New Michigan Man: LB Dele Harding

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

In a weirdly timed and surprising move, 2016 LB Dele Harding (Eastern Christian Academy/Elkton,MD) has pulled the trigger and committed to Team 137 and the Michigan Wolverines.

Harding is a versatile linebacker who has camped at the Michigan for the past two summers and ended up falling in love with the program. Besides the program\’s prestige, having two of his former teammates (Brandon Watson and Freddy Canteen) in the Maize and Blue only helped sway him to Ann Arbor.

In an interview with DetNews\’ Sam Webb, Harding\’s father David had this to say:

\”I thought everything was phenomenal,” Mr. Harding said. “The history of it as well as the commitment to their players — it was very family-oriented atmosphere. I was very impressed.

“We’re elated (about the offer), especially Dele’. It was an offer that he had been looking forward to since last year. He went to the Big House and he was very impressed with everything that Michigan had to offer academically, athletically — and just the complete total package.\”

At 6\’1\’\’ 230lbs, he has similar size to James Ross III and has a similar playing style. He has a nose for the ball and makes plays from sideline to sideline. His tough nosed attitude and playing style will fit in with the current (and future) Wolverine linebackers and defense.

Height: 6\’1\’\’

Weight: 230lbs

Notable Offers: USC, Tennesseee, UMass

Rankings: Scout (3*, #29 OLB) – 247 Sports (3*, #12 ILB) – Rivals (4*, #5 ILB) – ESPN (3*)

Highlights

As for the Rest of the Class

With the uncertainty surrounding Brady Hoke\’s tenure at Michigan (especially with the resignation of AD Dave Brandon), this was a very surprising addition for the Wolverines. However, the school and program have a history and prestige that not many schools can rival so it\’s not a complete shock to see commitments. Harding has been seen as a Michigan lean for a long time and without another player in the 2016 or 2015 class in that same situation, I doubt we\’ll see another commitment for quite sometime.

Garrett Fishaw
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