Michigan Football: Kechaun Bennett commitment is key for pass rush

The Michigan football program has been building a strong 2021 class and it got even better with another four-star addition Wednesday night.

When Michigan football landed commitments on back-to-back days over the weekend, that was pretty exciting for the Wolverines and the excitement continued late Wednesday night with the third verbal pledge in four days as four-star defensive end Kechaun Bennett committed.

Bennett is listed as a four-star prospect according to the 247 sports composite rankings and the 6-foot-4, 220-pounder is ranked 21st at his position and 329th overall, as well as the No. 1 player in the state of Connecticut.

While 247 lists Bennett as a strong-side defensive end, Rivals has him on the weakside and he’s ranked as the No. 12 player at that position, which is seen as a more of a pass-rushing spot anyway.

Here’s what Bennett told 247 sports about why he chose Michigan after he posted his announcement on Instagram last night.

“I was always leaning toward Michigan from the jump,” Bennett said. “They have very high academics and (defensive coordinator) coach Don Brown is a genius when it comes to be able to put people in the right position and make plays.”

Michigan closes strong

The Wolverines started making a hard push with Bennett, particularly Brown, who has strong ties for the Northeast. Last week, Michigan football started trending with crystal ball selections for Bennett, so it seemed like U-M was in the lead. And now, it’s a done deal.

Pass-rush ability is the top reason Bennett is joining the program and he’s probably the best edge rusher in this class for the Wolverines. Junior Colson is a stud outside linebacker and had 12 sacks last season in high school, but that was more as a blitzer than a pure edge rusher.

There was some talk right after Bennett committed of him being a Viper, but that just doesn’t make sense and EJ Holland of Rivals echoed that ($). Colson looks like a Viper, Bennett doesn’t. He’s going to play a similar role that Josh Uche and Chase Winovich did.

Bennett will most likely play that Sam backer, pass-rush role. At least that’s probably what Brown and the Wolverines are envisioning down the road. But, as scouts project he could add 30-some pounds to his frame, maybe more, so that will be a key part of his development.

The good news with Bennett is that he has upside and a lot of it. It’s hard to grasp how good he will be, because the competition in Connecticut isn’t great. Kwity Paye came to Michigan as a three-star recruit of the Northeast for much the same reason.

Bennett was a man among boys in high school and you can see it on the tape. Now, we can look forward to watching him develop his pass rush skills as a member of Michigan football.