Michigan Football: 10 recruits Wolverines need to add in 2022
By Alex Hinton
DL Anthony Lucas (Scottsdale, AZ/Chaparral HS)
The recruitment of Anthony Lucas has been quiet but he has been a top priority for Michigan’s staff for quite some time now. He took a trip to Ann Arbor last February and he has a relationship with Michigan DL Coach Shaun Nua that dates back to his time at Arizona State.
Like Nolen, Lucas is another big body (6’5 280 lbs) that has the quickness, athleticism, and versatility to play all over the defensive. He ranks as a four-star, 119th overall, and the No. 17 DL on 247’s composite ranking, however, 247’s own rankings have him 27th and the No. 3 DL in the country.
That is much closer to how I view him, as Lucas is definitely a top 50 player to me. Lucas recently included the Wolverines in his top 10 list along with Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, Notre Dame, Oregon, Texas, Texas A&M, UCLA, and USC. While he hasn’t set an official visit to Michigan yet, Brandon Huffman of 247 Sports ($) believes the Wolverines will have a chance in this race.
DL Jordan Phillips (Ocoee, FL/Ocoee)
Jordan Phillips is ranked as a three star and has flown under the radar because he hasn’t hit the camp circuit. While he does not have the gaudy rankings that Nolen or Lucas do, if you watched his film, you would not be able to tell that he is much ranked lower than them. Phillips is just 16 years, but he stands 6’4 296 lbs that he carries like and moves someone 30 pounds lighter. Michigan football is also his leader with two crystal ball predictions in its favor.
What makes his’ potential commitment to Michigan of the utmost importance is his potential role in their defense.
If new defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald is going to successfully implement his 3-4 scheme, he is going to need a nose tackle in the middle.
Michigan recently picked up a grad transfer commitment from DT Jordan Whittley, however, 2021 will be his only remaining year of eligibility. Of the other defensive DTs on the roster, Mazi Smith is really the only other one that has the frame to play nose tackle. It is easy to see Phillips getting up to 330 lbs or so after some time in Michigan’s strength and conditioning program. Having a mammoth nose tackle to eat up double teams will life a lot easier for Michigan’s LBs and allow them to make plays.
Additionally, if Michigan football is able to land Nolen and Lucas as well, the Wolverines can trot out three athletic and disruptive 6’4 300+ pounders in their base defense. That can set the foundation for the kind of defensive line that Michigan needs to beat Ohio State.