Rockford (Mich.) High standout offensive lineman Ben Braden talks about his Michigan commitment and more in this 107.3 WBBL Audio Interview (quotes included).

"I'm definitely excited. It's been almost a year since I committed, so I'm excited to move on and go to college, start my life and enjoy football," Braden said.

Some felt Wisconsin and Michigan State had an early edge in Braden's recruitment. Both were on his final list.

"What I did was sit down with my family, we made a list of what we were looking at, pros and cons of each school," Braden recalled. "We went through and did a couple more visits, really just looking at what really suits me as not just a school but a football program ... kind of looking at the players and the coaches and the way they run everything.

"As soon as I was sure … we sat down for a while, but when I was sure, I was sure. It didn't cross my mind thinking about opening it back up."

Braden's head coach, Ralph Munger, has a pre-existing relationship with Hoke that only helped.

"They got me down there. The first impression of Brady Hoke was amazing, especially him and the coaching staff," Braden said. Getting down there, you feel like you're in a family atmosphere when you're down there … real comfortable, real calm and you don't get nervous. Uusally you get real nervous when you meet a head coach .

"It was fun. It was real relaxing. I felt there was no pressure or anything, so it was great ... My family, I'm the first one to play college football and the first one to go to Michigan on both sides, so I think they're all excited."