Photo Credit: 247Sports

New Michigan Man: OT Joel Honigford Commits

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

Though college football recruiting is in the middle of a dead period, that hasn’t stopped Jim Harbaugh from adding his 17th commitment to the 2017 class as Sugarcreek (OH) OT Joel Honigford has committed to Michigan.

Honigford is not one of the top ranked tackles in the class but don’t let that fool you on his abilities. He’s a long, athletic tackle that has the look of an oversized tight end at this point but has the frame to grow into an elite sized offensive tackle. But even though he’s a bit underweight for a college tackle, he has the aggression, natural strength and that play until the 2nd whistle approach that coaches are looking for out of their tackle prospects.

With some time in the weight room, cafeteria and with Tim Drevno on the field, he could end up being a really nice player for the Wolverines throughout his career.

As for his recruitment, this was one that flew under the radar and happened quickly. Most analysts had Honigford pegged to Michigan State as he had visited East Lansing several times over the last year. Michigan offered in April and didn’t really make a move for him until the staff hosted him for a visit in mid-June. After that visit, he named UM among his top 4 two days before he decided to commit to the Wolverines out of the blue.

Why Honigford is a Wolverine, in his own words: “Really liked the coaches and how they’re going to develop me, love the atmosphere and education.”

  • Height: 6’6”
  • Weight: 275lbs
  • Hometown (School): Sugarcreek, OH (Garaway)
  • Notable Offers: Michigan State, Auburn, Oregon, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Penn State
  • Rankings: Scout (3*, #47 OT) – Rivals (3*, #46 OT) – 247 (3*, #73 OT) – ESPN (4*, #199 overall)
  • Composite Ranking: 3 star, #431 overall, #48 OT, #21 in Ohio

As for the Rest of the Class: Honigford is the 17th overall commitment in the class, 3rd offensive lineman and 1st commitment out of Ohio for 2017. DL James Hudson is the other player UM is in great shape for out of the Buckeye state. As for offensive lineman, the original number the staff was expected to sign was 6 but with 3 in already and several elite options still on the board, including OT Isaiah Wilson, OT Henry Bainivalu OL Kai-Leon Herbert, OL Tedarrell Slaton, OL Jordan Reid, OL Jedrick Wills and C Cesar Ruiz, I imagine the staff is willing to sign 7 lineman, if not more. With it being the most important and most needed position in the class, I highly doubt they turn down any of the top targets remaining.

Photo Credit: 247Sports

Garrett Fishaw
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