Thursday Michigan Recruiting Roundup: Updates on top 2021 targets

Welcome in to another Michigan Recruiting Roundup!

On today’s roundup, we will discuss a few of Michigan’s top targets in the 2021 class

Nua visits top DT target

Even though Anthony Campanile and Chris Partridge are no longer on Michigan’s coaching staff, the current coaches in Ann Arbor continue to recruit some of the top players in the state of New Jersey — including four-star defensive tackle Tywone Malone.

According to The Michigan Insider’s Brice Marich ($), defensive line coach Shaun Nua checked in on Malone on Monday. Honestly, I think this was a visit that needed to be made. With the Jersey boys gone, it was vital for Nua to further his relationship with Malone and keep him interested in Michigan.

One thing that may keep the Wolverines in this race regardless of the coaches on staff is they are offering him the opportunity to play both football and baseball, which is something he has said he wants to do. If you haven’t seen him swing a baseball bat, here you go.

The 6-foot-3.5, 300-pounder is the No. 38 overall player in the 2021 class on 247Sports’ composite. Malone is arguably Michigan’s top target at the defensive tackle position in 2021, along with four-star Victory Vaka.

Spindler has another good trip to U-M

There is no question who Michigan’s top target in-state is for 2021. That title belongs to four-star two-way lineman Rocco Spindler. The Clarkston native has been to Michigan a handful of times, including last weekend.

He told TMI’s Marich ($) it was a “short and sweet” visit since he only attended the Michigan basketball game, but he was able to catch up with Michigan’s two commits in the class — five-star quarterback J.J. McCarthy and four-star in-state offensive lineman Giovanni El-Hadi.

“J.J. McCarthy is who I think is the top guy in the 2021 class,” Spindler said. “He’s always respectful. He’s really humble. You never see him as the superstar quarterback, but I can really tell he truly cares for his offensive linemen and that’s a big piece in recruiting for me. I’m all into that brotherhood aspect. He really impacted my recruiting trip up there. He’s a great guy. He’s a great friend and one heck of an athlete.

“With Giovanni — he’s my man. Me and Gio, we have been hanging out lately. We were together at the First Team All-State Dream Team banquet, then at the Future 50 All-American camp, so we have caught up with each other quite a bit and the reasons why he committed. It’s always good to hear from those guys.”

Spindler said he should have his top five in March or April, take his five official visits and then have a commitment ceremony at his school. Michigan sits in a very good spot at the moment, so look for the Wolverines to be somewhere in his top five.

Top 100 in-state OL also has good visit

Spindler’s high school teammate at Clarkston, four-star offensive lineman Garrett Dellinger, is also among Michigan’s top in-state targets in the 2021 class. The 6-foot-6, 280-pounder has not been on campus as many times as Spindler, but is still being courted by Michigan coaches, most notably Jim Harbaugh and Ed Warinner.

According to TMI’s Marich ($), Dellinger had a full plate during his visit, including going to the basketball game and meeting with Harbaugh and Warinner.

Dellinger’s little brother, 2023 prospect Cole Dellinger, was also on the recruiting trip and received an offer. This development certainly won’t hinder Michigan’s chances with the elder Dellinger, as he said, “hands down the best thing was my brother getting an offer.”

“Michigan has always been a top school for me. This just makes it more exciting.”

This is shaping up to be another classic Michigan/Notre Dame recruiting battle. If you’ve been paying attention to these battles recently, Michigan has edged out the Irish more times than not. I think things are teetering back in Michigan’s direction, but Notre Dame will get another word in by the time Dellinger makes his commitment. As always, stay tuned for more news on this recruitment.

That’s all for this week! Come back next Tuesday for another Recruiting Roundup.