Michigan gets highest-rated defensive player in class with new commitment

Despite several SEC powers being in the mix, the four-star LB chose to head up north to play at The Big House.

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There’s been much hand-wringing and consternation from the Michigan fanbase as of late due to the state of recruiting.

While it’s been more solid looking on the offensive side — with five of the six commits on that side of the ball being four-stars or higher — the defense’s six are all three-stars. Nevermind the view of the coaching staff that they’ve gotten the right guys, because with Ohio State pulling in what looks to be a legendary class, the rankings shape the views of many.

Well, some of that skepticism should be met with relief on Sunday, as Michigan pulled in its highest-rated defensive player in 2021 thus far, as Brentwood (TN) Ravenwood four-star linebacker Junior Colson pledged to be a Wolverine, he announced on Twitter.

At 6-foot-2, 228-pounds, Colson is a big get for the maize and blue and linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary. He chose Michigan over LSU, Tennessee, Oregon and Ole Miss and also had offers from Auburn, MSU, Oklahoma, Penn State and USC among others.

Rated as the No. 116 player in 2021 via the 247Sports Composite, he’s also the sixth-best outside linebacker in the country and No. 2 player in the state of Tennessee.

A former wide receiver converted to the defensive side of the ball, he has a lot of upside that he’s still discovering, as 247Sports’ Barton Simmons indicated.

Formerly slender, athletic linebacker with length that has already begun the process to add mass to support an in-the-box role on the next level. Former wide receiver that brings that kind of athleticism to the linebacker position. Loose hips and a natural in coverage. Good ball skills. Attractive as a nickel linebacker. Comfortable operating in space as a perimeter tackler. Good athlete that checks the combine testing box. Extremely productive on a one of the best teams in Tennessee. Sure tackler but not ferocious. Nothing jarring about point of attack physicality. More equipped to be an uncovered run and chase defender than a downhill box defender but is starting to evolve in that regard. Has flashed pass rush ability as a blitzer. Athletic traits and physical development points to an eventual Power Five impact starter with the potential to be a mid-to-late round NFL Draft talent.

As Michigan gains its 14th commitment in the 2021 class, it moves from having the No. 10 class to 7, jumping Iowa, Minnesota and Florida in the 247Sports team rankings.

Watch Colson’s junior highlights below:

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