The Michigan coaching staff finally gave in to the fan base’s wishes and landed a defensive tackle in the 2021 class. All kidding aside, Shaun Nua and the staff were able to land a familiar name as St. Peters Prep (NJ) DT George Rooks committed to Michigan just ahead of National Signing Day.
Commitment
Scouting Report
Rooks is a big, quick twitched, versatile lineman that has the frame to put on a lot more size. If he’s still listed at 260, he looks like he could get up to 300 with ease and that will be needed to make an impact in the Big Ten. Similar to Chris Wormley, he may be a guy that moves from the outside in as his career goes on.
Shows strong hands to rip and disengage lineman to get into the backfield. This will be an interesting player development. The talent and frame is there but it may take a couple of years for him to fully reach his size. Once there, he could be a multiple year starter for the Wolverines.
Recruitment
One of the most familiar names on the 2021 recruiting trail for Michigan fans. Out of New Jersey, Rooks was an early target for the staff and a guy who already had connections to the school as his sister is a recent grad that played for the basketball team.
Though Michigan looked to be a favorite for a large portion of this cycle and looked like he’d commit to the Wolverines in one of the many times he was rumored to announce a decision. But that never came. Instead, it was a rollercoaster of who was the rumored favorite. Penn State? Boston College? Michigan? In the end, it was the Wolverines thanks to the retention of DL coach Shaun Nua and the potential of Michigan’s new-age defense.
- Height: 6’4”
- Weight: 260lbs
- Hometown (School): Jersey City, NJ (St. Peters Prep)
- Notable Offers: Penn State, Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Georgia
- Rankings: Rivals (4*, #227 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #30 DT) – ESPN (4*, #208 overall)
- Composite Ranking: Four-star, #263 Overall, #19 DT, #4 in New Jersey
Highlights
As for the Rest of the Class
Rooks is the 21st recruit of this class, the 22nd overall addition, the 2nd defensive tackle, and the 2nd get out of New Jersey. With his addition, the staff has two defensive tackles in this class but could use at least one more. The two names to watch closest on the recruiting trail is Michigan State commit/Oak Park (MI) DT Rayshaun Benny and Colorado commit/Lakeview Centennial (TX) DT Ike Iwunnah.
Photo Credit: Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
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