Michigan Football: 10 recruits Wolverines need to add in 2022

EDGE Joshua Josephs (Kennesaw, GA/North Cobb HS)

If the Wolverines have Justice Finkley holding down one standup OLB spot, Josephs will complement well on the other side.

Finkley will likely play in the 265-270 lb range as a big power edge rusher. At 6’3 207 lbs, it is easy to see Josephs playing in the 240 lb while maintaining his athleticism.

Josephs is coveted by the Wolverines because of his ability to get after the QB, play the run, and drop in coverage. Specifically, as a pass rusher, his explosiveness, bend, ability to dip and turn the corner are reminiscent of former Wolverine Josh Uche. Uche was underutilized in Ann Arbor so you would hope that the new staff does not make the same mistake should Josephs commit.

As for his recruitment, Kentucky, Tennessee, Penn State, and Miami are among some of the other schools in consideration. He will be in Ann Arbor for his official visit on June 18th. He claims no leaders and he has not received any crystal ball predictions to this point. He is ranked as the No.16 weakside defensive end according to 247 sports.

DL/OT Deone Walker (Detroit, MI/Cass Tech HS)

Detroit Cass Tech has been very good to Michigan football in recent years, with players like Jourdan Lewis, Donovan Peoples-Jones, and Michael Onwenu coming through the program in recent years. If Deone Walker is the next to continue his career in Ann Arbor, it would be a massive (literally) commitment for the Wolverines.

Walker has the ability to be a high-level defensive lineman or offensive tackle in college. Michigan has needs in both spots so they could take him and figure it out later when he gets to campus.

However, I like him better on the defensive side of the ball. His burst and agility are rare for a prospect 6’6 340 lbs. When I watch him, he reminds me of the interior duo that the Jaguars had in the 2000s in John Henderson and Marcus Stroud. In Michigan’s defense, he could anchor nose tackle or play at end in the 3-4.

Walker has the Wolverines in his top group and he will visit Ann Arbor twice in June. In recruiting, the saying goes “follow the visits” to gauge a prospect’s level of interest in a school. It would appear that Michigan is in a good spot for Walker. He would be the second in-state defensive lineman to commit to the Wolverines along with three-star Davonte Miles.

OT Lucas Heyer (Saint Paul, MN/Hill Murray School)

Lucas Heyer is not only a talented prospect, but he would also fill a big need for the Wolverines. The Wolverines have brought in some talented offensive line recruits in recent cycles, but only two pure tackles (Jeffrey Persi and Tristan Bounds) and one swing tackle (Giovanni El-Hadi).

Michigan is taking its swing at five-stars recruits like Josh Conerly out of Washington. However, Heyer looks like the offensive tackle they have the best chance at the moment as they hold the lead with his crystal ball projections.

Heyer is also considering Nebraska, in-state Minnesota, Northwestern, and Stanford. He has officials set to see Minnesota, Northwestern, and Stanford. He will take his official visit to Michigan on June 18th. Perhaps the Wolverines will wrap his commitment up that weekend.