Michigan Early Signing Day Hub

Early Signing Day is here and The Maize & Blue Review has you covered with updates throughout the day on who is signing their National Letter of Intent with Michigan.

Below you will see an updated list of players with bios, film analysis, player comparisons, and more.

Be sure to refresh this page throughout the day as it will be updated upon each signing.

Recruits who were already committed and signed will receive a profile below. Uncommitted prospects who signed with Michigan on Wednesday will receive the same profile along with an "instant analysis" piece, which will take a deeper dive into their recruitment and will be linked in the hub.

Let the fun begin!

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Check The Wolverine Den for various posts regarding National Signing Day

Recruitment: Lorenzetti committed in the summer, turning down the likes of Michigan State and Penn State before deciding on the Wolverines. He boasted offers from schools including Georgia and Baylor as well. He's the first to sign the dotted line with Michigan.

Film: Nastiness is one of the most important traits when looking at offensive linemen and Alessandro Lorenzetti has that and then some. He’s slender at 6-foot-6, 270 pounds but has the stereotypical offensive tackle body you look for in a high school offensive lineman. If he has a chance to put his assignment on the ground, he does just that. Give him a couple of years in the strength & conditioning program, and he should be in the two-deep. -- Tanner Wooten

Player comparison: Lane Johnson, Eagles

Projected timeline: Upperclassmen starter

Highlights: WATCH HERE

Recruitment: Michigan’s tight end class is spicy. Klein is every bit as exciting, versatile, and uncommon at the tight end position as Loveland is. A German import who moved to Georgia for boarding school so he could play college football in America, Klein has been committed to Michigan for well over a year. He stacked offers from in-state Georgia along with Florida State, Michigan State, Nebraska, Ole Miss, and more. He never budged.

Film: Eye-popping film. Flies after the catch, and not just for a tight end. Reportedly ran a 4.44 40-yard dash and the film showcases it. Gets down in a 3-point stance and blocks, but can also get out of the stance and become a weapon in the pass game. Shown on tape he can line up as the X and be a boundary weapon. Runs clean routes with excellent body control and adjustability in the air. An exciting international grab that could result in two top-flight tight ends in one class.

Player comp: Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins

Projected timeline: If Schoonmaker leaves, believes he’s in the mix with Loveland as a freshman to contribute in 2022. Starter in 2023.

Highlights: WATCH HERE

Recruitment: At one point, Stokes was all set to go to Missouri. Michigan had other plans. He visited in the summer and after a conversation with running backs coach Mike Hart and freshman running back Donovan Edwards, the deal was done. Stokes needed no time, committing immediately after the visit. Ran for over 1,000 yards for the third consecutive season at Hammond School.

Film: Runs with exceptional body control. Sees the field well and is most dangerous when he’s making quick cuts. Moves around in the slot, can be used as a receiver or jet sweep/misdirections. Loves to block downfield and in the pocket. Fits well into the Blake Corum, Donovan Edwards category in Michigan’s run-heavy offense.

Player comp: Eno Benjamin, Arizona Cardinals

Projected timeline: Rotational role in 2023, fringe starter in 2024

Highlights: WATCH HERE

Recruitment: As time winded down, there were conversations surrounding Dent’s potential to leave the class following some late SEC interest. Similar to Deuce Spurlock’s timeline, Dent gave it some serious thought, let people know he was doing so, then ultimately decided to stick it out and sign with Michigan.

Film: Slows the game down and anticipates it. Reads the opposition’s offense at an advanced level. Exceptional ball skills. Will develop into a legitimate ball hawk. Overtop, high safety type who will help most in pass coverage but adds needed value in the run game, too. Cuts off ball carriers and doesn’t get fooled often by open-field cuts. Played a lot of offense which showcased his speed and ball skills at wideout. Physically gifted with a college-ready body that will fit in the weight room instantly.

Player comp: Micah Hyde, Buffalo Bills

Projected timeline: Fringe starter/contributor as an upperclassman

Highlights: WATCH HERE

Recruitment: Nearly an Auburn Tiger, Pollard was leaning towards Michigan before the Tigers came in as a serious threat. Ultimately, Pollard decided on Michigan following a trip in July. As a high three-star, his offer sheet was loaded with 31 total offers including the aforementioned Auburn along with Mississippi State, Nebraska, Ole Miss, and Penn State.

