Michigan stays in new top five of Victory Vaka, College Football Playoff team removed

It is an interesting time in the recruitment of one of Michigan’s top targets in the 2021 class, as four-star defensive tackle Victory Vaka has changed up his top five list and announced he is delaying his commitment. He announced the delay of his commitment on Twitter.

Vaka reiterated to Maize n Brew the reason for delaying his commitment, saying, “I just want to do what’s right for me and my family.” He also said he isn’t sure when his commitment will now be, but “even if it takes all the way up until early signing day, I’m (fine) with that.”

The 6-foot-3, 315-pounder from Westlake Village, California has also shaken up his top five list. Originally, it was Michigan, LSU, Texas A&M, Oregon and Utah. The new list now has the University of Florida instead of LSU, the defending champs.

Florida offered Vaka on Feb. 12, and just two days later he announced his plans to officially visit Florida on April 18.

Due to all this, Vaka is no longer set to officially visit Baton Rouge, saying “communication fell off and I’ve already visited them this past July.” Despite all that, Vaka still considers LSU “a top school for me.”

This is all interesting news for the other contenders in Vaka’s recruitment. LSU already has one defensive tackle committed, and a five-star in Maason Smith in its backyard. LSU also had four defensive tackles signed in its 2020 class, so it probably isn’t a huge deal for them.

It sounds like Florida could really be moving up in this recruitment, considering he planned an official visit two days after getting the offer. Oregon is another big threat here, so Shaun Nua and company have their hands full trying to get Vaka locked in to the Wolverines.

Vaka is set to officially visit Ann Arbor from June 19-21.

In the meantime, watch his junior year highlight reel below.