Transactional Recruitment
For Michigan football fans who have been desperate for this program to step up and adapt to the times the Bryce Underwood recruitment feels both refreshing and a little jarring. Michigan offering this large of an NIL deal feels so opposite to the way recruiting has worked the past few years. They have firmly ventured out of transformational recruiting territory. It's been reported by EJ Holland of the Wolverine that Underwood always had an interest in going out of state and playing in the SEC. Holland has also said that if it wasn't for the NIL deal on the table he doesn't think Underwood would have any interest in Michigan.
There's no denying Underwood's talent. And I'm also not saying that money can't be a factor in a recruitment. If an 18-year-old kid has a chance to set themselves up well for the rest of their life they should by all means take it. But money has to be just that- a factor. Is it really worth it for Michigan to land Underwood if it's for all the wrong reasons? I don't want to question Underwood's commitment level if he were to choose Michigan because I'm sure he'll give his heart to wherever he chooses to go, but if Underwood hasn't believed in the culture and overall program enough to commit at this point, is he really the leader best fit for the type of team Michigan wants to build themselves back to?