Starkville (Miss.) High School outside linebacker Willie Gay announced a top five via Twitter and Michigan is in the group with four members of the SEC.

Gay, a four-star prospect and the No. 18 outside linebacker in the country, was identified by Michigan defensive coordinator Don Brown as someone that he would love to have in his defense. From there, running backs coach Tyrone Wheatley has been the main contact at U-M for Gay and it appears to be a successful formula.

As a Starkville resident, Mississippi State seems to be an obvious eventual landing spot for Gay or, if he wants to remain close to home but change scenery just a bit, Ole Miss is just two hours away and could certainly accommodate him. That being said, Gay said he's not a lock to either program and if he was, he'd already be committed.

Last season Gay finished with 84 tackles, nine pass breakups, six sacks and four interceptions.