2016 OG Michael Onwenu. (art by Brandon Whitaker)

New Michigan Man: OG/NT Michael Onwenu

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

In a surprising and welcomed turn of events, Michigan has landed the commitment of one of the top players in the state and one of the best interior lineman in the country in Detroit (MI) Cass Tech OG/NT Michael Onwenu.

Onwenu is a monster lineman that has the size and athleticism to be a dominant player on either side of the ball. However, I believe Michigan is targeting him to play guard but that shouldn’t stop him from seeing time on defense early on in his career.

After his trip to Columbus this past weekend for The Opening camp, he was named one of the top 10 offensive players at the camp by 247’s Barton Simmons ($):

We love Onwenu’s toughness on the inside of the offensive line. The kid just eats up defensive linemen and plays with a rare physicality in a camp setting

Though “Big Mike” is a local product from Michigan’s (previous) super pipeline, his recruitment was a bit of a roller coaster. He was extremely high on Ohio State last fall but after the coaching change and the addition of Harbaugh, he became a top target and quickly started falling in love with the Maize and Blue. That admiration grew enough that he made a surprise visit to Schembechler Hall and gave his pledge to the Wolverines.

You can count this one in the definite “win” column for Harbaugh.

  • Height: 6’3”
  • Weight: 365lbs
  • Notable Offers: Ohio State, Alabama, Miami, Penn State, Michigan State
  • Rankings: Scout (4*, #5 OG) – Rivals (4*, #191 overall) – 247 (4*, #7 OG) – ESPN (4*, #17 OG)


As for the Rest of the Class: Onwenu is the 7th member of the 2016 Michigan recruiting class and the 2nd offensive lineman. He also happens to be the third in-state commit and a big one at that. Coming from Cass Tech means he is another ally in Detroit’s top high school program to help the staff lure in kids from all over the city in 2016 and beyond. As for the 2016 impact, look for the other offensive lineman to decide soon with the spots starting to fill up. That includes Ben Bredeson, Terrance Davis and Devery Hamilton.

Garrett Fishaw
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