Jay Toia led yesterday’s edition of the Daily Brews with an update on how things went during his official visit over the weekend. Now, he is off the board.
In the wee hours of the morning, Toia committed to UCLA over Michigan. His commitment graphic is salt in the wound, as it appears it was ripped off from his visit to Michigan over the weekend.
Ouch. Not only did Jay Toia spurn #Michigan for UCLA, the Bruins designers used his U-M photoshoot pic for their commitment graphic. pic.twitter.com/MnOQ1FQXOs
— Brandon Brown (@BSB_Wolverine) June 9, 2021
Toia, a four-star defensive tackle signee to USC in the 2021 class, elected to transfer after spring football to give himself a chance to visit other schools. Michigan quickly jumped into the mix given its need for depth on the defensive line.
However, Toia picked up a transfer portal crystal ball from 247Sports analyst Greg Biggins on Tuesday to UCLA. Biggins gives a brief paywalled report on why he made the call here ($).
Ethan Young, UCLA’s director of player personnel, sent out a cryptic tweet that said “BOOM!” on Tuesday afternoon long before the announcement was made.
BOOM!
— Ethan Young (@EthanYoungFB) June 8, 2021
This is unfortunate for Michigan, who was making the pitch for early playing time along its defensive line. Taking a visit across the country and committing to the school across town days later is a massively frustrating development for those in Ann Arbor.
Also, for full transparency's sake, we originally led our coverage today with news of Toia’s Crystal Ball. I wrapped that edition of this article up around 12:45 a.m. and went to bed. Then, he committed while everyone was asleep and our original story still published. So, voila!
Biggins wrote Toia’s scouting report on 247Sports:
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.
Recruiting news
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Michigan football coaches hit the ground running during ‘crazy’ month of recruiting (MLive)
ICYMI at MnB
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- Andrew Stueber’s road to Michigan, outlook for 2021 season
- ‘A dude I could trust’: 2022 three-star CB Elijah Mc-Cantos reconnects with Clinkscale after offer
- LOOK: Michigan Football adds Ohio State rivalry graphic to weight room
State of Michigan sports
- Observations from Detroit Lions minicamp, Day 1 (Pride of Detroit)
- Tigers 5, Mariners 3: Just enough pitching, just enough defense (Bless You Boys)
- DBB Pod: John Beilein in, Gregg Polinsky out (Detroit Bad Boys)
- Keep It, Or Trade It? What to Do With the 6th Overall Pick (Winging It In Motown)
- Michigan State Men’s Basketball announces several staff changes (The Only Colors)