11/4/2016 football Edit

Michigan Football Recruiting: DL Rutger Reitmaier To Visit

Chris Balas • Maize&BlueReview

Senior Editor

Michigan continues to look for defensive linemen in the 2017 class, and Nashville (Tenn.) Lipscomb’s Rutger Reitmaier is one who recently received an offer.

Reitmaier, a 6-3, 280-pound defensive tackle, is committed to Oregon but will visit Michigan Nov. 18, he told Nashville Sports Radio’s Bill King today.

“I would say there’s a little bit of intrigue there,” Reitmaier said. “They’ve definitely pitched early playing time there. I think that’s a good opportunity for me, but I’m obviously still pretty committed to Oregon … probably 100 percent committed to Oregon.

“The coaches there probably brought me in the best, really made me feel at home up there. That’s the main reason I picked them.”

The coach who recruited him for the Ducks … former Michigan head coach Brady Hoke, now the Ducks’ defensive coordinator.

Reitmaier did confirm his visit for the Nov. 18 Indiana game, however, noting defensive line coach Greg Mattison and head coach Jim Harbaugh were personally recruiting him.

“I have not been able to talk to any of the players yet,” he said, noting he hasn’t visited U-M before. “I’ve been up there for a hockey tournament a couple years ago.”

Reitmaier admitted he has taken notice of Oregon’s struggles this year.

“It doesn’t necessarily bother me. It bothers me a little bit, but it just makes me feel that urge to get up there and help them out and really work hard and improve their defense next year,” he said.

Reitmaier expects to play defensive end at the next level and said his choice would come down to Oregon and U-M. His coach, Scott Tillman, said he’d be successful wherever he went.

“He’s a once in a career guy so far,” he said. “He’s 6-3, 280, runs a 4.69 40, is violent … has maybe one of the best get=offs I’ve seen. Not only that, he’s a character guy. I think he’s really special.”

Reitmaier, a 2017 U.S. Army All-American Bowl nominee, registered 66 tackles (17 for loss), seven sacks and four forced fumbles in 2015. He earned Region 6-4A Defensive MVP honors.