Michigan Football: Updates on Donovan Edwards, running back board

Here’s some of the latest info on the recruiting trail for Michigan football about Donovan Edwards, as well as other running back targets.

I’ve been saying this for months now, probably longer, but there’s no doubt that the top priority for Michigan football in the 2021 recruiting class is Donovan Edwards.

Certainly, Rocco Spindler is a huge priority too. But Michigan already has some solid offensive lineman and another seemingly lined up in four-star Drew Kendall. They could recover from missing out on Spindler.

Edwards, on the other hand, would hurt much worse. It’d be another top player from the state going elsewhere and Edwards is the kind of difference maker Michigan football has had a tough time getting on offense during Jim Harbaugh’s time as head coach.

Harbaugh seems to know what’s at stake. According to EJ Holland of Rivals ($), Harbaugh held another FaceTime meeting with Edwards just a few days ago. Holland also noted that things should be relatively quiet for the time being for Edwards, with the dead period extended.

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Holland has lodged a Futurecast pick for Edwards ($) to go Michigan and as he wrote last night, he still feels good about his selection. For a lot of reasons, the Wolverines do seem to be the best choice, but a lot can still happen.

Outside of Edwards, Michigan is running out of options for other backs in this class, either as a No. 2 behind Edwards or the top back in the group if Donovan goes elsewhere. The kid U-M is recruiting, who I like the most, is Tavierre Dunlap.

Dunlap and Edwards would be an ideal pairing. Edwards is tremendous at making guys miss, but Dunlap is just explosive and physical. Adding both in the 2021 class would be perfect for the running back room.

Yet, after that, the options are somewhat limited. Michigan offered Rutgers commit Al-Shadee Salaam, but this 247 sports profile indicates the Wolverines’ interest has cooled. In his article, Holland mentioned another name and it’s a back U-M offered back in April, Quandarius Smith. Here’s what Smith said to Wolverine Digest about his offer:

“I really didn’t think they were going to offer me. I was so excited they did with it being my first offer. It was really a blessing.”

Smith doesn’t even have a 247 sports recruiting profile, but got a Michigan offer after rushing for more than 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. He’s starting to gain more traction and Holland indicated he’s a legit target for the staff.

At this point, the best hope is to land Edwards, then finding a second back becomes more a preference than a priority.