2021 four-star DT Mike Hall discusses Michigan interest ‘even being an Ohio kid’

Overall, the state of Ohio has been kind to Michigan football recruiting in recent history. The Wolverines didn’t get any Ohio kids in 2020, but they did reel in six Ohioans in 2019.

Maybe they can get back on track in the 2021 cycle, as quarterbacks coach Ben McDaniels — an Ohio native — extended an offer Wednesday to four-star defensive tackle Mike Hall. It wasn’t too lengthy of a conversation, according to Hall, but there was some planning done in that short time.

“Nothing much really, just was talking about doing a tour with the group I train with (on Jan. 25) and getting me (to Michigan) for a visit soon,” Hall told Maize n Brew.

Whether he does make it to Ann Arbor for a visit or not remains to be determined, but he admits he does have interest in the Wolverines “even being an Ohio kid.”

The 6-foot-3, 290-pounder from Streetsboro, Ohio holds other offers from Ohio State, Michigan State, West Virginia, Penn State, Kentucky and others. The three schools he has visited so far are OSU, MSU and WVU. So after the early visits, is there a clear leader at the moment?

“Ohio State,” Hall said.

Michigan faces an uphill climb in the recruitment of any kid from Ohio, especially if he already admits OSU is No. 1 on the list. What Hall said the Wolverines have to do sounds pretty easy, but is likely a tough task given they are just now getting in this recruitment.

“Build a close relationship and talk more frequently,” Hall said.

Some factors in Hall’s final decision will include early playing time, a “great relationship” with the coaching staff and a “brotherhood” with the players.

When asked about his initial thoughts on the Michigan football program, Hall said it’s “definitely a good program that’s looking for guys to get them back to tip top shape.”

He is hoping to be able to make his college choice on his birthday, June 13. That does not leave Michigan much time to get him on campus for a visit and put itself in a prime position for this recruitment. But it is recruiting, and anything can happen.

Hall is the No. 19 defensive tackle, No. 9 player in Ohio and No. 232 overall player in the 2021 class, per 247Sports’ composite.