Michigan Football: Feeling bullish about 2022 D-line recruiting

Michigan football is in a really good spot with a number of defensive line targets and here’s a breakdown of some key D-line recruits in 2022.

This recruiting class and the one in 2021, were different than any other recruiting class due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But with visits opening up, the recruiting calendar will have a more normal feel this summer, which should be a busy time for Michigan football.

During the 2020 and 2021 recruiting cycles, Michigan football did most of its work in the spring and summer. Obviously, there are a few late commitments in every class, and last year, Michigan actually had three in the late-signing period, but decisions are made earlier and earlier.

Now, with recruits being able to take visits in June, we should see a bunch of commitments over the summer as many players prefer to wrap things up before their senior seasons.

It means the next few months will be huge in recruiting and for Michigan in particular, June could be a chance to lock up some key recruits, especially on the defensive line.

Where Michigan football stands with key D-line targets

The Wolverines continue to make a strong push with five-star defensive tackle Walter Nolen and U-M has secured an official visit with the No. 2 player in the 2022 class according to the 247 sports composite rankings and the No. 1 DT.

Nolen visited Alabama’s spring game over the weekend and is also scheduled to take an official visit to Florida, but Michigan has him coming during its big weekend on June 18 and U-M is still considered a leading contender.

But even if the Wolverines aren’t able to land Nolen, which is still the kind of thing you will believe when you see it, they have the chance to build a really solid D-line class in 2022.

Deone Walker, an in-state recruit who has been moving up in the rankings, is a guy that I would say Michigan probably leads with right now, and his friend four-star defensive end Mario Eugenio is another. Walker and Eugenio are tight and they could pair up with the Wolverines.

Another name you absolutely need to pay attention to is that of four-star defensive end Justice Finkley. At 6-foot-2, 255 pounds, and ranked as the No. 127 overall recruit in 2022, he’s a beast from the state of Alabama and would be a huge addition.

When you watch him play, he just looks strong as an ox. He plays a lot of five-technique and routinely holds his own against double teams, while also showing pass-rush ability from the interior and the edge.

Here Finkley discusses his connection to the Michigan staff with the Michigan Insider:

Finkley is ranked as the No. 7 strong-side end in the 247 composite rankings and with Michigan moving over to an odd/multiple front, he would be a perfect fit.

And while I love his pass-rush ability, it’s his ability to stonewall people in the run game that makes me think he could be an early contributor for Michigan if he does end up committing.

Again, Finkley will be a tough pull from the south. But he has an official visit set, as does three-star defensive tackle Hayden Schwartz and 2022 DT Jordan Phillips. Joshua Josephs is another exciting edge rusher who is visiting in June too.

Three-star defensive tackle Davonte Miles is already committed in 2022. And when you look at the names above and keep in mind U-M is near or at the top of the list for each, as well as with Joe Strickland, a four-star DE visiting in June, it’s easy to feel bullish about where D-line recruiting is headed.