Chicago (IL) Loyola defensive tackle Brooks Bahr committed to Michigan on Tuesday afternoon. He picked the Wolverines over offers from Cincinnati, Illinois, Northwestern, and Wisconsin, among others.
Bahr is listed at 6’6″ and 270 lbs.
RATINGS
ESPN: Unranked
On3: 3-star, 88 grade, #52 DL
Rivals: 3-star, 5.7 grade, #39 SDE
247 Sports: 3-star, 87 grade, #74 DL
Hit the jump for more on Bahr’s recruitment.
Bahr was offered by new defensive line coach Mike Elston shortly after Elston was hired, though Elston’s former employer Notre Dame had not offered. Michigan tends to have a lot of pull in the Chicago area due to its proximity and the Big Ten imprint – and the fact that the University of Illinois usually sucks at football – so the Wolverines’ offer was a big one. Bahr visited last fall and once this off-season, and with a planned visiting upcoming this weekend, it was time to make his choice public.
Bahr is a tall, long interior defensive lineman. He almost looks like an offensive tackle with his length, and one of his strengths is the ability to envelope opposing ball carriers. He can cover a lot of territory with his wingspan, and he also can disengage from blockers using that same reach advantage. Right now he looks pretty thin for his frame, so he’s likely going to add a lot of weight as he continues to mature and work in the weight room.
On the negative side, there are some question marks when it comes to his play on the field. The first thing to note is that he is not quick off the ball. He’s one of the last guys to start moving after the snap. And it’s not just his reaction time, but his inability to gain ground and get that second step down that have me concerned. He needs to be more explosive off the ball and seems tentative and reticent to really let loose and play aggressively. There are times where he just hops on ball carriers’ backs instead of hitting with force, and that’s probably because he tends to play a little high.
Overall, Bahr has a good frame and some decent straight-line speed, but the football instincts and aggression aren’t where they need to be. He has dabbled in lacrosse in the past, so he may have a good deal of improvement in his future as he focuses on football. He reminds me a little bit of former Michigan defensive tackle Matt Godin, a tall and relatively svelte guy for his position. Though Rivals lists Bahr as a strongside end, I think he will end up inside before his career is over.
Michigan now has six commitments in the class of 2023. Bahr is the first defensive lineman to join the class. He would also be the first Michigan player to come from Chicago (IL) Loyola.
TTB Rating: 71
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