Michigan football makes top 5 for coveted in-state product

He’s one of #Michigan’s top targets in 2022. #GoBlue

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Detroit (Michigan) Cass Tech head coach Thomas Wilcher might be on the Michigan State staff, but when it comes to one of the Technicians that Michigan football has long been targeting, it makes little difference.

Of course, MSU can’t reel in anyone from Cass Tech for two recruiting cycles, since Wilcher is in an off-field role, but the Wolverines have done a solid job showing their high interest in three-star defensive lineman Deone Walker.

Despite being a three-star rated No. 365 overall, according to the 247Sports composite, Walker has 29 reported offers, including Florida, Georgia, Iowa, LSU, Penn State and Texas. On Wednesday, Walker released his top five schools and Michigan made the cut, along with Missouri, Arizona State, Georgia and Kentucky.

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Walker is listed at 6 feet, 6 inches, 340 pounds and certainly could fit a big need when it comes to what the Wolverines are looking to do up front on the defensive line under new defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald.

247Sports recruiting analyst Allen Trieu says Walker has the size and ability to play on either side of the line of scrimmage:

Massive prospect who could be a defensive lineman or offensive tackle in college. On defense, he can play nose or maybe be an end in an odd front. For his size, he shows agility not many that big have. Can change directions and has a good spin move. Does a decent job with his hands in disengaging but can still get more violent there. Would like to see him play at a lower weight, which would help with explosiveness and get-off. Less experienced as an offensive tackle but has upside there. Still has developmental work to do but ceiling is very high.

The 247Sports composite also has Walker as the No. 33 defensive lineman in the country and the No. 11 player in the state of Michigan.

Michigan controls the 247Sports crystal ball with all eight of the predictions for where Walker will land.

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