Preview of 2022 In-State Recruiting: #1-5

Preview of 2022 In-State Recruiting: #1-5


February 16, 2021
Grosse Pointe (MI) South CB Will Johnson (image via Detroit News)

If you read this site or are into Michigan recruiting, you probably know the names at the top of this in-state list. Michigan has been pursuing all of these players for a while, and chances are good that the Wolverines land at least a couple of them, if not more.

1. Will Johnson – CB – Grosse Pointe (MI) South
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 190 lbs.
Notable offers: Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, USC
Commitment: Uncommitted
247 Composite: 5-star, #4 CB, #8 overall
Analysis: Johnson is a cornerback who overwhelms fellow high schoolers with his size and strength. He plays corner, wide receiver, and wildcat quarterback for his high school team. He’s the son of former Michigan defensive back Deon Johnson, who played for the Wolverines in the early 1990s. Even so, he’s not guarantee to sign with Michigan. He also has interest in Ohio State and USC, and he and Santa Ana (CA) Mater Dei cornerback Domani Jackson – who is also high on Michigan – say they’re a package deal.

Hit the jump for more.

2. Joshua Burnham – LB – Traverse City (MI) Central
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 215 lbs.
Notable offers: Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State
Commitment: Uncommitted
247 Composite: 4-star, #9 OLB, #114 overall
Analysis: Burnham is a tall, lanky linebacker who played quarterback as a junior during the 2020 season. He was rather successful on both sides, scoring 30 touchdowns, accounting for almost 2,000 yards, and being an impact player on defense. While he needs to fill out and get stronger, the athleticism is there – and I love defensive players who play quarterback. He could play inside or outside, depending on what scheme he ends up playing. Michigan is considered the leader here as he grew up with Ann Arbor as his dream destination.

3. Myles Rowser – S – Belleville (MI) Belleville
Height:
6’1″
Weight: 185 lbs.
Notable offers: Alabama, Florida, Michigan, Notre Dame, Penn State
Commitment: Uncommitted
247 Composite: 4-star, #10 S, #124 overall
Analysis: Rowser was committed to Michigan at one time, but he transferred to IMG Academy in Florida for a short time before moving back. In that span while he was out of state, he decommitted from Michigan, even though his older brother Andre Seldon, Jr. is a freshman cornerback for the Wolverines. Rowser has good physical tools but tends to get lost at times in coverage.

4. Alex VanSumeren – DT – Essexville (MI) Garber
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 285 lbs.
Notable offers: Alabama, Michigan, Penn State, Stanford
Commitment: Uncommitted
247 Composite: 4-star, #16 DT, #223 overall
Analysis: VanSumeren is the younger brother of former Michigan linebacker Ben VanSumeren and had been committed to the Wolverines since mid-December of 2019 through last week. A true defensive tackle, he’s a little bit limited athletically but has a high floor because of his strength, effort level, and technique. He reminds me of former Michigan defensive tackle Mike Martin, a guy who wasn’t ever huge but was just a slab of muscle with endless leg drive.

5. Dillon Tatum – ATH – West Bloomfield (MI) West Bloomfield
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 190 lbs.
Notable offers: Georgia, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State
Commitment: Uncommitted
247 Composite: 4-star, #12 ATH, #246 overall
Analysis: Tatum is a lanky safety who at one time seemed like he was torn between defense and running back. I think his body development has answered that question, and he should be a safety at the next level. He has a smooth backpedal, good ball skills, and decent size. He could potentially play safety or nickel at the next level.

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