2018 ILB Talks Michigan Offer, Lasater Recruiting Him

Eriq Gilyard, a part of the class of 2018, is an inside linebacker out of Trinity Christian Academy (Jacksonville, FL), and received his Michigan offer Tuesday afternoon. Gilyard stands 5-11, 225 and boasts offers from a heavy load of college football juggernauts. With offers from Alabama, LSU, South Carolina, and more - it was only a matter of time before Michigan offered the Florida linebacker.

Gilyard spoke to MnB about his excitement over his offer.

"I was very excited," he said. "It's a very prestigious program that is back on the rise."

Gilyard received the offer from linebackers coach Chris Partridge. Although, he hasn't had the initial conversation with head coach Jim Harbaugh yet, he is high on the fiery Michigan leader.

"Although, I've never personally met (coach Harbaugh), he is a very good coach," he said. "I hear he's real cool."

Michigan's defense saw a meteoric rise last season to the best in the Big Ten, and possibly the nation. When Michigan lost its defensive coordinator DJ Durkin to the head coaching job at Maryland, he was replaced by blitz guru Don Brown. Gilyard spoke about his ability in Brown's defense.

"I see myself as a fit in the defense in they have," he said. "I know Devin Bush, Jr. is there, and looking at his physical traits and attributes - they're a lot similar to mine."

2017 Michigan commit Chase Lasater is out of Trinity Christian, the school Gilyard attends, and he is already actively recruiting Gilyard to Michigan.

"(Chase Lasater) said that (Michigan) is the number-one business school in the country, and I plan on majoring in business," he said. "Yes sir, he is (recruiting me to Michigan)."

Lasater is one of the most active Twitter recruiters for Michigan, but he sees Gilyard practically every day of the week, so that could pay dividends for Michigan in the long run. So far, Michigan's and Lasater's efforts are working, as he already has a visit waiting to be set.

"I plan on visiting in the summer," he said. "(Michigan) sits pretty high."

On a list including Alabama, LSU and more - it's a huge statement to hear Michigan sit high. Gilyard likely won't announce for at least a year, but his visit will give us a good idea of where he is at.