Michigan football 2021 target board: Offensive tackles

Since Ed Warinner came to town, he’s put in some work on the recruiting trail, landing a couple of very good offensive line classes so far. In fact, he’s done such a good job getting Michigan involved with prospects that I’m able to separate the offensive line into specific tackle and interior previews. It’s always a good idea to take one or two pure tackle prospects since it is such an important position on the field.

Commits

Adlai Stevenson (MI) Giovanni El-Hadi - Four-star, No. 74 overall, No. 10 OT

Michigan is off to an excellent start at tackle with a top 100 talent in Giovanni El-Hadi already committed. He’s been a great recruiter for his peers to join the class as well, especially with in-state guys. El-Hadi probably projects to right tackle in college but will get his shot on the left side.

Top Target

Good Counsel (MD) Landon Tengwall - Four-star, No. 43 overall, No. 6 OT

It’s a Midwest battle for Tengwall, whose top three consists of Michigan, Penn State and Notre Dame. Penn State leads in the crystal ball and unfortunately there won’t be much time for Michigan to make up ground, as Tengwall plans on committing in the spring. He’ll visit each school at least once more, giving the staff one last chance to turn the tide.

In the Mix

Clarkston (MI) Garrett Dellinger - Four-star, No. 81 overall, No. 12 OT

I’m more bullish on Dellinger’s chances of joining the class than previously because of his assertion he does not have a leader and his recovery from a shoulder injury that has not seemed to affect his play. The Wolverines still have some work to do if they want Dellinger in the class, but he doesn’t seem like a lock to leave the state anymore.

New Trier (IL) David Davidkov - Four-star, No. 143 overall, No. 18 OT

Michigan has cleaned up in the state of Illinois recently, and that looks likely to continue with Davidkov. The 6-foot-6 tackle has been to Ann Arbor a couple times before and has plans to make even more trips in the spring and summer, so things are looking good.

Detroit Country Day (MI) Caleb Tiernan - Three-star, No. 375 overall, No. 32 OT

You can’t teach Tiernan’s 6-foot-7, 265-pound frame, which is frequently mentioned because of how ideal it is for development at left tackle. Tiernan has been a frequent visitor to campus and his crystal ball predictions are all for Michigan, so this recruitment could end at any time.

Long Shots

Warwick (PA) Nolan Rucci - Five-star, No. 13 overall, No. 3 OT

Rucci took a couple of visits to campus earlier in his recruitment, but there hasn’t been much news with him in relation to Michigan lately. He recently did an interview where the Wolverines weren’t mentioned alongside several other schools, so it would take a major shake-up for their status to change in Rucci’s eyes.

IMG Academy (FL) JC Latham - Four-star, No. 35 overall, No. 5 OT

Michigan was the early leader for Latham when Greg Mattison was his main recruiter. But then Mattison left for Ohio State and Latham left Wisconsin for IMG Academy in Florida. Now, the relationship with Mattison has led Ohio State to jump out as the crystal ball leader.

Robinson Secondary (VA) Tristan Leigh - Four-star, No. 66 overall, No. 8 OT

Nobody along the offensive line raised their stock more this offseason than Leigh, who had a dominant showing in the Under Armour Future 50 event. Following his performance, offers came pouring in and Leigh jumped into the top 100. Leigh visited Michigan for the Ohio State game last fall, but all this new attention has probably faded the Wolverines’ chances here.

Under the Radar

Marist (IL) Pat Coogan - Three-star, No. 453 overall, No. 43 OT

Coogan is a classic solid three-star prospect with a long list of offers from mid-tier Power 5 schools. He has a trip planned for Michigan on March 1 and will also be in Columbus later in the month where he will look to land an offer from the Buckeyes. He’s a good backup option if Michigan needs to fill a spot.

Godwin Heights Senior (MI) Ru’Quan Buckley - Three-star, No. 546 overall, No. 39 SDE

Buckley is being recruited along the offensive line for Michigan, but is listed as a defensive lineman on 247Sports. Nebraska, who is recruiting him for defense, has jumped out in the lead for Buckley so far and could get his commitment soon.

Southfield (MI) Caleb Banks - Three-star, No. 841 overall, No. 80 OT

I think Michigan would be perfectly fine taking Banks, as he has a similar frame to Tiernan and a high ceiling. Banks has visited campus a couple times and would probably commit to Michigan if given the green light.

Belleville (MI) Ramier Lewis - Three-star, No. 1286 overall, No. 116 OT

Another in-state guy who has been to campus a bunch is Lewis, who comes from familiar recruiting territory at Belleville. He’ll probably be back in Ann Arbor several more times as Michigan continues to recruit his teammates, but he’s probably not quite at Michigan’s talent level.

Class Predictions

Michigan only took one pure tackle in 2020, so it would be beneficial for them to take two or three in 2021. With El-Hadi already in the class, Davidkov and Tiernan are the most likely candidates to join him, with Tiernan probably being preferred because of his left tackle potential. But if someone like Tengwall or Dellinger wants to jump on board, Michigan is hardly in position to turn them down.

Offer Board

Tomorrow we’ll slide inside to look at the centers and guards being recruited by Michigan.