Michigan Football: Rocco Spindler talks timeline, new 2021 DT to watch

Top Michigan football target Rocco Spindler clarified something about his commitment. Here’s more on that and other things from the recruiting trail.

For a brief moment Thursday, Michigan football fans were wondering if one of the Wolverines top targets in 2021, Rocco Spindler, was actually going to commit this weekend.

Of course, it didn’t seem likely because he has maintained all along that he wants to take his visits. He also hasn’t been in a rush to decide his recruitment, which seems to be led by Michigan football and also Notre Dame.

Spindler, who is one of the top prospects in the state, ranks third in the state of Michigan in the 247 composite rankings for the 2021 class and 44th overall. He’s also third among guards.

With those rankings and the fact that Michigan is fighting Notre Dame for him, any news on Spindler is big news and the Oakland Press reported that Spindler was going to commit this weekend. It’s possible the reporter may have been confused with fellow four-star offensive lineman, Garrett Dellinger, who is set to commit June 24, but either way, Spindler took to Twitter to clear up any misunderstandings.

It’s been pretty clear that Spindler’s recruitment is down to Michigan and Notre Dame, but he has always wanted to take his time during the process. LSU seems to be gaining momentum and is the favorite for Dellinger, his high school teammate, so don’t count them out or Ohio State.

But don’t expect an announcement anytime soon. Either way, the Wolverines are keeping the pressure on, as Spindler told The Michigan Insider ($) he talks to Michigan daily.

Michigan football has strong interest in 2021 DT

On the other side of the ball, EJ Holland of Rivals ($) is reporting that Michigan football wants to add three-star defensive tackle Dorien Ford to the 2021 class. 247 sports also reported ($) that Ford is hearing from the Wolverines.

While the Wolverines appear to be the leader with four-star defensive tackle George Rooks, he may end up being more of a five-technique or a defensive end. Ford, on the other hand, is 6-foot-4 and 290 pounds, which is exactly the kind of big body U-M needs in the middle of the defense.

Ford is ranked 425th nationally according to the 247 sports composite rankings and 25th among defensive tackles. It will be interesting to see what kind of push the Wolverines make, with Pittsburgh and Penn State as the other top contenders.

Rooks and Rayshaun Benny could be the top targets at defensive tackle, but Ford is another name to watch and as far as a run-stuffing DT, it’s not surprising that Michigan would take him.