Wolverines DB coach Mike Zordich is making strong in-roads with the rising, versatile 4-star defensive back.
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Despite the state of the country at the moment due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, Michigan football recruiting is in full swing.
One area that has been recently been overshadowed by the various offensive linemen and offensive skill players being pursued is Mike Zordich’s efforts with the defensive backs. And that’s an area where the Wolverines are making in-roads with some top flight prospects.
Among them is 2021 Camden (NJ) four-star Darian “Duce” Chestnut, rated as the No. 131 player overall by Rivals, regardless of position. Michigan has had success recruiting the Philadelphia suburb with former Camden natives Cesar Ruiz and Brad Hawkins joining the maize and blue, albeit both finished their high school careers elsewhere.
Though he’s quite highly-rated, Chestnut is a player that hasn’t been mentioned often in conjunction with Michigan, though Zordich and the Wolverines are recruiting him as hard as anyone, along with Syracuse, Michigan State, West Virginia, Louisville, Old Dominion, NC State and East Carolina.
As far as his game is concerned, Chestnut told WolverinesWire what he brings to the table and why teams are increasingly after him so hard.
“I’m a true shutdown corner,” Chestnut said. “I’m a versatile player. I can play safety, nickel, corner, I can play it all. I’m a playmaker on the field whenever a play’s needed. I make the answer.”
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Given his versatility, Chestnut isn’t seeking out a particular scheme as much as he’s just 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.”
So what’s the most important things that Chestnut is looking for at the next level?
Well, he’s hoping to find a home that will help him get to the next level yet, and one that truly feels like they could have a mutually beneficial relationship.
“The best opportunity to be a player or the best opportunity to help me get to the next level, which is get to the league,” Chestnut said. “Just a school that wants me, that really wants me and gives me an opportunity to play.”
According to Rivals, Chestnut is rated as the No. 8 cornerback in the country and fourth-best player hailing from the state of New Jersey.
Watch his junior film below:
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