Michigan Football: 4-star DE offered after Florida State decommitment

Florida State lost a commitment from 2022 defensive end, Nyjalik Kelly, on Tuesday, and Michigan football quickly pounced with an offer. 

You never know when an opportunity is going to present itself in recruiting and Michigan football is taking advantage of the fact that a highly-ranked defensive end in 2022 is re-opening his recruitment.

Four-star recruit Nyjalik Kelly is out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and was committed to Florida State until on Tuesday, when he told the Seminoles he was opening things up.

For Michigan football, it didn’t take long to jump into the mix as the Wolverines offered the 6-foot-4, 235-pound prospect on Wednesday. Kelly is a strong-side end and ranked 11th at his position according to the 247 sports composite rankings and 215th overall in the 2022 class.

However, Kelly actually ranks much higher according to 247 sports own rankings for the class of 2022. In those rankings, the Florida prospect is ranked 101st overall, sixth at strong-side end, and 12th among the state of Florida.

Here’s a look at this scouting report from Andrew Ivins of 247 sports:

"“Lined up primarily as a five-technique junior year of high school. Also stood up every now and then. Ended up totaling 13 sacks in just six games. Initial burst suggests that he can be a multi-year contributor for a Power 5 program and possibly an all-conference type of player. Could be used in a variety of different ways along the defensive line. Ceiling might ultimately be the highest as an inside rusher.”"

When you watch his highlights and read his scouting report, he sounds like a perfect fit for Michigan football’s new defensive scheme under Mike Macdonald.

The Wolverines are going to need guys who can play that five-technique spot and you need a different kind of body. Guys have to be big and long. Kelly should get up to 270 pounds or more, so that shouldn’t be a problem and he’s already 6-foot-4.

On top of that, he’s already playing in the role he likely would for Michigan football. He does have some pass-rush ability, particularly when it comes to winning on the inside.

What are Michigan’s chances?

It’s hard to say but with the way Michigan offered so quickly, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Wolverines made a strong push here.

Michigan has done well recruiting in Florida over the past few cycles and George Helow knows the state well too.

Just in the last month before he pulled his commitment from Florida State, Texas, Oregon, and South Carolina all offered, so a number of programs might be getting in the mix.

Yet, this is a recruitment to watch just due to the talent and fit of Kelly at Michigan.