Michigan Football Recruiting: Wolverines pursuing more elite targets

Zaquan Patterson

Patterson, a top 100 safety out of Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Florida has been hearing from Michigan football all cycle long. He’s been high on the priority list for the Wolverines all cycle long. Recently, however, the Wolverines have really been making progress with Patterson.

Patterson is teammates with 2025 elite defensive back commit Chris Ewald Jr, and Ewald has been putting in work recruiting his teammate. The two visited together in April, and Michigan football has been steadily rising ever since.

Miami is considered the favorite in this recruitment, but I believe if Patterson does not choose Miami, he will choose Michigan. This is a kid that nobody thought Michigan would have a real shot at, yet they do.

Patterson does not appear to be in a hurry to make a decision, and that’s a positive for the Wolverines. The Wolverines have one big advantage that Miami does not have — a dominant defense. Michigan’s defense will be one of the best in the country this season. Miami’s will not. Seeing the excellent safety room that Michigan has in action should be a huge positive for Patterson.

While it’s tough to predict a kid picking against his hometown team, I really think that Patterson is a Michigan man. Especially with Ewald heavily recruiting him every day, it seems like a perfect storm for Michigan. If the Wolverines can overcome Miami, they’ll get one of the best safeties in the nation to commit.

Conclusion

The Wolverines are in an excellent spot right now. Probably the best spot (recruiting-wise) they’ve been in since landing #1 overall recruit Rashan Gary in 2016. Maybe even better.

With many of their top targets already committed, the staff has been able to pursue recruits nobody would’ve imagined Michigan football would have a chance with.

With three top 100 players already committed, and the possibility that some of Michigan’s current commits will move up to top 100 rankings, the Wolverines are doing exactly what they need to do to continue competing for national championships.

The Wolverines are not done adding top-100 players either. I expect them to land at least 1-2 more, possibly upwards of five as the season progresses. This is looking to be a very special class and a great time for Michigan football.

Go Blue!