Michigan Football: What Greg Crippen’s commitment means for O-line

Michigan football landed a commitment from 2021 four-star offensive lineman Greg Crippen. Here’s what it means.

The Michigan football program has been stuck on two commitments in the 2021 class since last summer. That was until the Wolverines landed a verbal pledge from former Notre Dame commit, Greg Crippen, a four-star offensive lineman out of Florida.

Crippen is ranked as the No. 222 prospect overall in the 2021 class according to the 247 sports composite rankings and the 6-foot-4 offensive guard ranks 11th at his position and is the No. 30 player in the state of Florida.

For a long time, Crippen was committed to the Fighting Irish. However, earlier this month, he announced he was de-committing on Twitter and shortly after that, crystal ball predictions started coming in on his 247 sports profile for U-M.

And then on Wednesday, the offensive lineman finally announced his intention to play for Michigan football via his Twitter account.

While Crippen’s profile lists him as a guard, his scouting report on 247 sports from Brandon Huffman suggests that he could play center or more likely, get some cross-training as many others have. Yet, Huffman predicted that Crippen would be a multi-year starter in college. Here’s the breakdown:

"An interior linemen who is a natural center, Crippen does a good job of making the snap then engaging the necessary defender. Uses his hands well and keeps his defender engaged. Decently flexible, at times looks like he’s bending at the waist but then shows more knee bend. Looks for contact and where he can deliver a punch.  Projects as multi-year Power 5 starter."

If Crippen proves to be a good fit at center, he could eventually be groomed to start there down the road or he could get a chance to play guard. Either way, down the road, that versatility will help offensive line coach Ed Warriner.

Crippen is also the second offensive lineman to commit in 2021 for Michigan football. The other came last March as four-star left tackle Giovanni El-Hadi committed to the Wolverines.

With other targets such as Rocco Spindler, who has 75 percent of his crystal balls going to the Wolverines, the offensive line haul might just be beginning.

After getting its third commitment for its 2021 class, Michigan football moved from outside the top 30 in the 247 sports rankings to 21st, as well as 8th in the Big Ten. However, it’s early and with three guys already ranked in the top 222, as well as two in the top 100, things are off to a promising start.