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DETROIT — Save the date, Michigan fans — on April 18, his birthday, Belleville (MI) 2021 four-star linebacker Jamari Buddin fully intends to put the Wolverines in his top ten.
The 216th-rated player in the country, according to Rivals, Buddin has made frequent visits to Ann Arbor, including just this past month. On that visit, he got to meet the newly hired coaches on the defensive staff — linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary and safeties coach Bob Shoop — as well as continuing to build his relationship with Sherrone Moore, Don Brown and strength coach Tank Wright.
“It was a good experience,” Buddin told WolverinesWire of his latest visit to Michigan. “I got to meet the new coaching staff, build a relationship with them. We’re keeping that going right now, which is a good thing.”
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Before the dead period started at the beginning of this month, Buddin says he’s heard frequently from Michigan, putting them first in the category of schools recruiting him the hardest, along with Michigan State, Purdue, Minnesota, Penn State, Florida State. Meeting Jean-Mary in particular has been crucial for him, as he likes the way that the former USF defensive coordinator and Texas recruiting director keeps things straight with him.
“He was really up front, just like the rest of the coaches,” Buddin said. “I talked to him, he keeps it honest with me, keep it steady with me. Him and Coach Tank — it’s gonna be a good staff that they’re working with up there. I really like them a lot.”
“They basically say I fit the VIPER position perfectly. I got the body, the skill set, agility – all that. It works just for that. Like Khaleke Hudson – they can see me like him.”
Buddin is planning to visit Purdue and Minnesota once the dead period ends, and he’s looking for a place that will prepare him for life beyond football. He intends to study kinesiology at the next level — to which he gives bonus points to Michigan for having a solid program in that area.
For now, fans can sit tight knowing that Buddin will include Michigan in his final round of schools. But as far as waiting for a commitment, fans shouldn’t get their hopes up that he’ll make a quick decision.
He intends to see the process through, so that he’s 100% sure he makes the right decision. And then he’ll put pen to paper on early signing day, finalizing his choice for life.
So he’s got some time before he narrows his list down from ten to one.
“Probably next December is when I’m gonna commit,” Buddin said. “Like I said, my top ten will be dropping April 18. Just gonna work it from there, from April 18. I’m excited. Michigan, Michigan State (are) among the schools that will show up and we’ll see where it goes from there.”