4-star EDGE, transfer LB highlight Early Signing Day for Michigan football

Early National Signing Day has had a bit of a different feel for Michigan football. The Wolverines aren't announcing signees on the official social media accounts. We also won't hear from head coach Jim Harbaugh.

It feels like this is something Michigan football is doing as a self-imposed penalty. Who knows, but regardless of the silence, it's been a good day for the Wolverines.

There haven't been any surprises in terms of the 2024 commitments. Jadyn Davis, Jordan Marshall, Andrew Sprague, and most of the other big names have all signed with the Wolverines up to this point. Some others are holding signing ceremonies later, but it seems like everyone will sign as expected.

Beyond that, Michigan football added to the 2024 class on Wednesday with the commitment of four-star EDGE Lugard Edokpayi. The Wolverines also made another addition, which will technically be part of the 2024 class and that's transfer linebacker Jaishawn Barham of Maryland.

Barham is a three-star linebacker according to 247 Sports in the transfer portal. Edokpayi is ranked No. 222 overall according to the 247 Sports composite rankings. The 6-foot-6 pass rusher is a late riser and here are some thoughts on two big additions for Michigan football on Early National Signing Day.

What Michigan football is getting in Lugard Edokpayi

Edokpayi is a guy with tremendous upside, which is why he's a perfect fit for Michigan football. This is the kind of player who can produce at a five-star level in a few years after some time with Ben Herbert, as well as Mike Elston.

Twice in games over the past season, Edokpayi notched three sacks in a game. He's the highest-ranked EDGE commitment for the Wolverines but joins fellow four-star Devon Baxter, as well as Dominic Nichols.

It's a great haul. For the second year in a row, the Wolverines knocked it out of the park in terms of EDGE commitments. None of these guys are going to come in and play right away. This is about development and the Wolverines got another exciting prospect on Wednesday.

Thoughts on Jaishawn Barham

Barham is an exciting addition for Michigan football. He's been productive over the past two seasons with 95 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and seven sacks for Maryland. It's going to be interesting to see where he plays. Barham has the size to be an EDGE or linebacker. He's 6-foot-3, 230 pounds. He could also play some hybrid between both spots, but given the ability of Junior Colson and Michael Barrett to make plays in the backfield, Barham will fit in just fine.

He's ranked as the No. 10 transfer linebacker right now but was the No. 149 overall prospect in the 247 Sports composite rankings as a high school recruit. Michigan football hit a home run in the previous transfer portal cycle and is off to a good start with Barham on Wednesday.