Film: Stands up off the edge as a pass rusher and defends the run well from the position, too. His 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame is lean and long bodied. Makes for a high ceiling and a fun development project for Michigan. Needs to work on technique to get by blockers at the next level, but speed & strength were enough for him off the edge in high school. Didn’t get to see him in person and the film is limited, but likely will end up in a hybrid role similar in Macdonald’s defense. Will fit in to Macdonald’s stunts with outside backers off the edge, and blitzing the interior gaps.

Player comp: Kyle Van Noy, New England Patriots

Projected timeline: In defensive line rotation as an upperclassman, 2024

Highlights: WATCH HERE

Recruitment: As fun as any recruitment this cycle, Rolder’s storybook ending to his recruitment was incredible. Going into his senior season, he had one football offer from Ball State and was an Illinois baseball commit. He knew he would rather play football, but wanted to let his senior tape speak for itself before making a decision. Good call, kid. Rolder signed with the Wolverines following a race for his services that saw Michigan beat out Ohio State, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Film: Played linebacker, running back, punter, and special teams all in the same game in the state quarterfinal. Looks bigger than he’s listed in person. Wide shoulders with the lower half to match. Finishes tackles with authority, abusing the ball carrier. Reads the field well as an anchor in the middle of the defense. Looks and plays the part of a Big Ten mike backer. Weight room junkie who will fit right in to Schembechler’s. Candidate to play sooner than any other.

Player comp: Alexander Johnson, Denver Broncos

Projected timeline: Underclassmen starter, 2023

Highlights: WATCH HERE

Recruitment: Whether or not it matters, upon committing to Michigan in July, Pollard was a four-star. Since then he’s dropped in the rankings and now sits as a three-star following his signing. That being said, his offer sheet is encouraging. Among his 36 offers was Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Michigan State, Penn State, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and more. A big win for Michigan on the trail.

Film: True man coverage corner who plays like a shadow corner. Technique driven with hips as smooth as butter. Changes directions seamlessly. Will play off-ball or press and find ways to win the matchup. Closes on the ball and reads routes well. Likes to get handsy which may hurt him young, but something he will have to grow into. High football IQ, plays like he studies his every move. Good ball skills as he doubled as a wideout at Ravenwood.

Player comp: Channing Stribling, former Michigan cornerback

Projected timeline: Potential to be an underclass contributor in 2023, starter as upperclassman

Highlights: WATCH HERE

Recruitment: Michigan checked all the boxes for Jones. Him and his family made a list of criteria before his decision: a good medical science program, a place that felt like home, and a staff that could develop him into a future draft pick. He believes Michigan checked all of those boxes. Having committed a year (and a day) ago, Jones makes it official today.

Film: Highly projectable frame at 6-foot-7, 285 pounds. Nasty blocker with explosive movements at the snap when blocking the run, and uses the strength and length in his arms well when pass blocking. Finishes through the whistle. Moves bodies into the ground. Road grader to a tee. Physically developed but will continue to grow in that department. Weight room improved his play senior year, and will continue to aid him in college.

Player comp: Jack Conklin, Cleveland Browns https://twitter.com/BaldyNFL/status/1232034461115650050?s=20

Projected timeline: 2024 starter

Highlights: WATCH HERE

Recruitment: Early on, Notre Dame was the team to beat but Michigan nailed it down in the spring. Offers included Florida, Iowa, Michigan State, Penn State, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and more. Before his ACL tear earlier this year, Morris was a Rivals100 prospect and had he not suffered the injury, there’s a good chance he still would be. Focused solely on his rehab and academics, Morris has been locked in with his pledge since he made it in April.

Film: Polished route-runner out of the slot with excellent vision after the catch. Consistently makes the first man miss. Fights through tackles thereafter. Often ran switch routes as a slot man that ended with him catching a ball on the boundary. Lots of bubble screens where he creates yards himself. High IQ with good body control. Fits perfectly into Josh Gattis’ scheme. The epitome of speed in space.

Projected timeline: Injury dependent, likely a 2023 contributor and 2024 starter.

Player comp: Jarvis Landry, Cleveland Browns

Highlights: WATCH HERE

The improbable story of how Michigan landed 4-star OT Andrew Gentry

https://michigan.rivals.com/news/film-room-4-star-ot-andrew-gentry-will-fit-right-in-at-michigan

Recruitment: A former Arizona commit, Berry seemed inevitable from the time he backed off his pledge following his offer from Michigan. He waited until December to announce it, but the Wolverines were the long-time favorite and sealed the deal earlier this month. Out of a powerhouse California program in De La Salle, Berry’s skill-set put him near the top of Michigan’s board.

