Michigan Football: Top 5 priorities left in 2022 recruiting class
No. 3: 3-star EDGE Joshua Josephs
I probably sound like a broken record when talking about Michigan football commitments/targets who are underrated, but three-star EDGE rusher Joshua Josephs is among them.
At some point, I do think Josephs will get a bump in the rankings and have a shot at becoming a four-star in the composite. According to the 247 rankings, he’s already a four-star recruit and ranks as the 15th-best EDGE prospect in the 2022 class. He’s 29th at that spot in the composite.
Josephs is expected to announce his commitment on Oct. 1 and following the release of a top-three earlier this week, it’s safe to assume Michigan is the leader.
The Peach State prospect basically said as much in multiple interviews this week, however, there is a caveat: Michigan needs to win.
“Michigan is up there... I love everything about it."
— "EJ Holland" (@EJHollandOn3) August 25, 2021
Top edge rusher target Joshua Josephs (@joshuajosephs2) talks U-M, bonds with @CoachRyanOsborn & @CoachD_Roney, getting back to A2 to watch the Wolverines 'whoop on' Washington and more #GoBlue. https://t.co/BqMBXXLYUJ pic.twitter.com/OIhupMYgy1
These recruits don’t just care about joining a winning program, but they do care about having some stability. There was a ton of staff turnover after the 2020 season and another year like that could mean the end of Jim Harbaugh at Michigan.
A strong start could squash that like a bug and Josephs, who is visiting on the weekend of the Washington game, would probably pledge. He’s also considering Kentucky and Tennessee, but the Wolverines, who love this kid, are my pick for the time being.
And with the emphasis, Mike Macdonald and the defensive staff have placed on Josephs, it’s why he ranks as such a big priority.