing by in June — obviously that didn’t happen. Area recruiter Jay Harbaugh identified and visited Johnson when he didn’t even have any stars. That relationship and a strong season could lead to more interest from Johnson in the fall. His On3 Prediction Machine leader is currently Washington, but it’s switched a few times. Washington was the only school to receive an OV last month. The 6-foot-3.5, 283-pounder has unlimited official visits after the dead period.

Jahsear Whittington, Philadelphia (Pa.) Imhotep Charter

Whittington is your true, short nose at 6-foot, 270 pounds. The three-star prospect doesn’t necessarily have NFL measurebles, but he was a monster in the middle for an Imhotep Charter defense that was arguably the best in high school football across the country. I saw Whittington live on multiple occasions, and the dude always made plays. Whittington gave Pitt a super early commitment and has been loyal to the Panthers. He’s a great fit there. However, Whittington was interested in Michigan when he got the offer last year and is a former teammate of Michigan freshman Semaj Bridgeman.

D’Nas White, Concord (N.C.) Robinson

A three-star prospect, White is a massive dude 6-foot-6, 310 pounds. He could play all over the defensive line at the next level, including nose. Michigan offered White early in the process, but nothing ever really transpired. He took official visits to South Carolina and Virginia Tech last month but is in no rush to make a decision and plans to take his recruitment into the fall. Michigan has done well recruiting the state of North Carolina this cycle and could create some movement.

Dillan Johnson, Joliet (Ill.) Catholic

Michigan hosted Johnson for an unofficial visit in the spring and seemed intrigued with his skillset. After all, the 6-foot-2, 287-pounder is a three-time Illinois state champion at the heavyweight division, compiling an amazing 104-0 record. Great wrestlers usually make for really good nose tackles, so Johnson could be worth taking a shot on. The three-star prospect committed to Northwestern in May, but there seems to be plenty of controversy around the Wildcats. The door could be open for Michigan to make a move, especially with its history of recruiting Chicagoland.

Landen Marshall, Andalusia (Ala.) High

Michigan extended an offer to Marshall in the spring, but there was never any real movement. The 6-foot-3, 285-pounder committed to Georgia Tech last month. However, he is definitely a prospect the Wolverines could circle back to. While Marshall is down in Alabama, the Wolverines have won a couple of battles there recently, and Georgia Tech isn’t exactly a powerhouse. A three-star recruit, Marshall could end up being a really nice alternative.

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