4-star EDGE Elias Rudolph commits to Michigan: 'The atmosphere is amazing'

Four-star EDGE Elias Rudolph has been a frequent traveler in recent months. Not only for official and unofficial visits to college campuses, but Rudolph moved from the Cincinnati area to Deerfield Beach (Fla.) this spring. However, he’s returned home and will likely to finish out his career at nearby Taft High School.

Before that though, he had a commitment decision to make. And on Monday, the No. 304 prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking made it official: he’s headed to Michigan.

“I looked at a lot of different schools, and I liked different schools at different times, but when I made my decision, I committed to Michigan over Pittsburgh,” he told On3. “I like the coaches at both schools, and it was a tough decision, but I knew it was Michigan after my official visit. That is when I made my final decision.”

Energy and at atmosphere at Michigan was unmatched

As a Midwest kid, Rudolph was familiar growing up with the Wolverines. But actually visiting, both for a game last fall and also this summer for his official visit, was a totally different experience.

“I was at the Ohio State game last year and I loved it,” he said. “The atmosphere at Michigan is amazing. I love their fans. Then the coaches have great energy. They recruit great players and that creates great competition. That is something else I am excited about.

… Then there is the development. Michigan coaches the players hard and gets guys to the NFL. All of those things are reasons why I picked Michigan.”

Steve Clinkscale was a big selling point for Elias Rudolph

Different Michigan coaches were part of the recruiting process for Rudolph, but the primary one was Steve Clinkscale. The defensive backs coach is a Youngstown native, and he and Rudolph built a strong bond throughout the past few months.

“He is a great person, I love his approach and he is just a real guy,” Rudolph said. “Coach Clink is easy to talk to, he always kept it real with me and he was a factor in my commitment too.”

Rudolph admits it was a challenging process and it ultimately was a tough decision, but he’s ready to don the Maize and Blue and join the Wolverines’ top-10 class.

“I feel great about my commitment,” he said. “I am going to a great school with great coaches and great players. And I get to play in front of great fans. It is exciting.”