Michigan Football: Wolverines a big factor with No.1 DT in 2022
Michigan football has needed to improve its defensive line recruiting and the Wolverines are in the mix for a pair of elite big guys in 2022 and 2023.
Michigan football‘s recruitment of Walter Nolen, the top-ranked defensive tackle in the 2022 recruiting class has been well documented.
Nolen is actually set to take a self-guided visit to Ann Arbor this weekend and it’s clear that the efforts of the Wolverines are starting to pay off.
New assistant coach Ron Bellamy has made a solid impact on the recruiting trail. He was essential in the commitment of Will Johnson and Bellamy has played a big role in Nolen’s recruitment too.
EJ Holland of Rivals breaks all that down and you can get more info about where things stand with Nolen.
Inside Michigan's push for Walter Nolen (@WalterNolen4) ‼️
— "EJ Holland" (@EJHollandOn3) March 21, 2021
The five-star DT talks upcoming visit, relationship with Ron Bellamy and his respect for top commit @Willj1228. Plus, intel from me on where the Wolverines stand #GoBlue. https://t.co/kISmnGIslK pic.twitter.com/gDdUTtC3NN
It’s pretty clear that Michigan football is right there with Nolen, a 6-foot-4, 300-pound prospect out of Cordova, Tennessee.
While Michigan did really well to land Rayshaun Benny and George Rooks to close out the 2021 recruiting class, as well as getting Chris Hinton and Mazi Smith in 2019, it’s been a few years since the Wolverines have landed a truly elite defensive lineman.
Nolen would certainly fit the bill and he’s just one elite D-lineman that seems to have at least an interest in the Wolverines.
Michigan football makes top 11 for No. 2 recruit in 2023
While Michigan might even be considered the leader or at least, among the leaders for Nolen, it is among a large group of teams fighting for the commitment of Peter Woods, the No. 2 overall recruit in the class of 2023.
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Woods is 6-foot-4, 250 pounds and he’s from the state of Alabama, which is going to make him a tough pull for the Wolverines. Yet, they did crack his top 11 which was released over the weekend.
Nolen may be more of the interior presence the Wolverines have needed but Woods is an elite edge rusher and he could be a dominant performer in any scheme.
All the big names such as LSU, Auburn, Texas A&M, Florida State, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, USC, South Carolina, and Clemson are among the finalists, so it’s going to be an uphill climb, but the new staff has strong NFL ties and you never know, that could appeal to a prospect like Woods.
At the end of the day though, he seems likely headed to Alabama. Still, the Wolverines are gaining traction with some elite prospects, and hopefully, with Nolen at least, they can close.