Michigan Football: Key takeaways on Wolverines recruiting this week

Rooks decision is coming down this week

As far as the 2021 recruiting class is concerned, Michigan football has 20 total commitments and a few priority targets remaining. One of them is defensive tackle/defensive end George Rooks.

Rooks is rated as a four-star prospect by 247 sports and Rivals and in the 247 composite rankings, he checks in at No. 195, as well as the No. 15 defensive tackle. Rivals lists him as a defensive end and he could play both for Michigan football.

Rooks confirmed to Brian Dohn of 247 sports ($) that he would be making a decision before the start of his high school season Oct. 2. Michigan and Penn State appear to be the leading contenders along with Boston College and Pittsburgh.

Between Rivals and 247 sports, there are seven expert projections and all of them have him going to Michigan right now. But it’s a 50/50 deal. I think there’s a chance he winds up at Michigan or Penn State. Anything else would be a big surprise.

Holland said ($) he was “cautiously optimistic” and that’s the best way to describe the feeling with Rooks. Either way, there is no doubt that Michigan needs to win this recruitment.

The Wolverines have lost out on some top targets recently such as Rocco Spindler, Drew Kendall and Daymon David. They need a win and they also don’t have any defensive tackle commitments, so it would also fill an important need.