2022 in-state four-star LB Joshua Burnham commits to Notre Dame over U-M

The Michigan Wolverines weren’t so lucky on St. Patrick’s Day, as 2022 in-state four-star linebacker Joshua Burnham committed to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

The 6-foot-4, 210-pounder from Traverse City has long been considered a top target for Michigan, even before the defensive staff changes. But that may be what did the Wolverines in with this recruitment, especially when Brian Jean-Mary left Ann Arbor for Tennessee.

Meanwhile, Notre Dame has also been on him for quite some time. New defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman formed a strong bond with Burnham and his family in the short amount of time he has been in South Bend, and is, at the very least, a factor in his commitment today.

The Wolverines will likely continue recruiting Burnham, as he is a fringe-top 100 prospect in the home state at a position the new defensive staff has honed in on the recruiting trail. I definitely don’t expect Michigan to back off here, but as discussed on this week’s Future Brew podcast, don’t expect any chance at a flip until Michigan is able to prove some stability in the coaching room and some success on the football field.

Fortunately for Mike Macdonald and company, they have plenty of options at the linebacker position in the 2022 cycle. They have offered a ton of kids over the last few months, and have crystal balls in their favor for another one of their top targets — three-star Florida linebacker Micah Pollard. They are also heavily in it for four-star Jaylen Sneed, four-star Sebastian Cheeks, four-star Keaten Wade and four-star Lander Barton, among others.