Michigan Football: DT target delays decision, here’s what it means

One of Michigan football’s 2022 targets at defensive tackle was set to decide on Saturday but now has pushed that decision back. Here’s our read on the situation.

It was hard to get a read on what was going to happen with 2022 defensive tackle target Tawfiq Thomas, who was set to announce his commitment on Saturday.

Thomas recently released a top four list and Michigan football was included as well as South Florida, Arkansas, and Kansas.

Leading up to the decision, there was just one expert projection between Rivals and 247 sports and that was from EJ Holland of Rivals, who covers Michigan football recruiting.

Holland has stuck with his pick but on Saturday, Thomas pushed off his decision and didn’t specify a new date.

Thomas would certainly fill the need at defensive tackle, especially as a nose tackle since he’s 6-foot-3, 360 pounds. He’s a three-star recruit according to Rivals and 247 sports, although Rivals has him ranked much higher. In the composite, he’s ranked 1,039 in 2022 and is the teammate of four-star commit Mario Eugenio.

Eugenio tweeted there he had good news for Michigan football fans a few weeks ago and some thought it was referring to Thomas, his teammate.

Holland put in a projection for the Wolverines at the same time. This delay doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t choose Michigan football.

Thomas hasn’t visited Ann Arbor yet, taking part in just a virtual tour with the staff. This will give Thomas a chance to visit the campus and also give the staff a chance to see him in person, assuming he takes a visit. He also hasn’t been to Arkansas, another one of his finalists.

Kansas is the one school that he has visited in his final four, although he recently talked about his wish to play in the SEC, so the Razorbacks could be a real threat.

There continues to be a lot of moving parts with defensive tackle recruiting in 2022. Walter Nolen is still on the board and is expected to visit once or maybe even twice during the season. Kenneth Grant, Isaiah Hastings, Deone Walker are also priorities.

The Wolverines have been after Walker, a top in-state recruit, and Grant, a massive prospect out of Indiana who is vastly underrated.

The Wolverines probably need to secure at least three of those guys and they would likely have room for four if that’s what they want. Keep an eye on Thomas though. He seems like he would commit to Michigan if the staff really makes a push for him.