Michigan Football: Wolverines land intriguing 2021 RB Tavierre Dunlap

Michigan football adds a three-star running back to its 2021 class in running back Tavierre Dunlap.

Michigan football has finally added a running back to its 2021 recruiting class, it’s just not the running back some fans are hoping for.

But all the same, three-star running back Tavierre Dunlap, who announced his commitment to the Wolverines Saturday night, is going to be a really good player for Michigan football and if four-star running back Donovan Edwards does commit, he will be an ideal back to pair with him.

And with the decommitment of wide receiver Markus Allen earlier this week, the announcement of Dunlap was welcome news for Michigan football fans.

While Dunlap is ranked as a three-star recruit in the 247 sports composite rankings, as No. 374 overall, he’s also No. 22 among running backs. He’s 6-foot, 195-pounds and last season he averaged nearly 10 yards per rush. He also had 20 receptions for 208 yards.

Dunlap, who is an explosive, one-cut runner is ranked as a four-star prospect by 247 sports and he’s No. 14 among running backs, as well as No. 220 overall.

And his offer list was also impressive. Michigan beat out Oklahoma State, USC, Utah, Notre Dame and a number of others for his services. Here’s part of the scouting report from 247:

"“Power Five running back at his best getting north-south or in one-cut situations with juice to hit the long ball. Projects to the high-major level with multi-year starter potential and ceiling beyond college.”"

In terms of the 2021 recruiting class, it gives the Wolverines some much-needed momentum and their first commitment since Andrel Anthony last month.

Looking to the current roster for comparisons, I’d say Hassan Haskins are the best player comp on the roster. Dunlap is a powerful runner and he’s decisive which will fit perfectly in Ann Arbor, especially with Edwards. Here’s something his coach told EJ Holland ($) about Dunlap’s potential.

"“I think the dude (Tavierre) has an extremely high ceiling, and he’s not near it. He’s a big kid at 6-foot-1, 208 pounds, but he has small back skills as well. I think he’s just scratching the surface of what he’s capable of"

And while it’s always easy to say a guy is underrated, I’ve been pounding the table for Dunlap for a long time. He’s an underrated prospect and even a better receiver than people realize.

In the big picture, it sets the table for Michigan to close with its top three remaining targets, which are Edwards, Rayshaun Benny and George Rooks, while also trying to add another receiver, offensive tackle or defensive back.