2017 LB Drew Singleton (art by Brandon Whitaker)

New Michigan Man: LB Drew Singleton Commits

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

Paramus Catholic has quickly become Michigan’s prime pipeline program outside of the state thanks to the signings of Jabrill Peppers, Rashan Gary and Juwann Bushell-Beatty. So, it only makes sense that one of the biggest gets of the 2017 class is coming from the Paladins as Paramus Catholic (NJ) LB Drew Singleton has publicly committed to Michigan.

Commitment 

Scouting Report

Singleton is easily one of the most athletic linebackers in the 2017 class and one of the top defensive recruits to come out of the Garden State in recent memory (Peppers and Gary obviously being on that list as well). He is that three down, sideline to sideline linebacker that Wolverines fans have been asking for for years.

But it’s not just his athleticism.

He’s also one of the most passionate players on the field which makes him the leader and voice of a defense. It’s a style of play that fans and scouts should love, as long as he’s able to fully bounce back from his ACL tear from earlier in his senior season.

Singleton can play on the edge or in the middle, and is best when playing downhill and filling run gaps. Singleton is physical, and he locates the ball in traffic and he pursues well. He can get to the sideline, and he has quick feet. He finishes plays well and understands how to run a defense. Singleton needs to work on his drop back in pass coverage, but that will come over time. – via Scout.com’s Brian Dohn

Recruitment

Michigan was seen as the favorite once they offered thanks to the obvious connections to the program and current staff (Chris Partridge was his high school coach and would be his position coach in college). It was what put the Wolverines in front early on and kept them there throughout the cycle. But that doesn’t mean other teams didn’t make a push. Clemson, in particular, made a big impact on Singleton during his visits down south. However, the deep connections and familiarity with UM as well as his fit within the defense and at the University were too much for the Tigers to overcome.

Singleton, who, according to several reports, was said to be a silent commit for months, made his commitment to Michigan public on the Friday before Christmas, giving the Wolverines it’s 7th commit of December.

  • Height: 6’2.5”
  • Weight: 215lbs
  • Hometown (School): Paramus, NJ (Paramus Catholic)
  • Notable Offers: Alabama, Clemson, Michigan State, Ohio State, Georgia
  • Rankings: Scout (4*, #72 overall) – Rivals (4*, #51 overall) – 247 (4*, #79 overall) – ESPN (4*, #162 overall)
  • Composite Ranking: Four star, #66 overall, #3 OLB, #1 in New Jersey

Highlights/Interviews

As for the Rest of the Class

Singleton is the 26th overall commit, 4th linebacker and the 2nd player out of New Jersey. With him and Jordan Anthony now officially in the class, the staff will turn all of its focus on LB Willie Gay to wrap up the positional recruiting.

Garrett Fishaw
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