2021 four-star LB Branden Jennings flips from Michigan to Maryland

Branden Jennings, a four-star linebacker in the class of 2021, just made a major decision on National Signing Day, flipping from Michigan to Maryland.

The 6-foot-3.5, 225-pounder from Jacksonville flipped from Florida State to Michigan back on Oct. 16. Back then, the Seminoles were having a lousy season, and there wasn’t any uncertainty about Michigan’s coaching staff since the Big Ten season hadn’t begun yet.

But as the season began and the defensive failures mounted, speculation rose pertaining to the futures of Jim Harbaugh, Don Brown and the rest of the defensive staff. No one is out of a job as of now, but with the way things went on the field, and are currently going on the recruiting trail, it wouldn’t be shocking to see things change very soon.

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So, why Maryland? Jennings and his family are very close with Maryland’s defensive line coach Brian Williams. They have known each other for quite some time, and the familiarity there lent a helping hand for the Terrapins. Throw in the fact Mike Locksley isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and it all makes perfect sense.

All in all, this is a big loss for the Wolverines. Jennings was one of their top targets at the position in this class, and it was a major win for them to be able to flip him from FSU. He is a fringe top 100 prospect who was expected to compete right away in Ann Arbor. Now, he will be doing the same thing at Maryland.

The Wolverines are now left with three linebackers in 2021 — three-star Tyler McLaurin, four-star Junior Colson, and four-star Jaydon Hood, who also may not sign with Michigan during the early signing period.