New Michigan Man: DE Braiden McGregor Commits to Michigan

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

Michigan’s 2020 class was full of really good commitments but still without a big-time get. But that changed today when top 100 recruit Port Huron Northern (MI) DE Braiden McGregor has committed to Michigan.

Commitment

Scouting Report

McGregor is a do-it-all defensive force. The high school basketball, hockey and football standout can put his hand in the dirt and rush the passer from the inside or out, he can stand up and come off the edge, he’s even athletic enough to drop back into coverage on tight ends, if need be. While he’ll likely grow into a five-tech his athleticism and pass rushing effort will allow him to play all over the line. He’s got a bit of Chase Winovich and Ryan Kerrigan in his game.

Has a prototypical frame for the position. Tall, longer arms, well-muscled, but still with room to grow in college. Is a very good athlete who can run, redirect, and chase plays down in pursuit. Has good closing speed. Pass-catching skills on offense speak to his athleticism and ability in space. Plays with great motor. Still working on technique. Once he adds more violent hands and some go-to pass rush moves to his arsenal he will be tough to stop. Growth may determine if he ends up as a five-technique or if he plays on the weak-side because he is athletic enough to be the latter. At either spot, he projects as a major impact guy in college.

Allen Trieu/247Sports

Recruitment

The top defensive player in the state has been a wanted man by the Michigan staff for a long time now. He received his offer from the staff back in April of 2018 and became a normal visitor to Ann Arbor.

McGregor camped at Michigan last summer, visited for the 2018 BBQ at the Big House, again for the 2018 Wisconsin game, then a couple more times during the winter and spring. But he wasn’t just taking trips to Ann Arbor.

As a wanted recruit by the nation’s elite, his winter and spring included trips to Clemson, Alabama, LSU, Florida State, Florida, Penn State, and Notre Dame. And even though he had his top 10 list, it looked to come down to the Fighting Irish and the Wolverines at the top of his list with the in-state program winning out in the end.

Long relationships with the staff, close connections with the family, being a perfect fit in Don Brown’s defense and at the University, Michigan was always in great shape with McGregor. He now becomes the top rated player in UM’s 2020 class and yet another top target get for Harbaugh and company.

  • Height: 6’5”
  • Weight: 255lbs
  • Hometown (School): Port Huron, MI (Port Huron Northern)
  • Notable Offers: Notre Dame, Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State
  • Rankings: Rivals (3*, #27 SSDE) – 247Sports (4*, #27 overall) – ESPN (4*, #26 overall)
  • Composite Ranking: Four-star, #87 Overall, #4 SDE, #3 in Michigan

Highlights

As for the Rest of the Class

McGregor is the 9th overall commitment, the first defensive lineman, and the third in-state addition to the class. It’ll be interesting to see if that number rises or falls first but there are a couple other in-staters that could potentially end up in this class including recent Kentucky commit OG/DT Justin Rogers, S Makari Paige, ATH Cameron Martinez, and most likely WR Maliq Carr.

Other defensive line targets to remember include DL Van Fillinger, DE Antwaun Powell, DT Montra Edwards, and DT Omari Thomas.

Photo Credit: Braiden McGregor/Twitter

Garrett Fishaw
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