Relationship with Mo Linguist led pair of 2022 four-star DBs to commit to U-M

The Michigan Wolverines picked up two commitments on Friday morning from 2022 four-star defensive backs in Taylor Groves and Kody Jones.

Groves was offered by new co-defensive coordinator/cornerbacks coach Maurice Linguist just nine days ago, so it didn’t take long for Groves to realize Ann Arbor was the place for him. And his relationship with Linguist was the main factor in him making his decision.

“Definitely relationships that I built,” Groves told Maize n Brew as to why he made his commitment to Michigan. “Coach Mo for sure.”

When we spoke with Groves last week after Michigan offered him, he admitted his conversation with Linguist stood out among the rest.

“It was great, one of the best conversations I’ve ever had with a coach,” Groves told Maize n Brew. “He was real about everything he said, and I’m definitely a big fan of Michigan already just after that conversation.

“I think (Michigan’s) coaching staff can get me to where I want to be for my future (the NFL),” he said. “I want to win a national championship, too, and I feel like I could do that there.”

Groves didn’t know Jones until the last couple of days, but he admits they have “gotten a lot closer.” With that said, they also have a goal set in mind for the 2022 class.

“We want to build the best defensive back class in the country,” Groves said.

Groves was also considering LSU, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Virginia Tech. He held other offers from Notre Dame, Penn State, Michigan State, South Carolina, Texas A&M and more.

Meanwhile, Jones picked up his Michigan offer on Jan. 19. Speaking with Maize n Brew the day before his commitment, he said he was constantly communicating with Linguist.

“Everything good (with Michigan),” he said. “(Linguist and I talk) every day.”

Jones told Maize n Brew after he got the offer about his strong initial impression of Linguist.

“He’s a good guy. He was just the Cowboys cornerbacks coach, so by him coming from a professional level and can see my talent, I think that’s major,” Jones said.

Jones held other offers from Auburn, Florida State, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas A&M and more.

Groves is the No. 242 overall prospect and the No. 16 safety in the 2022 class on 247Sports’ composite rankings. Jones is No. 279 overall and the No. 15 athlete in the class.