Michigan Football: Wolverines have a shot at flipping 2021 DT
Michigan football got some good news on the recruiting trail earlier this week when defensive lineman George Rooks committed to the Wolverines.
Rooks is a four-star recruit and he’s been a top target of Michigan football dating back to the summer. However, in terms of the need at defensive tackle, the Wolverines still aren’t satisfied and are pushing to flip Colorado commitment Ikechukwu Iwunnah.
Iwunnah was offered by the Wolverines last weekend, just a few days after announcing his commitment to Colorado. Yet, the 6-foot-4, 275 pound defensive tackle is strongly considering Michigan’s offer and told Josh Newkirk of 247 sports he has another “big decision” to make.
VIP -- After receiving his Michigan offer, Colorado 2021 DT commit Ikechukwu Iwunnah has 'another big decision' to consider https://t.co/pfNlpoH8LF @SamWebb77 @TremendousUM @JoshHenschke @BriceMarich @_ZachShaw
— Josh Newkirk (@JoshNewkirk7) January 29, 2021
While Rooks is a really good addition and has the the tools to be a really solid contributor at defensive end (in a 3-4 scheme) or a defensive tackle, he’s not the big 300-pounder that Michigan football fans have been clamoring for.
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Obviously, Rooks is going to put on weight, but to me, his perfect position is playing the five technique in addition to getting some pass-rush reps as a defensive tackle, which is what Rooks essentially said new defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald told him before his pledge.
Getting guys who have the ability to truly play that five technique is important if the Wolverines are going to play with an odd front, which seems likely. However, that kind of scheme also demands big bodies, as in 300-pound defensive tackles.
That’s where Iwunnah comes in, because even though his 247 sports profile list him at 275 pounds, he has room to grow and should easily be able to get up to 300 pounds.
Overall, he’s ranked 1,102 in the 247 sports composite ranking and is a three-star recruit. He’s also the 62nd ranked defensive tackle in the class of 2021, as well as 167th-best player in the state of Texas.
U-M landed Tavierre Dunlap out of Texas earlier this cycle and with Iwunnah saying he has a decision to make, Michigan football appears to have a decent shot at landing another.
After all, guys that are truly committed don’t really have decisions to make do they?