[jwplayer jyD7kO4L-XNcErKyb]
Michigan currently has one cornerback committed in Fort Lauderdale (FL) St. Thomas Aquinas three-star Ja’Den McBurrows, and it’s been seeking out a second to join the 2021 class.
One of its top options is a player from a familiar high school: Camden (NJ) — where both Cesar Ruiz and Brad Hawkins attended before ultimately transferring to IMG Academy and Suffield Academy, respectively. That recruit is four-star CB Duce Chestnut, who released an ‘Elite 8’ on Saturday evening.
The Wolverines made the cut, along with MSU, Ole Miss, Miami (FL), Louisville, Syracuse, Rutgers and Kansas. But the No. 137 player in the country — per Rivals.com — still remains open as to where he might attend at the next level, he contends.
Elite 8🤝🔥#Recruitmentstillopen👀 pic.twitter.com/6jMkeie3KB
— Darian “Duce” Chestnut (@BallgameDuce) July 5, 2020
Still, the maize and blue have a lot to offer the emerging defensive back.
He shared in April with WolverinesWire what he’s looking for in a prospective program, why he’s a good fit anywhere and his strong relationship with Michigan cornerbacks coach Mike Zordich:
Given his versatility, Chestnut isn’t seeking a particular scheme as much as he’s looking for a team that recognizes his inherent value.
That said, he brings a little something to the table no matter what a defense runs in the defensive backfield.
“That’s what’s good about my game,” Chestnut said. “I can play Cover 2 base corner, I can play in man-to-man, press corner. I can do whatever you need me to do, so it doesn’t really matter the scheme of the defense.”
At the moment, Chestnut and Zordich are continuing to build upon a solid foundation, relationship-wise.
As they continue to bond, Chestnut is learning more and more about what he can bring to Ann Arbor and vice versa. He hasn’t visited yet, but he told WolverinesWire that he’s looking to once the coronavirus ‘stay at home’ measures are lifted.
“We’ve got a great relationship,” Chestnut said. “He’s just been telling me the ins and outs about Michigan, how I fit in the scheme and how I fit with everything together. It’s a big opportunity for me to go to Michigan. He’s been telling me good things about Michigan.”
Per the 247Sports Composite, Chestnut is the No. 24 cornerback in the country and sixth-best player in the state of New Jersey in the 2021 recruiting cycle.
He currently holds no predictions as to where he might attend college via either the 247Sports Crystal Ball nor the Rivals.com FutureCast.