2021 four-star LB Junior Colson commits to Michigan

Michigan continues to get defensive recruits to commit to the program, as 2021 four-star linebacker Junior Colson just gave his verbal pledge to the Wolverines.

The 6-foot-2, 228-pounder from Brentwood, Tennessee picked Michigan over Tennessee, Oregon, LSU and a bunch of other top schools. He is the third defensive recruit to commit to Michigan this month, joining three-star linebacker Tyler McLaurin and three-star safety Rod Moore. He’s also the first player from the state of Tennessee to commit to Michigan since Nate Johnson back in 2016.

This is the first big recruiting win for new linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary. He is also the primary recruiter for four-star linebacker Jaydon Hood, another big-time target in the 2021 class who has been trending upward for the Wolverines.

Barton Simmons, 247Sports’ director of scouting, compares Colson to former LSU linebacker Michael Divinity.

Slender, athletic build with length. Needs to add some mass at the next level and frame suggests the bulk will come. Former wide receiver that brings that kind of athleticism to the linebacker position. Loose hips and a natural in coverage. Good ball skills. Attractive as a nickel linebacker. Comfortable operating in space as a perimeter tackler. Good athlete that checks the combine testing box. Extremely productive on a one of the best teams in Tennessee. Sure tackler but not ferocious. Nothing jarring about point of attack physicality. More equipped to be an uncovered run and chase defender than a downhill box defender. Has flashed pass rush ability as a blitzer. Athletic traits and physical development points to an eventual Power Five impact starter with the potential to be a mid-to-late round NFL Draft talent.

Colson is the third linebacker to join the Wolverines’ 2021 class. He is also now their top-ranked defensive recruit. He is the No. 2 recruit in the state of Tennessee, No. 8 outside linebacker and No. 116 overall player in his class, per 247Sports’ composite.

Michigan now owns the No. 7 overall class in 2021.

Watch highlights from his junior season below.