Norcross (Ga.) Greater Atlanta Christian School 2019 5-star defensive end Chris Hinton has been committed to Michigan for nearly a year now, but his loyalty to Michigan has never wavered as we so often see in the world of recruiting.
“I have been solid to Michigan for a long time for a handful of reasons,” Hinton told Maize n Brew. “First off I knew once I committed and gave a school my word that I would shut it down. I haven’t budged because I wanted to go to a school who has great academics, competes at the highest level, and have like minded players. Michigan checked all those boxes. Also whenever I went up there it always felt like home and the atmosphere there is a family feel. I just love everything about it.”
Hinton could be a key factor in getting some other top tier prospects to commit to Michigan. “My pitch for other recruits is if you want to compete at the highest level and in front of 115,000 on a weekly basis while getting a great degree, then Michigan is the place. It’s honestly the best of both worlds at the UM.”
The coaching staff at Michigan has played a large role in how Hinton views Michigan, as he has solid relationships with many of the coaches already. “I have a great relationship with coach Mattison, he recruited my dad out of high school too which is crazy. Also, I have a good relationship with coach (Chris) Partridge, coach (Don) Brown, and coach (Jim) Harbaugh. I love the staff! I look forward to getting closer with coach (Al) Washington, he recruited me when he was at Boston College, so it’s neat meeting up with him again.”
The 6-4 280 pound end believes he would fit in at Michigan nicely, saying “I feel like I am an explosive and disruptive player and I feel like that fits in their scheme because they love to cause chaos and pressure.”
As far as the future of the Michigan program goes? Hinton is a believer that things are going to become special. “I think that the future is extremely promising, especially with the incoming classes and the quarterback situation! With a successful year I feel like it will catch the eye of a lot of up coming recruits.”
Hinton is the No. 16 overall prospect in his class and the No. 2 overall strong-side defensive end.