Michigan Football Film Room: New Commit '17 3* OL Joel Honigford

Michigan picked up its second offensive line commit this week when 2017 OH OL Joel Honigford chose to commit to the Wolverines on Wednesday. Honigford has a bevy of offers from big-time programs, and Michigan was able to beat out Oregon and Michigan State for his commitment. As a 247 Composite 3*, Honigford has one of the more impressive offer sheets of anyone ranked outside of the Top 247, although ESPN has him as a 4* and inside the top 200 in their rankings.

Honigford picked Michigan over Michigan State, Oregon, who got the final visit last week, and Auburn. Interestingly enough, his lead recruiter at Oregon was former Michigan coach Brady Hoke, who looks to make a dent in the mid west at his new job leading the Ducks' defense. Honigford's offer list is mighty impressive and includes Auburn, Boston College, Duke, Kentucky, Michigan State, Nebraska, North Carolina, Northwestern, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, Pitt, TCU, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Impressive.

Equally as impressive is Honigford on the field. He's every bit of the solid 6'6 and 275 pounds he is listed at, and holds his weight very well for a high school junior. He lines up all over the offensive line for his high school, playing guard at some points, but sticks to left tackle for the most part. When they line him up inside instead of out, he is normally getting out in front on a pull or kicking out on a trap. He moves his feet very well for a big guy, and usually delivers a forceful block when he gets to the hole.

There is not much on him in the film as far as pass blocking goes, but a couple plays he shows a solid ability to kick-slide, and that will be a good enough foundation for the coaches to work with him on it once he gets to college. Most high school teams stick to a run-oriented offense, and his is no exception. He does a very good job of getting down hill on run plays and normally comes with a big-stick every time he does.

One play on his junior film made me chuckle, as he chipped off of a defensive tackle and hit a safety, and the poor kid went flying about 3 yards. Honigford definitely packs a punch when he goes to block in the second level, and does a good job of getting there on time to spring the ball carrier. Guys in the back seven definitely feel it when they get hit by Honigford.

When Honigford gets to Ann Arbor, he will redshirt and probably take a year or two to be physically and mentally ready to take the field. Again, just like with Andrew Stueber's chances of seeing the field early, it depends on the caliber of linemen Michigan takes this year.

With guys like Isaiah Wilson, Kai-Leon Herbert, TJ Slaton, and to a lesser extent, Jedrick Wills still on the board and high on Michigan, it may be a while before Honigford sees the field on offense. However, if there is a program where competition rules all, it is Michigan, and Honigford will be given every opportunity to win a spot.

One thing to note, as well: Honigford had five 247 Crystal Ball in and Michigan State had all five of those predictions.