Michigan Football: Top D-line target commits to Tennessee

At one time, Jordan Phillips was projected to Michigan football but on Thursday he pledged his commitment to Tennessee.

Michigan Football received bad news on Thursday afternoon when defensive lineman Jordan Phillips committed to Tennessee.

Former linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary discovered Phillips through a connection to Phillips’ high school coach. Michigan football was one of the first major offers that Phillips received and the Wolverines were thought to be Phillips’ leader.

However, when Michigan changed over its defensive staff, Jean-Mary was let go and landed at Tennessee. He continued recruiting Phillips, only this time to join him in Knoxville. Phillips took two visits to Tennessee in June, including his official visit last weekend. From there, Phillips began trending to Tennessee with the Volunteers landing his commitment.

What it means for Michigan football

While Phillips is currently ranked as a three-star, I think this is a big loss for Michigan because I see Phillips earning his fourth star soon and moving up a ton in the rankings.

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Judging by his offer list over the last few months, many schools agree as well. Since May, he picked up offers from Mississippi State, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Georgia, Penn State, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Florida.

Many of those schools along with Michigan will continue to recruit Phillips with Tennessee expected to have a rough season. Head coach Josh Heupel will be in his first season at the helm and the Volunteers suffered a mass exodus of transfers this offseason.

If the Volunteers do falter on the field, Michigan must hold up its end of the bargain and put a strong product on the field to have a chance to flip Phillips.

If the Wolverines prove unsuccessful in flipping Phillips, the cupboard is not bare on the defensive line board. Other targets include Michigan leans four-star Deone Walker and three-star Hayden Schwartz, three-star Kenneth Grant, and of course five-star Walter Nolen. The Wolverines already have a pledge from three-star Davonte Miles.