In DJ Durkin’s defense, Michigan will feature a rush outside linebacker that has the ability to get after the quarterback as well as drop into coverage.
While the staff has extended offers to several top ranked targets, including Jeffery McCulloch and Camilo Eifler, one very underrated name to keep an eye on is a local product out of my alma mater, Canton (MI) OLB Jalen Cochran.
I spoke with him about his junior season and Canton’s legendary head coach Tim Baechler, who he sees as a 2nd father.
“I think my season went very well. We made it to Regionals and won districts. Canton hasn’t done that in a long time so it was good to accomplish that.”
On his relationship with Coach Baechler:
“I love that man. He\’s like a second dad to me. He wants the best for me and Without him I wouldn’t be the player I am today.”
Cochran\’s starting to gain a lot of traction on the recruiting trail as of late thanks to an impressive junior season:
“My recruitment has been going good. Started off slow but now it’s starting to speed up but I’m just trying to focus on my senior season.”
Even after a coming out season, the talented linebacker has yet to hear from the Wolverines staff but is being followed on Twitter from director of player personnel Chris Singletary.
He let me know that though he is 20 minutes from Ann Arbor, he is neutral in terms of having a favorite program:
“I was always a neutral guy. I just loved watching the rivalries when it came to basketball and football.”
Even without a favorite, he let me know that an offer from Michigan would be a big deal:
“Personally I think any offer means something. Not everyone can play football but having a offer from Michigan is a big deal. A lot of history at this school so it would be an honor to receive a offer from the university of Michigan.”
To land that offer before his senior season, he may have to compete at the Michigan camp and he plans on going to “a lot of camps this year” but has yet to figure out which camps exactly.
While Cochran hold four D1 offers (Iowa, Toledo, Miami (OH) and EMU) he is still extremely underrated on the recruiting front. His size, athleticism and ability to make plays makes him a perfect fit on the edge. Mix that with his humbleness, and he looks to be a perfect fit for the Maize and Blue.
So, make sure to keep an eye on Jalen Cochran moving forward. After a couple camps, expect multiple Power 5 conference teams to extend offers.
- The First 2024 Best Guess Recruiting Class - Mar 24, 2023
- 2023 Best Guess Recruiting Class: Early Signing Day - Dec 20, 2022
- The 2023 Best Guess Recruiting Class - Sep 22, 2022