Michigan DL coach Lou Esposito proving himself early on the trail
Michigan Football has recently seen its recruiting momentum pick up full steam. New Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore worked hard behind the scenes to reshape his recruiting department and how it operates.
Following an offseason full of change and tumultuous moments, the Michigan recruiting machine is fully operational.
No position group this offseason dealt with more uncertainty than the defensive line. First, with Jim Harbaugh off to the NFL, Michigan's star defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant were the source of constant rumors of potential transfers as other programs tampered to lure the talented defenders. At one point, Mike Elston seemed like a lock to return as DL coach before eventually joining Harbaugh with the Chargers.
Moore made a splash by getting Wisconsin DL coach Greg Scruggs to make a lateral transfer to Ann Arbor. However, days before spring practices began in March, Scruggs was arrested for DWI and would resign days later after the details of his arrest were released.
On March 29, Michigan announced Lou Esposito as the next DL coach. Esposito did not create many headlines in what had been a splashy offseason. Familiar with the state of Michigan, Esposito had coached at Western Michigan, Ferris State, and was the head coach at Davenport before returning to Western for six years. Two of Espositio's former players at Western, Marshawn Kneeland and Braden Fiske, were selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Esposito had accepted the co-DC and DL coach position at Memphis this offseason, but a month later, he was with the Wolverines.
While reviews from players and practice witnesses have been solid, Esposito is also making a name for himself on the recruiting trail.
Bobby Kanka has been a Michigan commit since August 2023 but recently reaffirmed his commitment following Michigan State's pursuit.
It only took three weeks for Esposito to make his first splash with the surprise commitment of Rivals #1 DE in the 2025 class Nathaniel Marshall.
Following a recent visit back to Ann Arbor Marshall reaffirmed his commitment to M&BR's Josh Henschke and shared his thoughts on Esposito.
READ: Nathaniel Marshall discusses Michigan visit, reaffirms commitment status
"Coach Espo is a real one," Marshall said. "He has been transparent and just shown how he is and will be able to develop me."
In early June Esposito earned the commitment of Marhsall's Illinois friend and Rivals #9 DE Jaylen Williams. The two have long shared the goal of playing together in college, and having both in the class will help keep both up to signing day.
Saturday, another big time commitment for the Wolverines up front with Rivals #22 DE Julius Holly. The Georgia native chose Michigan over Georgia, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M.
In just three months, Esposito has earned the commitment of three of the best defensive linemen in the 2025 class, winning recruiting battles over SEC powers and others. And he may not be done yet.
Michigan is in the thick of it for California native and Rivals250 Marco Jones. Jones took his official to Ann Arbor at the end of May and has since been to Texas, Texas A&M, and USC. Jones is expected to announce his commitment on July 2.
Michigan was once thought to be in the driver's seat for DT Maxwell Roy, but his momentum has moved to Ohio State ahead of his July 1 commitment.
There are other prospects, and it is a long way to December. But given the roller coaster ride for the defensive line group this offseason, Esposito heads into the 2024 season with one of the best defensive lines in the nation, led by Graham and Grant and EDGE rushers Derrick Moore and Josaiah Stewart. On the recruiting trail, Esposito is putting together one of the best DL classes in the nation.
From the loss of coach Elston and the fear of the best players transferring to what looks like a group that will be elite this season and for years to come, Esposito has wasted no time proving himself in Ann Arbor.
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