Michigan Football: Breaking down commitment of Roderick Pierce in 2023

Michigan football landed a commitment from three-star defensive tackle Roderick Pierce on Wednesday and here’s a look at what it means for the Wolverines. 

The 2023 recruiting class for Michigan football isn’t what some people might have expected after two Big Ten championships and two consecutive trips to the College Football Playoff.

But the Wolverines 2023 class has a lot of underrated pieces and Michigan football is hoping it added another in Roderick Pierce, who committed to the Wolverines on Wednesday night.

Pierce is ranked 549th overall in the 2023 recruiting class according to the 247 sports composite rankings and is another commitment out of Illinois. He’s 6-foot-3, 290 pounds out of Oak Lawn, Illinois, and is a former Wisconsin Badgers commitment.

The main competition at the end wound up being Illinois, the in-state program for Pierce, along with Texas. But Jim Harbaugh visited his school this week and the Wolverines, who hosted him for an official visit, locked up his commitment once and for all.

Reacting to Roderick Pierce’s commitment

You can already hear some Michigan football fans complain about Pierce’s ranking. However, let’s not forget that Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham — who Jim Harbaugh called a gift from the football gods — were also three stars when they committed to Michigan.

Both played beyond that level this season and it just goes to show that Michigan knows how to evaluate talent.

It’s hard to say Pierce will have that sort of impact, but the reaction has been really positive and like many of Michigan’s commitments, it feels like his best football is ahead of him.

Pierce is lower on the list of Michigan football commitments in terms of ranking. Michigan has 19 verbal pledges now and Pierce is 13th in terms of rankings. Yet, Steve Lorenz of The Michigan Insider said Pierce was one of his favorite commitments.

It’s also good timing since George Rooks just announced he is leaving via the transfer portal. Pierce can add some depth as a second defensive tackle in the class. He might also be able to help the Wolverines get Jamel Howard, a three-star nose tackle also formerly committed to Wisconsin.

Either way, he’s a kid with a high ceiling, at least according to Allen Trieu of 247 sports:

"“Well-built, put-together prospect who does not carry any unnecessary weight. Shows quickness off the snap. Plays with a great motor. Shows solid agility for a big man but can still keep working in that area. Frame may not support lots more weight but there is still some room for growth. Can take on blocks and stop the run. Well coached and plays with good technique and pad level. Very college ready in terms of his build and approach. Very high floor type of prospect who looks like a safe bet to be a Power Five starter. Can play either nose or three-tech.”"

It also adds a talented player at a key position. Stars matter, but the stars aren’t always right either. Pierce is a talented player and with Mike Elston developing him he’s got a bright future, as does the rest of the 2023 class, which will prove to be better than people think.