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The Michigan Wolverines picked up arguably their most important recruit in the 2021 class during the opening day of the early signing period, as four-star running back Donovan Edwards just announced his commitment to the Maize and Blue.
The 5-foot-11, 190-pounder from West Bloomfield has been Michigan’s top target at the running back position for the entirety of the class. Even if he wasn’t right in Michigan’s backyard, he still may have been the top target considering he is the No. 4 running back and No. 44 overall player in the class.
Edwards released his top seven list back in October, which included Michigan, Oklahoma, Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame and Penn State. But throughout the entire recruitment, Michigan was always the one constant school being brought up.
Edwards really liked Ohio State early on, but its aggressive recruiting approach turned him off. Then, he had a strong liking for Georgia and Oklahoma. He never made it over to Norman, but he was able to take a good visit to Georgia earlier this year. It isn’t clear if Edwards ever took a visit to South Bend, but the Irish turned up the heat a bit too late.
Kirby Smart and Brian Kelly both made a good run at him, but at the end of the day, it just wasn’t enough for the full-court press of Jim Harbaugh, Josh Gattis, Sherrone Moore, Jay Harbaugh, Ed Warinner and Matt Dudek.
247Sports’ Allen Trieu compares Edwards to one of the NFL’s best running backs, Alvin Kamara:
Strong, muscular build. Compact and has prototypical size. Explosive runner with good burst and can hit the home-run. Will run tough between the tackles. Great pass-catcher who can function as a receiver out of the backfield or in the slot. Good, willing blocker with good strength. Does not have many glaring weaknesses, but can still keep improving timed speed and continue recovery from an injury which ended his sophomore season. He is a complete back who can play in any scheme though, and should be a lead-back early in his college career. Should hear his name called around the second round of the NFL draft.
Edwards is the second running back in Michigan’s 2021 class, joining three-star Tavierre Dunlap.
Stay locked in to Maize n Brew for more recruiting updates during the early signing period.