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Michigan lost the inaugural member of its 2020 class during the Spring Game on Saturday, when 4-star wide receiver Kalil Branham announced on his Twitter that he would be re-opening his recruitment.
After much prayer, careful consideration & guidance from my parents, entire famiIy & friends have decided to decommit from the University of Michigan & re-open my recruitment. Thank You UM & fans. I look forward to what the future holds for me. I will not be commenting on this.
— Kalil Branham 2020 (@kbug_dash) April 13, 2019
Branham gave his pledge last June, just before the spree of commitments stemming from the June 22 recruiting weekend. He is ranked No. 342 in the country and 64th at wide receiver.
This development is interesting for a few reasons. The first is that Branham bled Maize and Blue. When he committed, there were several stories about how his late grandfather was a huge Wolverines fan and dreamed that Kalil would suit up in the winged helmet. Branham continually repeated that message on social media and it seemed like his family connection would hold him strong to his commitment.
However, the decision to leave the class may not have been Branham’s decision. After visiting Kentucky for their spring game on Friday, which sparked some initial alarm bells, Branham tweeted that he would be in Ann Arbor today.
South to north in 24 Hours. #teambranham pic.twitter.com/Y08egW1oxt
— Kalil Branham 2020 (@kbug_dash) April 13, 2019
The fact that he was on campus when he decommitted could indicate that he was re-evaluated by Josh Gattis, and told that there were prospects ahead of him on their board. There has been a steady shift in wide receiver targets since Gattis has been hired, and Branham may have been a casualty of that.
In any event, this is a disappointment, as Branham is incredibly hard-working and seems to represent the qualities of a Michigan Man. Best of luck to wherever he lands.