Roundup: Meet Michigan football’s 2021 recruiting class

A full roundup of recruiting evaluations, facts, stats, film and everything else covering Michigan football’s signed 2021 class.

Ja’Den McBurrows

Via MGoBlue:

Prep
• Attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School (2021) coached by Roger Harriott
• Spent his first two seasons at American Heritage High School attended by Wolverines Nick Eubanks and Mike Morris
• Helped Aquinas to a 5-1 record as a senior
• Part of a team that went 15-0 to win the Class 7A state title his junior year
• Also lettered in track and field at Aquinas; ran a personal best 11.01 seconds in the 100m dash

Key Statistics
• As a senior, made 19 tackles with six pass breakups and three interceptions including two pick-sixes
• Credited with 37 tackles, six interceptions and 15 total pass breakups as a junior; also blocked four punts

Honors and Rankings
• Earned a 247Sports Composite ranking of three-stars; the No. 551 overall player nationally, the No. 43 cornerback and the No. 79 player in the state of Florida
• Named a three-star prospect by 247Sports; rated as the No. 36 cornerback in the country and the No. 62 player in the state of Florida
• Rated as a three-star prospect by ESPN, the No. 82 cornerback prospect in the country and the 140th-rated player in the state of Florida
• Rivals.com three-star prospect, the No. 36 cornerback nationally and the No. 68 player in Florida
• First team all-state and all-county selection as a junior

Personal
• Ja’Den McBurrows was born Jan. 21, 2003
• Son of Kerrie Bryant
• High school teammate of fellow signee Jaydon Hood

247Sports’ Andrew Ivins:

Not the biggest defender. Plays much bigger, however, than his size and frame suggests with a brash, competitive attitude. Intelligent defender that will sniff out screens and quick throws. Understands how to use leverage to his advantage. Excellent click-and-close drive quickness. Doesn’t lack footspeed, either. Always looking to make plays when the ball is in the air and will fight through hands of receivers. Physical striker with above average toughness that can support against the run. Produced as a junior at one of the nation’s top high school programs totaling six interceptions and 15 pass break ups. Followed that up with two pick-sixes as a senior. Might lack the desired height for the position, but should be able to make an impact at the Power 5 level and could carve out role early on in nickel packages.

The Wovlerine’s EJ Holland:

McBurrows lacks the ideal height and length that Michigan looks for in a cornerback prospect, but he plays bigger than his size and makes up for it with his quickness and toughness. McBurrows plays aggressively in press man and has terrific technique and patience.

“McBurrows was asked to play on an island against powerhouse Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage when I saw him live, and he completely shut down his side of the field. While on the smaller side, McBurrows isn’t afraid to get physical against the run and make tackles. Not super speedy straight-line (ran a 11.0 100m as a junior) but great foot speed and breaks on balls quickly. Not much of a ceiling with McBurrows, but he’s a safe take with ‘dog’ mentality, who will eventually earn a starting job or, at the very least, make a big impact in the nickel.

Wolverine Digest:

2021 Outlook: McBurrows is a guy that plays much bigger than his size.  He’s a physical defender with great ball skills and footwork.  He’s also the type of player that doesn’t mind stepping up and making his presence known against the run game.  As is the case with many of these young defensive backs, McBurrows will have an opportunity to make his case for early playing time at the University of Michigan.

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NEXT: McBurrow’s St. Thomas Aquinas teammate