New Michigan Man: RB Zach Charbonnet Commits to Michigan

Looking to add more talent to the running back room, the coaching staff went all the way across the country to find the newest tailback commit. 2019 Oaks Christian (CA) RB Zach Charbonnet committed to Michigan following his latest visit to Ann Arbor.

Commitment

Scouting Report

I’m a big fan of Charbonnet’s game. He’s a strong runner that can change direction on a dime and shows off his agility on each run. He can bounce and cut with the best of them and has more than enough speed to beat defenders down the field. Though not the most physical running back in the world, he isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder and can break tackles with both his power and elusiveness. He’s a guy I see potentially contributing early on in his career if he can get the playbook and pass blocking down.

Recruitment

Charbonnet has long been a top target for the coaching staff. He’s long been mentioned as a name to watch throughout the 2019 recruiting cycle but as a California recruit, it obviously is a little harder for schools like Michigan to get to town. But Matt Dudek and Jay Harbaugh were able to get the four-star tailback to Ann Arbor twice since March. He unofficially visited Ann Arbor around the staff’s Junior Day event and looked to come away very impressed.

The Oaks Christian standout made his official visit to town for the staff’s mega recruiting weekend in June. That was clearly enough to sway Charbonnet into ending his recruitment and committing to the Wolverines.

  • Height: 6’2”
  • Weight: 215lbs
  • Hometown (School): Westlake Village, CA (Oaks Christian)
  • Notable Offers: USC, UCLA, Notre Dame, LSU, Penn State
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #20 RB) – 247Sports (4*, #220 overall) – ESPN (4*, #26 RB)
  • Composite Ranking: Four-star, #306 overall, #15 RB, #36 in California

Highlights


As for the Rest of the Class

Charbonnet is the 13th overall commitment, the first running back commitment, and the first commitment out of California. Though He may not be the lone running back commit for long as fellow weekend visitor RB Eric Gray looks like he could drop at any minute. Other offensive weapon targets that could end up in the class includes ATH George Johnson III, ATH Wandale Robinson, and ATH Quavaris Crouch.

Photo Credit: BOBBY CURTIS/Acorn Newspapers

Garrett Fishaw