4-star LB target Kalen DeLoach picks FSU over Michigan

Savannah (Ga.) Islands outside linebacker Kalen DeLoach — a 4-star per 247Sports’ composite — committed to Florida State over Michigan during a ceremony Monday at his high school.

DeLoach announced a top-four of FSU, Michigan and Auburn and Alabama in early July, previously planning to announce after his senior season.

Chris Nee of Florida State’s 247 affiliate reported Seminole head coach Willie Taggart and linebackers coach Raymond Woodie fostered a strong bond with his family during multiple visits to Tallahassee this summer.

Michigan currently had one linebacker committed in Georgia 3-star Charles Thomas, though fellow 3-star Joey Velazquez seems destined for Viper.

The 247 composite considers DeLoach as the No. 283 overall prospect and No. 17 outside linebacker in the 2019 class.

The search for 2019 outside linebackers turns to either New Jersey 3-star Aeneas DiCosmo or the unranked Tyrece Woods of Detroit’s Belleville High School. Both are in the range of 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, ideally suited for edge blitzers. In fact, 247 designates them as weak-side ends, and Rivals labels them as outside ‘backers.

With three freshman linebackers next year between true freshman Cameron McGrone and redshirts Drew Singleton and Jordan Anthony, Don Brown may choose to be picky here and wait for more elite prospects in 2020.