An important month on the recruiting calendar has arrived, as the dead period officially starts today. For the next month (until March 2), coaches cannot visit recruits on the road, and they cannot take visits to college campuses.
But that doesn’t mean recruiting news is going to dry up. Let’s dive into what went down leading up to the dead period in today’s Recruiting Roundup.
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Four-star LB fired up after Michigan offer
The Wolverines recently offered 2027 four-star linebacker Broncs Baker, and he is excited about the potential opportunity to play at Michigan. New linebackers coach Alex Whittingham met with Baker in his home state of Utah to extend the offer, and Baker enjoyed the conversation they had.
“I was pretty excited,” Baker told The Michigan Insider’s Brice Marich ($). “I know his dad, coach Whitt is a legend around here and is all about toughness, so I was pretty excited. Definitely interested in Michigan. They automatically become one of my top schools. On top of that, I would like to go visit soon and to get a real feel. Sounds like this spring (I’ll likely visit).”
If Baker does end up coming to Michigan, it sounds like he could be a fan-favorite based on his style of play. He is a pure football guy.
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“Loved that we talked violence and speed (with the defense) the whole time, which is my calling card,” Baker said. “I was jacked up right from the start.”
Baker’s family is very familiar with the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry. In fact, he went to pretty far lengths to describe how he views it.
“Michigan vs. Ohio State is a holiday in my house,” he said. “Bigger than any Super Bowl. The brand Michigan is massive. Huge for me and my recruiting.”
Don’t be surprised to see Baker on campus in the near future and become one of Michigan’s top targets at the linebacker position.
Four-star DL ‘very interested’ in Michigan
Another player to watch out for in the 2027 class is four-star defensive lineman Jeremiah Williams, who also just picked up an offer from Michigan. The Wolverines seemed to really emphasize the Ohio State rivalry in their recruiting pitch to the 6-foot-0.5, 311-pounder from Tustin, California.
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“What stood out was how bad they truly wanted me out there with them, truly praying that I could come out there and play with them when they play that red team, which is ‘the opps’ they say — Ohio State,” Williams told On3’s Ethan McDowell ($). “So that really stood out to me. That’s one of the messages they gave me that really stuck with me.”
The Michigan staff sees a lot of potential in Williams, and he seems to fit the mold for the type of players they are looking for. Playing multiple positions is one thing that is on the table.
“They say I’m very explosive,” Williams said. “I play like a lot of the D-tackles that came through that school. They say that I fit the criteria, and they know that they can make me a better athlete, and I truly believe that they can as well … I do play a little bit of fullback, and the coaches did tell me that they would love for me to play some fullback.”
Michigan is a top school for Williams, in addition to BYU, Miami, UCLA and Arizona State.
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The push continues for top player in Colorado
Michigan offered 2027 four-star offensive lineman Jackson Roper before the new staff came in, but new offensive line coach Jim Harding was also recruiting him when he was at Utah. Roper remains a top target for Michigan, and he has a good relationship with the new staff.
“I knew coach Harding from his previous spot at Utah,” Roper told On3’s McDowell ($). “I really liked him and coach (Kyle) Whittingham. What stood out this time was the confidence he has about being able to straighten the ship at Michigan after what happened with the previous staff.”
Harding went out to Colorado recently to visit with Roper, and that effort stood out to him.
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“It was obvious to me based upon our conversation that I’m a priority recruit for him and this staff,” Roper said. “He could’ve been a lot of places on Tuesday, but he was in Colorado talking with me and my teammates. That meant a lot to me.”
Roper has already visited Oregon and Texas A&M this winter, and a visit to Arizona State will be happening as well. He is set to visit Ann Arbor for a visit next month.
“We’re really early in the process, but I can’t wait to get on campus and learn what it means to be a Michigan man!” Roper said.
Quick Hitters
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2027 four-star safety Bode Sparrow is down to 10 schools, and Michigan is still in the hunt.
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Michigan also offered 2028 four-star athlete Man Robinson last week.
