Tuesday Recruiting Roundup: Competition for four-star LB heats up

Welcome to this week’s Tuesday Recruiting Roundup, and Happy Cinco de Mayo! Spend part of your holiday brushing up on what’s been happening in the world of Michigan football recruiting since our last roundup.

Race for in-state four-star getting tight

A long-standing top target for the viper position in the 2021 class has been Belleville four-star Jamari Buddin. While Michigan previously held 100 percent of his crystal ball predictions, that changed recently when a couple analysts switched their predictions to foggy.

The Michigan Insider’s Sam Webb broke down Buddin’s recruitment to explain why the situation has become muddier ($).

Buddin’s father was interviewed for the story, admitting his son thought hard about committing to Penn State last month after fellow Detroiters Jaylen Reed, Kalen King and Kobe King all pledged to the Nittany Lions in short order.

“It definitely was a thought that crossed his mind,” Mr. Buddin said. “I can’t say that he was actually close to really pulling the trigger, but you know how kids get. He got excited about it. (The commitments) moved the needle for him a little, that’s for sure.”

Another rising threat is Michigan State, who has been making a strong push for in-state players under new head coach Mel Tucker to try and make a statement.

“Michigan State is definitely a contender,” Mr. Buddin said. “They’re definitely a team that has done a great job as far as reaching out and building a relationship with him. So, they’re definitely a contender. We’re in talks with them all the time it seems like. So, it’s getting interesting. That’s for sure.”

With all that said, Michigan has been in the top group for the longest and is still in daily contact with Buddin. Buddin’s father says they haven’t lost any ground, it’s more that other schools have risen to Michigan’s level.

Needless to say, this will be a recruitment that may stretch out for a while. The Wolverines have struggled to land players from Belleville in the past, so they would love to keep building a bridge to the program.

Four-star DE plans to take official visit to Michigan

Despite not having been back to campus in over a year, 2021 four-star defensive end Quintin Somerville’s interest in Michigan has not diminished. Thanks to a strong recruiting effort by the staff, the Arizona prospect confirmed with TMI’s Brice Marich he plans on taking one of his officials to Ann Arbor as soon as he is able ($).

“Michigan is definitely in my top five schools in mind,” Somerville said. “They’re going to be hard to beat with the mix of both education and sports. The culture at Michigan is unlike any in the country and it’s a place I’d love to play in.”

He continued to confirm his “next visit would be an official,” but a date hasn’t been set yet “with everything up in the air right now sadly.”

Somerville released a top six list last month, but it looks like Michigan is in the upper echelon of that group, if not at the top. Georgia will probably be the biggest competition.

New commit already recruiting his peers

After announcing his commitment to Michigan last week, 2021 three-star wide receiver Markus Allen isn’t wasting any time recruiting others to join him. Per Marich, Allen has narrowed his targets down to a few guys at the top of Michigan’s list ($).

“Yes I do plan on recruiting Xavier Worthy, Prophet (Brown), Donovan McMillon and Rod Moore,” Allen said.

Allen will undoubtedly have the biggest effect on Moore, his teammate at Northmont in Clayton, Ohio. All the prospects mentioned by Allen are legitimate targets, though, each naming Michigan to their top groups.

Three-star linebacker breaks down his top 5

Another prospect who just included Michigan in his top group of schools is 2021 three-star linebacker Tyler McLaurin. McLaurin spoke with 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong to talk about each of the schools he is still considering ($).

About Michigan, McLaurin said: “What’s important about them, me and my family find them a well-rounded society. A lot of good people there trying to make you a better person in the long run with the alumni connections there. They’re also a very good educational school which gives you the best of both worlds with good academics and good football.”

Rounding out the top five are Iowa State, Michigan State, Nebraska and Texas Tech. Moving forward, McLaurin said the next step is to “get myself to a final commitment.”

He’s shooting to make a decision by June or July, but that may change depending on if he’s allowed to take visits or not. Michigan is in a strong position to push for his commitment if they wanted, but he may not be at the top of their board right now. Four-stars Junior Colson, who is set to decide this month, and Jaydon Hood, teammate of Ja’Den McBurrows, are a high priority.

That wraps up this week’s Tuesday Recruiting Roundup! Come back again soon for your latest installment of Michigan recruiting news and updates.