Film: Similar to Dax Hill. Comes off the edge and rushes the passer well. Steps up in the box to defend the run. Sees the field well as an overtop safety, though he projects as a strongside safety. Packs a few punches when he delivers a hit. Active hands in pass defense. Sinks into his hips well and moves fluid in coverage. Can cover the slot. Foot speed stands out. Played a ton of RB/WR for De La Salle.

Player comp: Antoine Winfield, Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Projected timeline: Underclassmen contributor, upperclassmen starter

Highlights: WATCH HERE

Recruitment: After flipping Graham away from Boise State in the summer, Michigan still had some competition to worry about. Following a monstrous senior season for Graham at Servite that saw him disrupt some of California’s best offensive lines, in-state USC and its new head coach, Lincoln Riley, came calling. Graham didn’t flinch and immediately let SC know he would be a Wolverine. He made it official signing from the Army Bowl this morning.

Film: Technique driven with tremendous IQ at his position. Has a counter to almost every offensive line technique on film. Can counter with his hands, swim move, spin move in the pass rush. Gets off his blocks well against the run. Beat double teams regularly on film. Needs to put on good weight, and will.

Player comp: Sheldon Richardson, Minnesota Vikings

Projected timeline: Underclassman contributor, upperclassman starter with All-Conference upside

Highlights: WATCH HERE

Instant Analysis: Keon Sabb signs with Michigan

Recruitment: Visited Michigan as a Clemson commit. A week later, Brent Venables left for Oklahoma a week before Early Signing Day. Michigan benefits from good timing and strong efforts from safeties coach Ron Bellamy, defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, and head coach Jim Harbaugh. Georgia made a late push, but Michigan signed a Rivals100 stud who it believes can be a NFL safety.

Film: Track runner, literally. Also plays hoops. Multi-sport athlete whose athleticism is welcomed and encouraging to his development. Speed is at an elite level for his position despite being around the 200-pound mark at 6-foot-2. Closing speed and tackling angles are advanced and fit in most Power 5 defensive back rooms as is. Could be a box safety, hybrid linebacker type. Can step up in the box and be a difference-maker in run support. Speed and ball skills make him dangerous when passing overtop in his general direction.

Player comp: Kyle Duggar, New England Patriots

Projected timeline: Compete in 2022, fringe starter by 2023

Highlights: WATCH HERE

Recruitment: A part of multiple commitments in the beginning of July for Michigan, Loveland is one of the more intriguing members of the class. His unique positional versatility as both a tight end and wideout is reminiscent of Erick All, but Loveland is far more suited as a flexed wideout than All. His recruitment reflected his potential with said versatility as he piled up offers from Alabama, Auburn, LSU, and more. Nothing changed as Loveland is officially a Wolverine.

Film: The most athletic tight end Michigan’s recruited under Harbaugh, along with fellow 2022 tight end Marlin Klein. Not your typical catch the ball, go down, then go block the next play tight end. Will be used as a tight end who splits at wideout nearly as much as he lines up at tight end. Bulked up since his early years and is now a big-bodied, physical, strong head-to-toe with glue on his hands. Ball skills are exceptional with good leaping ability, especially useful in the red zone. Runs excellent routes, and timing is advanced. All that being said, can still use his strength to block effectively. I don’t know what Idaho high school football has to offer, but whatever it is the defenses couldn’t stop Colston Loveland if they had 22 guys. That’s one reason why he was Gatorade Player of the Year. He played as a wildcat quarterback, took handoffs, and ran designed screens for explosive gains … all as a tight end. The stark contrast in talent level will be clear, but his profile is as exciting as any in the class.

Player comp: Dawson Knox, Buffalo Bills

Projected timeline: If Schoonmaker doesn’t return, legitimate threat to contribute in 2022. All-Conference type of ceiling in 2023 and beyond.

Highlights: WATCH HERE

Instant Analysis: Michigan flips Amorion Walker at the buzzer

Recruitment: Whew! This one was fun, huh? Recruitments like Amorion Walker’s are what keep us young, er, some of us, at least. A roller coaster of a ride, Walker was committed to Notre Dame since March and it wasn’t until Early Signing Day that his status changed. Now, a Michigan signee, Walker is poised to make some noise if the staff’s efforts with him equal his opportunity. He was prioritized as much as any recruit in the class, and it paid off in the end.

