Michigan Football: 5 Thoughts on past week in Wolverines recruiting

It’s another weekly Michigan football recruiting roundup, as we go through our top observations from the week, with news and analysis.

While there was plenty that happened this week on the recruiting trail for Michigan football, the biggest news is something that didn’t happen and that’s the commitment of George Rooks.

Rooks is a four-star defensive lineman and has long been a top priority for Michigan football in the 2021 class. He was expected to decide by Friday, before his high school team opened its 2020 season. Yet, Rooks wasn’t ready to make a call and will now wait until December.

Breaking down that is where we start this week’s recap and analysis:

What Rooks’ timeline means for Michigan

For the Wolverines, this could be interpreted multiple ways. Michigan may have had the crystal ball advantage, as well as the edge in Futurecast picks from Rivals, but the latest was that Penn State was in a slight lead, so a delay could actually be good for U-M.

Rooks took self-guided visits to both Michigan and Penn State. Pittsburgh and Boston College are in the mix too, but I think this is a Michigan-Penn State battle.

The Wolverines still have a good shot here and as I wrote Saturday, I think their chances are only improving with four-star defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny. But the defensive tackle board will likely need to expand.

Like corner, I don’t see Michigan taking just one player at that position, so watch out for some new targets at defensive tackle, although Anthony Hundley, an LSU commit, is another one to monitor. Michigan has been recruiting him and could make a stronger push.

Now, for some other key thoughts on the week, let’s start with 2021 corner recruiting.