One of Jim Harbaugh’s goals for his time at Michigan was to turn the program into a world wide brand. He’s already taken the team to Rome for spring ball and will go Paris and London this spring. But its another European country that just gave Harbaugh yet another foreign prospect as the top football recruit in Germany 2018 DE Julius Welschof has flipped his commitment from Georgia Tech and has signed with Michigan.
Commitment
I am proud to announce that I will be a Michigan Wolverine!!! #GoBlue 🇩🇪@UMichFootball @CoachJim4UM @FBCoachDBrown @CoachGMattison @PPIRecruits pic.twitter.com/Fo98H8NuAd
— juliuswelschof (@JuliusWelschof) December 20, 2017
Scouting Report
“Juice” is a 6’6”, uber-athletic, former freestyle mogul skier that doesn’t have a ton game tape. But what he does have on tape is him flashing the athleticism that he possess at his size for the Munich Cowboys, at camps and in training sessions. He clocked a 4.73 forty at Ohio State’s camp and a laser timed 5.5 in a training session (video below). Along with that speed, he also showed off his quick twitch, raw strength and flexibility at each stop along his summer tour. But all of the athleticism in the world won’t translate to success on the field at the D-1 level. It’ll likely be a couple years of development, learning and adapting to the speed of the American college game before he makes an impact.
With time spent with Greg Mattison and in the weight room, he could be a problem coming off the edge for Michigan’s defense. If it clicks for him, look out. The raw talent is there.
Recruitment
As a football player in Germany, Welschof wasn’t even on the recruiting radar until he made his way over to the States for several summer camps. That including trips to Michigan, Ohio State, Maryland and Wayne State (Detroit). All of which he showed out and opened the eyes of several coaches. He received offers from the likes of Rutgers, Temple, UCF and Iowa State right after his camp performances. But he held out until he received an offer from Georgia Tech during his official visit in late October.
He didn’t wait long to make a decision, committing to the Yellow Jackets just two days later. And it looked like that’s where he’d end up at. That was until Michigan’s coaching staff expanded its defensive end board and extended an offer to Welschof.
Like his first commitment, the three-star defensive end committed to Michigan just days after receiving the offer. Making it official by signing with the Wolverines right after announcing his decision to flip his pledge.
- Height: 6’6”
- Weight: 250lbs
- Hometown (Team): Munich, Germany (Munich Cowboys)
- Notable Offers: Georgia Tech, Iowa State, Minnesota, Syracuse
- Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (4*, #323 overall) – ESPN (3*, #64 DE)
- Composite Ranking: Three star, #681 overall, #26 SDE, #1 in Germany
Highlights
As for the Rest of the Class
Welschof is the 19th overall addition to Michigan’s recruiting class, the 3rd defensive end and the first foreign born player in the class. With him on board, the staff can now push for its top remaining defensive line targets, which includes DT Tyler Friday, DE Eyabi Anoma and DE Jayson Oweh. Friday being the only player I have a Crystal Ball prediction on to end up with the Wolverines.
Photo Credit: Scout.com
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