Michigan Football Recruiting: Are Wolverines in Play for Top 100 DL?
With the season rapidly approaching, many recruits are beginning to end their recruitments. One recruit who could be in that boat is top 100 defensive lineman DJ Sanders, from Bellville, Texas. His recruitment is an interesting one that has some renewed interest.
Michigan football has been pushing hard for Sanders all cycle long. Lou Esposito has done a tremendous job with Sanders, and he loved visiting Ann Arbor. Yet the consensus has been that this is a battle between Texas and Texas A&M, with Michigan football in third place.
Michigan has been fighting hard to get Sanders in for another visit. They were hoping to get Sanders to attend the BBQ at the Big House this weekend, but due to a family conflict that was unable to happen. However, it does seem like there's a real shot that Sanders comes in for a visit later, possibly for a game.
A potential swing in Sanders recruitment
A potential big swing in Michigan's favor is that Texas just flipped a defensive lineman from Oregon. That could make the Longhorns less of a factor. I'm also not completely sold on Texas A&M in this recruitment. There isn't tons of public buzz from the Aggies, and while we know they play the NIL game more than anyone in the nation, they are not a great program.
The key here for Michigan football is dragging this recruitment out. The Texas schools want DJ to commit ASAP. Any delays on Sanders part could indicate uncertainty or increased interest in Michigan. If the Wolverines can get Sanders on campus again, I think they've got a serious shot at landing him - and it seems like things are trending toward him coming back to Ann Arbor.
Michigan's NIL has progressed significantly under Sherrone Moore. While it obviously isn't on the level of Texas A&M or Texas, it is somewhat competitive and should continue to improve. I'd expect Michigan to put together a legitimate NIL package for Sanders.
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While Michigan football is definitely the underdog in this recruitment, they're a real threat. This is the kind of recruitment that could bring national momentum for the Wolverines. They do a great job winning the recruitments they should, but to remain a championship contender they're going to have to win some as the underdog. Watch for any news regarding a Sanders visit. Go Blue.