The Michigan Wolverines have proven over the last three seasons your recruiting ranking is not always an indication of your ceiling. The coaching staff is regularly on the hunt for prospects around the nation with raw talent who can be refined into elite players.
To name some of these players in recent Michigan history:
- Hassan Haskins: Three-star
- Luke Schoonmaker: Three-star
- Mike Sainristil: Three-star
- Rod Moore: Three-star
- Kris Jenkins: Three-star
Michigan has a really good track record of developing players. With the emergence of the transfer portal, some pressure has been taken off the coaching staff when it comes to developing recruits rapidly to build depth. Although quick development isn’t as critical, there are a few players in Michigan’s 2024 class poised to outperform their ranking.
Edge Dominic Nichols
The Wolverines have a reputation for churning out elite edge rushers. Michigan’s talent along the offensive line has, in turn, helped develop their defensive line. The young defenders are going up against the best of the best in practice every day, making it easier for them to get acclimated to the college game. Three-star Dominic Nichols is someone who could rise up the depth chart rather quickly when he gets on campus
You can coach technique, but size and physicality are tougher to control. Nichols will come to Ann Arbor with a similar body-type to former Michigan star Aidan Hutchinson, standing at 6-foot-5, 252 pounds. He put up some gaudy numbers his senior year — 84 tackles, 15 pass breakups and one interception, according to On3’s Zach Libby. His high motor and physical playstyle should result in him being a dominant force for the Wolverines.
