Class Impact: Donovan Jeter To Michigan

The Wolverines' 17th commitment was Beaver Falls (Pa.) four-star defensive tackle Donovan Jeter. The 6-5, 255-pounder is the No. 14 defensive tackle in the country and the No. 6 player out of Pennsylvania.

Jeter is listed as a defensive tackle but he has that size, athleticism, and versatility to play on the edge as well. His build and skill set fits well with what Don Brown did with Taco Charlton, Chris Wormley, and Rashan Gary in 2016.

Listed at just 255 pounds now, Jeter played at almost 300 pounds as a junior. He'll have no problem adding weight and bulking up to play on the interior or on the edge at Michigan. He's a standout on the basketball court as well as the gridiron averaging nearly 20 points per game as a junior and senior which is evidence of his overall athleticism. He's got a big frame and has a lot of room to add good weight in a college program.

There have been some knocks on Jeter's motor throughout his high school career but it looked to be improved as a senior, perhaps because of the weight loss and simply being in better shape. Jim Harbaugh doesn't tolerate a lack of work ethic so his acceptance of Jeter's pledge supports that the theory that Jeter's lazy days are behind him.

The Michigan staff would like to land seven or eight bodies along the defensive line and Jeter was No. 4 at the time of his commitment. He, along with fellow commits Toledo (Ohio) Central Catholic four-star James Hudson and Berrien Springs (Mich.) three-star Phillip Paea, can play inside or on the edge based on exactly what the coaches are looking for. All three prospects have an intriguing blend of size, strength, and athleticism.

Jeter's commitment came just a day before Warwick (R.I.) Bishop Hendricken three-star weakside defensive end Kwity Paye potentially leaving room for one to two true interior defensive linemen. The Michigan staff would love to fill two of those spots with Salt Lake City Bingham four-star defensive tackle Jay Tufele, Leesburg (Ga.) Lee County four-star defensive tackle Aubrey Solomon, or Nashville (Tenn.) David Lipscomb three-star defensive tackle Rutger Reitmaier, who is committed to Oregon.

Remaining needs in the class are at wide receiver, linebacker, and offensive line, with the option to continue building depth at other positions, specifically running back and defensive back. An elite fullback (such as LSU pledge Tory Carter) would be a huge boost, as well.

Michigan loses a lot from the defensive line after the 2016 season including previously mentioned defensive stalwarts Charlton and Wormley, along with Matt Godin and Ryan Glasgow. If interior lineman Maurice Hurst spurns the NFL for a fifth year of eligibility, he and Bryan Mone would likely anchor the middle of the d-line. Rashan Gary and Chase Winovich return and should hold down the end spots. Ron Johnson, Carlo Kemp, Michael Dwumfour, and Shelton Johnson are the only other players providing depth along the lines and none of them have seen meaningful snaps. Jeter, if physically ready, could see the field early as a true freshman out of necessity.

As a redshirt freshman, Jeter could be called upon to factor into the rotation. When he hits the field in 2018, a more prominent role (though again, with plenty of rotation) is likely for his third year on campus and beyond.