Michigan Football: 3 thoughts on commitment of 4-star DT George Rooks

George Rooks took a long time to make his decision but on Wednesday, it was worth the wait as he committed to Michigan football.

The commitment is huge for the Wolverines as it addresses the biggest need remaining in the 2021 recruiting class for U-M, which is at defensive tackle as no true defensive tackle signed during the early period.

Rooks is also a big-time get since he’s ranked 259th overall in the 2021 class and 18th among defensive tackles at 6-foot-4, 260 pounds.

Of course, you could make the case that Rooks isn’t a true defensive tackle either, but he’s a talented big man with pass-rush ability and in a 4-3 scheme he would be a defensive tackle.

Regardless of where he plays, Rooks is a huge addition to the 2021 class just a week before signing day and here are three thoughts on his commitment.

This was all about Shaun Nua

Rooks’ recruitment was one of the most interesting in this cycle. Boston College and Penn State were both viewed as the favorite, along with Michigan at one time. However, according to Sam Webb of the Michigan Insider, it was the return of Shaun Nua that sealed the deal. Here’s what Webb said about Rooks and his decision:

"“Once he got word that Shaun Nua was gonna stay… if there was a clincher in this, I think it was that. I just think that the connection was strong there. I think (Rooks) believes in Shaun’s ability to grow him and grow his game… and really, to grow his game in this scheme.”"

Nua has gotten a lot of criticism for his work on the recruiting trail and the addition of Rooks is a big get because he, more than anyone else, was responsible. Now, we will see if it leads to anything else with a recruit like Rayshuan Benny or in 2022.

Rooks’ versatility is a blessing

Rooks may not be the 300-pound defensive tackle many Michigan football fans want, but he’s a really solid addition and will fit in a 3-4 or 4-3 front.

In a four-man front, he makes more sense as a defensive tackle.  But either way, after getting eight sacks as a senior in high school, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him rushing as an interior defensive tackle even if he’s a defensive end in a 3-4 base defense.

Rooks will definitely have room to grow and he could be a hybrid player up front like Carlo Kemp, however, he has upside as a pass rusher and getting pass rush from the defensive tackle position (nickel situations) isn’t something that’s happened consistently since Maurice Hurst.

A big recruiting victory

I’m not saying that Michigan football shouldn’t still try to land Rayshaun Benny or  Ikechukwu Iwunnah, because I think two defensive tackles would be better than one, especially Benny, who could be a 3-4 nose tackle down the line.

But the Wolverines at least landed a talented, big body up front and Rooks addition is no small thing. He’s ranked third-highest among Michigan defenders in the 2021 class, with only Junior Colson and Jaydon Hood ranking higher in the 247 sports composite rankings.

Making it even sweeter is the fact that Michigan football was able to land another solid prospect in New Jersey and beat conference rival Penn State out for his commitment.

Not long ago, it seemed like the Nittany Lions were going to win out and now, Rooks is committed to the Wolverines. Regardless of what happens the rest of the 2021 cycle, that’s a win.