Michigan Football: 15 targets on 2022 defensive wish list

Linebackers

Shawn Murphy, 4-star LB

If you are going to have a wish list, it might as well include the No. 1 inside linebacker and the No. 3 overall player in the country, which is Shawn Murphy out of Virginia. All the big names are going to be in on this one, but he does hold a Michigan offer.

Joshua Burnham, 4-star LB 

The state of Michigan had a lot of talent in the 2021 class and 2022 isn’t looking bad either. One of the top in-state prospects is outside linebacker Joshua Burnham out of Traverse City. He’s 6-foot-3, 205 pounds and offers a lot of versatility in terms of playing different linebacker spots. He grew up as a Michigan fan and the Wolverines own all five of his crystal ball projections, each with a confidence rating of six or higher.

Michael Williams, 4-star LB

Another player Michigan should have a good shot at landing is Michael Williams, another talented recruit out of West Bloomfield. He’s ranked 220th overall by 247 sports and 18th among outside linebackers. He’s someone you could see playing the will or sam positions. The possibility of Williams and Burnham is real.

Gabe Powers, 4-star LB

Another player to watch at outside linebacker for Michigan football in 2022 is Gabe Powers. He’s ranked 43rd overall in the class and is 6-foot-4, 220 pounds already. Ohio State has been pushing for him, as has Notre Dame, along with plenty of others. The Buckeyes own all of his crystal ball picks, so it would take a lot of work.