Former 5-star Michigan target Eyabi Anoma enters transfer portal

Michigan may not be expecting to land any players on National Signing Day, but it doesn’t mean the staff isn’t looking to add athletes to their roster. It’s been well documented they are looking to add talent on the defensive line through transfers this offseason.

Well, it looks like a potential solution may have presented itself when former 5-star defensive end Eyabi Anoma put his name into the transfer portal. Recruitniks will remember Anoma, who likely had Michigan second in his recruitment last cycle, but ultimately chose Alabama.

There have been grumblings Anoma was unhappy in Tuscaloosa, following a season where he was switched to linebacker and recorded nine tackles, including two for loss. He played in all 12 games and earned All-SEC freshman honors, despite those low numbers.

Even though the Wolverines were the runner-up for Anoma, it’s not a sure thing, or even likely, he chooses the Maize and Blue. Steve Lorenz of The Michigan Insider reported the Michigan staff doesn’t have interest in pursuing Anoma. ($)

While landing a former top 10 talent would obviously be helpful for a thin defensive line, he’s not exactly the profile the team needs. If Anoma were to transfer, he’d have to sit out a year, which would render him useless when he’ll be needed the most.

His scholarship would also be on the books for at least the next two seasons. The team is in a roster crunch and doesn’t have room to take him and a grad transfer that can contribute immediately.

Anoma attended St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, who is coached by former Michigan staff member Biff Poggi, who is probably the reason the Wolverines had as strong of a shot to land him in the first place.

But now the favorite to land Anoma seems to be hometown Maryland, who hired former Alabama offensive coordinator Mike Locksley as head coach this offseason. Locksley is also from the area and was his primary recruiter out of high school, so the fit makes sense.