Film: Lightning after the catch. Glides on turf. A 6-foot-3 target shouldn’t move like he does with a reported 4.5 40-yard dash, which apparently isn’t his best time. Shines as an underneath, open-field target who can turn the burners on instantly. As an outside wideout, speed makes him a lethal deep threat. An absurd amount of potential given his skill-set, but remains raw. The route-running and overall build will need more than just some fine-tuning. But what it could become is a game-breaking, explosive play machine at the next level.

Player comp: Chris Conley, Houston Texans

Projected timeline: Walker gets the “how do you keep this guy off the field?” treatment in projecting he will get some run as a freshman. More realistically, in the rotation in 2023 and a starter in 2024. But it wouldn’t shock me if he’s out there sooner than later.

Highlights: WATCH HERE

Instant Analysis: Michigan flips Alex Orji following weekend visit

Recruitment: Orji came out of nowhere, visiting Ann Arbor the weekend before signing day. A Virginia Tech until this point, Orji opted to bet on himself and join a two-quarterback class alongside Jayden Denegal. On a signgin day flip, Orji gives Michigan some added competition in its future quarterback room. He’s also, rumor has it, quite the linebacker, should that switch ever happen.

Film: Loves the deep ball and rightfully so, exceptional ball placement on the deep throws. Operates an offense similar to Michigan’s that’s reliant on misdirections, play actions, rollouts, and using his legs. A bit unorthodox in how he sets his feet before his throws. Allows him to be a lethal improviser and thrower on the run. Spectacular touch, not a lot of zip. Could add good weight and in turn aid the arm strength without taking away from the speed.

Player comp: Taulia Tagovailoa, Maryland

Projected timeline: Would be in a battle for the job beginning in 2024 or 2025, depending on J.J. McCarthy, with Denegal and QBs in 2023/24 class.

Highlights: WATCH HERE

Recruitment: Turned down Florida, Ole Miss, Oregon, Florida State, Penn State, South Carolina, and various others before committing to Michigan in the early goings of 2021. Former Michigan co-defensive coordinator Maurice Linguist was responsible for driving the commitment of Jones. So when Linguist left to be head coach at Buffalo, it left questions surrounding his pledge. However, his replacement, Steve Clinkscale, is an ace recruiter and proved it by immediately keeping Jones in the fold through their relationship.

Film: Beyond his years technique-wise, showing he can handle man coverage by using his speed and smooth hips to mirror his receiver’s route. When in zone, impresses with his ability to read the signal caller’s eyes and jumping routes. Instinctive, intelligent, and extremely athletic. Played a lot of offense for Germantown, including more than a handful of explosive plays. Returned punts and kicks, too. Two-way isn’t off the table. Nickel safety role who could be a defensive game-changer in the air.

Player comp: Jordan Poyer, Bills

Projected timeline: 2024

Highlights: WATCH HERE

Recruitment: Committed to Michigan following a fall visit. The Wolverines stand out on his offer sheet compared to others. Late SEC interest came in before ESD from Auburn and Florida. Despite giving it some thought, Spurlock opted to sign with Michigan after all.

Film: Might be the most deserving recruit of a rankings bump in Michigan’s class. Modern-day outside backer who can stand up off the edge, drop back and cover, and step up against the run. As fast any linebacker in the country; uses it to rush the passer, chase down the ball carrier, and shines most in his closing speed. Finishes tackles and makes the opposition feel it. High motor, relentless effort. Fits like a glove in Mike Macdonald’s scheme.

Player comp: De’Vondre Campbell, Green Bay Packers

Projected timeline: Upperclassmen starter

Highlights: WATCH HERE

Recruitment: Despite the narrative that Denegal is a letdown in the QB spot this cycle, his offer sheet says otherwise: Auburn, Georgia, and Michigan State prove Denegal is more than just a “filler” as avid Michigan recruiting fans anticipate the futures of in-state superstars, 2023 QB Donte Moore and 2024 QB CJ Carr. Denegal signed Wednesday following a summer commitment where he committed on the spot during a visit to Ann Arbor.

