Michigan Football: 3 Thoughts on two 4-star commitments in 2022

Michigan football added a pair of four-star defensive back commitments to its 2022 recruiting class and here are three thoughts on Taylor Groves and Kody Jones. 

The fireworks continued for Michigan football on the recruiting trail Friday as the Wolverines landed not one, but two four-star defensive backs within a matter of minutes.

After the Wolverines began trending with expert picks for four-star safeties Kody Jones and Taylor Groves, each out of Tennessee, the pair gave Michigan football their verbal commitments on Friday, announcing their decisions on Twitter.

Jones dropped his commitment announcement first.

Then just a few minutes later, Groves announced he was committing to Michigan football too.

While we will get into how this happened — much of the credit goes to Maurice Linguist — let’s first look at what Michigan is getting in a pair of four-star defensive backs.

What U-M is getting in Groves and Jones

In Groves, Michigan is getting a 6-foot-3 athlete that ranks 242nd overall in the 2022 class and has a ton of potential at safety.

He started getting more attention recently and was offered by the Wolverines back on Jan. 27, but the new coaches made a strong connection and it was enough to get him. Here’s what one of his his coaches, Buck Fitzgerald of National Playmakers Academy in Tennessee, told 247 sports about his ability:

"“I hate to say can’t miss, but barring injury can’t miss because he checks every box. He’s over 6-3, 190-pounds and he runs low 4.4, mid 4.4s on a bad day and he has ball skills because of his timing at receiver. He has great ball skills for a DB and he’s smart and he will put his face on people. He’s a violent tackler, he really checks every box to be a guy who will play early and play well and have a shot at the next level after college.”"

Groves is listed as a receiver over at Rivals, so you know he can make plays on the ball. He could also contribute early in his career as a return guy. He’s a fluid athlete but he’s not afraid to hit and after not landing any four-star defensive backs in 2021, he’s a huge addition.

The same can be said for Jones, who is ranked 279th in the 2022 class according to the 247 sports composite rankings and at 5-foot-11, he’s a little different player but very effective.

What I liked about watching Jones was his ability to play safety and corner. You can easily see him in a nickel role. More teams want safeties in that spot, because they offer the best option of run/pass defense and Jones fits that mold perfectly.

Here’s what coach James Williams of Pro Process Academy told 247 sports about Jones:

"“I think he transitions well. When he plays in the slot he has a unique ability to use his feet and hands at a high level and he has ball skills. I think he’s going to be a big help in the return game also.”"

In short, Michigan got two versatile athletes from SEC country who are ranked higher than any defensive backs from 2021. Secondary was a major need and already, it’s getting addressed.