Michigan Football: Some updates on 2023 O-line, WR recruiting

Michigan football will start the 2022 season in just eight days and here’s a look at some 2023 recruits who could be on campus this fall. 

At one point this summer, offensive line recruiting seemed like a major concern for the Michigan football program.

But then, the Wolverines were able to close on a pair of four-star commitments and it completely changed the outlook of the class at the position.

In-state offensive lineman Amir Herring was the first to commit. Michigan football had been in on his recruitment for a long time but Nebraska was starting to make some inroads and there were thoughts that the Wolverines had cooled on Herring.

But Sherrone Moore made a strong push on his official visit and got him locked in with a commitment in July. Then, at the start of August, Moore landed another four-star recruit and this was Evan Link, an offensive tackle with huge upside that was once a Penn State lean.

Link visited for the recruiting BBQ and basically committed on the spot. It was a nice boost in momentum, but since then, things have cooled a bit in general with recruiting as the focus has shifted towards the season for college and high school teams.

The Wolverines still have plenty of irons in the fire though in the 2023 class. Much of the focus has been on 2024 and namely, Jadyn Davis (we get it) but Chris Peal is a name we’ve been watching closely at cornerback. He’s expected to visit this fall and the top-200 corner would be huge, especially considering the Wolverines don’t have a commitment at that spot.

Offensive line and wide receiver update for 2023

While the offensive line has two commitments right now, the Wolverines are still looking for more and need another tackle or two at least.

One name that emerged late in the summer was three-star Nick Fattig, who is currently committed to Texas Tech. He said he was going to take an official visit to Michigan football when he was offered and told Brice Marich of The Michigan Insider that’s still the plan.

Fattig is ranked 468th overall in the 2023 class in the 247 sports composite rankings but is a four-star in 247 sports own rankings. He’s 6-foot-4, 275 pounds, and would be interesting because he seems like he could play tackle or guard down the road.

If Michigan isn’t able to win over Fattig, another offensive lineman to watch in the 2023 class is three-star tackle Jordan Hall from Ohio. Hall is 6-foot-8, 320 pounds, and out of Columbus. He’s got Big Ten offers but not from Ohio State. Michigan and Penn State are the two biggest names that have shown interest.

Penn State actually offered back in May. Michigan hasn’t yet and looks like it might be waiting to see how Hall plays this fall. But Illinois, Michigan, and Penn State are the three in the mix according to a report from 247 sports.

“Illinois and Michigan,” Hall said about the programs he’s in contact with. “They just said just keep working. Just keep working.”

Also in the 2023 class, as Michigan football looks to add another receiver or two, Jaren Hamilton is a three-star wideout ranked No. 502 overall of the 247 sports composite rankings and he’s expected to visit in October according to Brice Marich.

Hamilton is 6-foot-1, 188 pounds and recently took an unofficial visit to Alabama. Florida is also in the mix along with Tennessee. But if Hamilton visits for a game this fall, that would give Michigan the chance to make a positive impression and it could come down to how hard Alabama pushes.