Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

New Michigan Man: DE Luiji Vilain Commits

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

In a surprising turn of events, if you’ve been off the internet for the last month, but an unsurprising turn if you’ve been paying attention, 2017 Episcopal (VA) DE Luiji Vilain has made it official and committed to Michigan just a couple weeks after his unofficial visit to Ann Arbor.

Vilain, who is one of the top defensive ends in the entire class, should be a fantastic fit in Don Brown’s blitz heavy defense. He has the athleticism, size and speed to either play weakside defensive end or the SAM linebacker position. Because of that versatility and his overall talent, he should be one of the top gets in the 2017 class for Michigan.

Being a top rated recruit, most would think Vilain is pure American. However, he’s from Ontario, Canada and just recently moved to the states to play his high school ball prior to his junior season. This move, his on the field performance and camp showings helped solidify his ranking among the top players in the class and it also helped him finally land his most coveted offer.

Vilain had visited Ann Arbor multiple times in the past after his trips to Detroit for the Sound Mind Sound Body camps throughout his high school career. This had him very high on the Maize and Blue. But it wasn’t until earlier this spring that he finally received his offer. Once that was in hand, Michigan looked to be in great position and he proved that when he made an unofficial visit in the middle of May.

Thanks to his longtime love and familiarity for the Wolverines program, as well as his fit in Don Brown’s defense and fellow Canadian commit CB Benjamin St-Juste‘s recruitment, Vilain is the latest Michigan pledge.

  • Height: 6’4”
  • Weight: 240lbs
  • Hometown (School): Ontario, Canada (Episcopal)
  • Notable Offers: Alabama, USC, Georgia, Michigan State, North Carolina, UCLA
  • Rankings: Scout (4*, #203 overall) – Rivals (4*, #89 overall) – 247 (4*, #92 overall) – ESPN (4*, #95 overall)

As for the Rest of the Class: With Vilain’s commitment, Michigan is at 2 defensive line commits, 2 Canadian commits and 14th commitment overall. His addition will also very likely mean that UM becomes a big player for his high school teammate and fellow Canadian 2017 S Jonathan Sutherland. As for the defensive end position, Central Catholic (OH) DE James Hudson, Brighton (UT) DE Langi Tuifua, Cathedral (CA) DE Hunter Echols and Luther Burbank (CA) DE DJ Johnson are the top names left on the board.

Photo Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Garrett Fishaw
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