Film: Moves around well. Not fast but uses legs to extend plays, gain yardage. Comfortable and consistent with throws on the run. High school scheme designed around a lot of rollouts, misdirection, etc. Didn’t have to make many difficult throws at Apple Valley, mostly short-to-intermediate, and when he has to make a big throw it’s inconsistent on tape. Needs to improve marginally with deep ball accuracy. High school scheme didn’t force him to make spectacular plays. Fits Michigan’s scheme well given the role Cade McNamara played in a 12-1 season. Frame gives staff a lot to work with. High ceiling, low floor.

Player comp: Jordan Love without the arm

Projected timeline: Compete for the job in 2024, 2025

Highlights: WATCH HERE

Recruitment: Having visited Ohio State multiple times as he was recruited by its highly respected defensive line coach, Larry Johnson, landing Grant felt like a monstrous victory back in September. Along with the Buckeyes, Arizona State, Nebraska, and Wisconsin all played a role in his recruitment. Inevitably, Grant signs with Michigan due to his and his family’s strong relationship and foundation of trust with the staff.

Film: High motor with the intention to play through the whistle. Does not quit on pursuit. Exceptional technique with both the hands and the body, and knowing when to use both. Pass rushing interior tackle that disrupts the pocket despite not being an end. Moves well for his size. Consistently gets in the backfield off his first move.

Player comp: Jeffery Simmons, Tennessee Titans

Projected timeline: Rotational tackle in 2024, could be starter by then. Think he’s, eventually, a staple of the middle of the line.

Highlights: WATCH HERE

Recruitment: Again, the coaching carousel did Michigan a favor on Early Signing Day. Once thought to be a strong Oregon lean, Mario Cristobal’s departure for Miami led Clemons back home. Originally from East Lansing and close friends with Michigan freshman wideout Andrel Anthony, Clemons will return to his home state following several years in Oregon. This is off the heels of an official visit during the final weekend before signing day when the Wolverines sealed the deal with the top-flight wideout prospect.

Film: Generational ceiling with the rare combination of a 6-foot-4, 210-pound frame to go along with elite foot speed, reportedly running a 4.37 40-yard dash. Excellent ball skills with the ability to get physical against man defenders before high-pointing the catch. Adjustability and body control stand out. True full-field threat. Has the big body to be a red zone target, hands to be a boundary wideout, and the athleticism + acceleration to provide explosive plays in the open field and underneath. Will see much better DB play in the Big Ten compared to Oregon, but should transition fine.

Player comp: DK Metcalf without the physical profile

Projected timeline: Impactful WR as underclassman, All-Conference potential as upperclassman

Highlights: WATCH HERE

Recruitment: Michigan landed its big fish, not just in-state but nationally, in Grosse Pointe South five-star CB Will Johnson. A late push from Alabama didn’t do anything to keep the Wolverines away from signing the leader of its 2022 class. Ranked as the No. 26 overall prospect in the country, Johnson is the highest-ranked Michigan signee since 2019 when current defensive tackle Chris Hinton & safety Dax Hill signed as five-stars. Committing in February of his junior year, Michigan’s top-ranked recruit is officially a Wolverine.

Film: Instinctive, twitchy corner who played mainly safety in his senior season. Elite tackling ability. Oily hips that move well in his backpedal. Closes on the receiver well. Doesn’t get beat after the catch. Big body boundary corner at the next level. Day 1 draft upside. Could push for a burned redshirt. Played a lot of offense in high school. Explosive with the ability to cut and accelerate into the open field. Returned punts, and wouldn’t be shocked if he ends up doing it at Michigan.

Player comp: Trevon Diggs, Dallas Cowboys

Projected timeline: 2023 starter, could crack the rotation in 2022

Highlights: WATCH HERE

Recruitment: Former Oklahoma commit. Another one where Michigan saw its opportunity and seized it thanks to the coaching carousel. Lincoln Riley and USC weren’t a factor despite the prior relationship. It came down to Ole Miss and Michigan. Moore visited Ann Arbor the last weekend before Early Signing Day, and it sealed the deal. His former head coach, Biff Poggi, along with Harbaugh & Co. did more than enough to land a substantial addition to its 2022 class in Moore.

Film: High motor with relentless pursuit. Chases down quarterbacks regularly after forcing them out of the pocket. Can line up at the 3-tech and make an impact as interior pass rusher and run defender. Makes ball carriers look like deer in headlights when he’s approaching. Disruptive enough to force a team to scheme against him.

Player comp: Nik Bonnitto, Oklahoma

Projected timeline: Compete in 2022 given Michigan’s two open edge spots

Highlights: WATCH HERE

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