Michigan Football: Wolverines still after 2020 DB Malcolm Greene

Michigan football has already signed a few safety prospects in 2020, however, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t take DB Malcolm Greene, another one.

It’s not a big secret that football is trending more and more towards the passing game and with some of the additions in its 2020 recruiting class, Michigan football is reflecting that.

The shift has been obvious for years. Just about every team now runs some kind of spread offense or at least has it in the playbook. Run-pass options are the norm and huddles are becoming less and less frequent.

In short, the game has changed and the Wolverines seem determined to change with it, especially after the late-season debacles suffered at the hands of Ohio State and Florida. That seemed to be a wake-up call for the Wolverines.

While those losses aren’t necessarily bringing about big changes on the defense heading into the 2019 season, it’s still part of the thinking in recruiting as Michigan football pursues a fourth safety commit to the class.

The Wolverines have already gotten commitments from Jordan Morant, Makari Paige and RJ Moten, giving UM three of the top-eight safety prospects in 2020 according to the 247 sports rankings.

But in Malcolm Greene, a 5-foot-10, 180-pound defensive back, Michigan football would be getting more than just a safety and that versatility is why Jim Harbaugh and company are still pushing for Greene. Brice Marich of the Michigan Insider ($) also reported that even with the other safeties in the fold, Greene would still be a take, because the Wolverines see him as a corner too. Here is what Marich wrote:

"The coaching staff believes he has the potential to play cornerback at the next level (which they like him at) and remains a take for them as well."

The Highland Springs, Virginia product, has good quickness and is ranked as the 310th overall prospect in the 2020 class according to the 247 composite rankings. However, he is the 27th at safety and sixth in his home state.

But much like Paige, who could be a viper or a nickel, Greene also has position versatility. His scouting report on 247 sports even likens him to Jason McCourty and projects him as a multi-year starter that will one day be an NFL draft pick.

"Good open-field tackler. Has plus body control. Plays with quickness. Adding strength in upper body important. Concern about size to play consistently in box. Needs to be more consistent with jams and re-routing receiver. Multi-year starter at Top 20 program. Day 3 NFL draft potential."

With more and more defenses going to a big nickel look (three safties) adding a player like Greene makes a lot of sense. He is a good tackler and can excel near the line of scrimmage, while also being quick enough and athletic enough to man-up in the slot.

Players that can do that kind of thing are valuable and over the past year or two, Michigan football has added more and more of those guys. Daxton Hill is certainly that kind of player, as is Paige and in Greene, the Wolverines could get another.

Thus far, Michigan has one true cornerback commitment for 2020 and that’s Andre Seldon. So finding guys that can play corner is a priority and that’s why Greene is a name you will keep hearing as this cycle comes to a close.