New Michigan Man: DL Leonard Taylor

When Jim Harbaugh took over the Wolverines football program, some recruiting fans were kind of rubbed the wrong way with him somewhat ignoring the state of Ohio on the trail. Well, he’s made a big change in his 2018 outlook as he just picked up his 2nd top player out of the Buckeye State as Springfield (OH) DL Leonard Taylor has committed to Michigan.

I would like to announce that I have verbally committed to The University Of Michigan!!!! #GoBlue 〽️〽️〽️〽️ pic.twitter.com/6EkBXJKO8F

— Leonard Taylor (@Lenny_T_20) April 2, 2016

Taylor is one of the elite players in the 2018 class thanks to his size, strength and instincts. Though he’s only going into his junior season, he’s a basically a monster of a recruit. Standing at 6’6” 260lbs, he has the size and athleticism to play multiple positions at the next level but defensive end/tackle looks to be his most likely future position.

As a top player in the class and coming out of Ohio, most believed it was just a matter of time before he joined Ohio State. Well, Michigan had other plans. They extended an offer before OSU and got him on campus with his teammate and best friend LB Antwuan Johnson, who committed soon after their first trip. Even though Taylor visited Columbus and was expected to hold off on an early decision, he decided to commit right after the UM spring game on April 1st.

Like most would expect, both Taylor and Johnson will be guys to watch throughout the cycle as there’s no way the Buckeyes give up their pursuit. It’ll be even more impressive to see UM hold on to them as it was to land their commitments in the first place.

Height: 6’6”
Weight: 260lbs
Hometown (School): Springfield, OH (Springfield)
Notable Offers: Ohio State, Notre Dame, Penn State, Tennessee
Rankings: Scout (4*) – Rivals (NR) – 247Sports (4*, #22 overall) – ESPN (NR)

As for the Rest of the Class: Taylor is the 2nd overall and 2nd Ohio commit of the class. And he likely won’t be the last. RB Jaelen Gill, OT Jackson Carman and WR L’Christian Smith are the other top options out of the Buckeye State for UM.

Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Author
Recent Posts

Garrett Fishaw

Marketing Manager and Communications Director by day, Owner and Managing Editor of MGoFish.com by night. Detroit resident. Played soccer and graduated from Seton Hill University.

Latest posts by Garrett Fishaw (see all)