Adding some more help at defensive tackle was clearly the #1 goal of the Michigan coaching staff ahead of National Signing Day as the staff has added its fourth big body to the defensive haul as 2021 Lakeview Centennial (TX) DT Ikechukwu Iwunnah has flipped from Colorado and signed with Michigan on NSD.
Commitment
Scouting Report
Ike is a growing prospect in both his potential and his physical frame. He’s reportedly listed closer to 290 which makes his film even better. The guy moves really well for someone at that weight which has to have Shaun Nua and Mike Mcdonald ecstatic. His natural strength and mass behind him allow him to drive lineman into the backfield where he shows the ability to make plays.
Plug him on an end in the 3-4 or at the 3-tech in an even front as he continues to add size and he could be an impactful interior pass rusher and become more of an interior force as he may eventually grow into a nose tackle. He’s still raw and could use a year or two but with his athleticism at that size, it could give him the chance to play earlier than expected and outplay his recruiting ranking.
Recruitment
Compared to the other defensive tackle gets in this class, Iwunnah’s recruitment with Michigan was in hyper speed. Getting plenty of attention from the Texas and Pac 12 schools including Baylor and the Longhorns though there were questions on whether or not he was a take for the Bears ahead of Early Signing Day ($).
After not signing early on, Colorado made a strong push for Big Ike and ended up landing his commitment on January 19th. Michigan offered January 25th. And that changed everything as the new defensive staff pushed to flip the high upside prospect.
The push worked out in Michigan’s favor as most expected and Iwunnah flipped from the Buffaloes and signed with the Wolverines on National Signing Day, just over a week after receiving his offer.
- Height: 6’4”
- Weight: 290lbs
- Hometown (School): Garland, TX (Lakeview Centennial)
- Notable Offers: Colorado, Texas, Baylor, Missouri, Boston College
- Rankings: Rivals (3*) – 247Sports (3*, #55 DT) –
- Composite Ranking: Three-star, #1102 Overall, #62 DT, #167 in Texas
Highlights
As for the Rest of the Class
Iwunnah is the 23rd member of the recruiting class, the 4th defensive tackle, and the 2nd signee out of Texas. That should wrap up the recruiting class as the rest of this offseason’s roster additions should come from the transfer portal.
Photo Credit: 247Sports
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