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Daily Brews: Another top DT transfer hints at interest in Michigan, will visit this weekend

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Michigan might have a shot at a unique transfer option.

By Anthony Broome
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Syndication: Camarillo DAVID YAMAMOTO/SPECIAL TO THE STAR

The Michigan Wolverines are in a spot where they still could use some reinforcements on the defensive line. A pretty unique transfer option is now available to them in the form of true freshman Jay Toia.

Toia entered the transfer portal a few days ago after a single semester at USC, where he claims he had worked himself onto the two-deep rotation during spring football. However, he felt that he was rushed into staying close to home and playing for USC and the inability to go on visits affected his recruitment.

He had Michigan on the list of schools he wanted to take a visit to, along with Utah, UCLA, Miami and a host of others. He and has family have decided to explore those options.

“A week ago today I made one of the toughest decisions in my young life as a 17-year-old… I entered the transfer portal from my childhood dream school USC Trojans,” Toia said in a statement. “The 2020 pandemic was tragic to so many that lost so much. For me and especially my parents we felt forced to make a major decision signing with USC based on limited information because of COVID-19 restrictions.

“We were not able to take any official or unofficial visits to any of the other schools on our shortlist such as Michigan, Utah, UCLA, Miami, among others. I as well as my family are truly thankful for the USC staff and students for all the support this past semester.”

“Although I earned all A’s last semester at USC as an early enrollee and worked myself into the 1s and (2-deep) rotation during spring ball 2021 … we as a family felt it was important to really take a closer look at my options regarding my short-term and long-term future. I have major respect for USC but I owe it to myself and my family to reevaluate my current situation.”

247Sports’ Greg Biggins summed up his skill-set in his player profile:

A two-way lineman who plays offensive guard and nose guard and could play on either side of the ball in college. Projects best on defense and can overwhelm an opposing center or guard with his strength and raw power. Shows a nice get-off, uses his hands well and does a nice job disengaging and getting up the field. Has improved athletically over the last year, looker quicker off the snap and can run down plays from behind. Plays with a relentless motor and high compete level. More advanced as a run stopper and makes plays despite constant double teams. Has some natural pass rush ability and will continue to improve and should make a big jump in college when he can focus on just one side of the ball. Projects as an impact upper-tier Power 5 starter and future mid-round NFL draft pick.

Toia was a four-star recruit in the class of 2021 and the No. 186 player in the country. This is a player that Michigan will have a mutual interest in if he is serious about making a visit to Ann Arbor.

UPDATE: According to The Michigan Insider’s Brice Marich, Toia will visit Ann Arbor this weekend. That was quick.

More defensive tackle recruiting stuff

  • We knew that five-star 2022 defensive tackle Walter Nolen would be visiting Michigan, but he has a bit more of a fleshed-out schedule now. Nolen will be at Florida this weekend before making his way to Ann Arbor on June 18-20. He says that he will visit LSU in late July and that LSU, Georgia and Alabama will get official visits from him in the fall.

ICYMI on MnB

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