Michigan Football: 10 recruits Wolverines need to add in 2022

Recruiting is about to pick up and with that in mind, here are 10 2022 recruits Michigan football needs to add to its recruiting class. 

After a prolonged dead period thanks to Covid-19, recruiting is set to pick up in a big way. While recruits were allowed to take self-guided tours to campuses, they were unable to have face-to-face interaction with coaches or get the full experience of an official visit. That changes on June 1st when the NCAA will be lifting the dead period.

With prospects across the country making their official visit plans, many schools including Michigan will be looking to pick up momentum for their 2022 class.

Michigan football is off to a solid start thus far with seven commits and ranking 20th nationally according to 247sports. In-state five-star CB Will Johnson leads the way both in terms of star power and as a vocal recruiter getting other top prospects to join him.

Michigan football finds itself in a good position to add more elite talent to the fold and these are 10 recruits Michigan needs in its class.

DL Walter Nolen (Cordova, TN/St. Benedict at Auburndale HS)

If you have watched Michigan’s defensive line in recent seasons, then you know they need some help, particularly on the interior. That will be a big theme with this list. Walter Nolen is ranked as the No. 2 player in the country and top-ranked DL.

At 6’4 300 lbs, guys that move like Nolen usually go on to make a lot of money on Sundays. Nolen would fit as an end in Michigan’s base 3-4 defense and slide inside to 3-tech in pass-rushing situations.

Being from the South Nolen will not be an easy pull, particularly with Alabama, Georgia, Florida, LSU, and OSU among his top schools.

However, the Wolverines already have a few positives going for them in Nolen’s recruitment. Nolen has already been to Ann Arbor on his own dime with his family for a dead period visit.

Michigan will get Nolen back on campus for an official visit June 18-20. Nolen’s childhood friend 4-star ATH Kody Jones is already committed to the Wolverines and Will Johnson has been in Nolen’s ear as well.

Michigan safeties coach Ron Bellamy has a connection to Nolen’s HS coach. Additionally, he also has family in the Detroit area. Nolen’s father spoke about the family connection to Sam Webb of the Michigan Insider ($).

If Michigan football impresses on Nolen’s official visit and ultimately lands his signature, it will be a massive commitment. Nolen would be a year-one contributor for the Wolverines.