Sherrone Moore lauds addition of five-star signee Carter Meadows: 'Possible first-round draft pick'

Michigan made a concerted effort to build its 2026 recruiting class from the inside out, particularly on the defensive line. Even losing Julian Walker from the class to South Carolina, head coach Sherrone Moore is pleased with the quality he was able to add, from the interior to the edges.

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Appearing on the Big Ten Network’s signing day show on Wednesday, Moore was asked about the defensive line signees, stating that it was a need to offset losses the Wolverines will have after the season.

“A lot of versatility, guys that could move around and play different spots,” Moore said. “I think our defense starts with the guys up front, and you’ve got really good defense when you’ve got hard edges. And you’re able to stop the run and rush the passer.

“So we really wanted to improve there and replace some guys that we’re going to lose. We’re going to lose Derrick Moore, Jaishawn Barham, who made a huge impact this year. We wanted guys to come and impact the team and not be afraid to challenge the players that are here right now. But also have the players that are here right now be impacted. So I feel really good about the kids that we brought in.”

The defensive recruiting haul is highlighted by five-star EDGE Carter Meadows, who ranks as the No. 6 overall player in the class according to Rivals’ Industry Rankings.

With the crown jewel in the class secured, Moore is optimistic about his long-term projection in the program, saying that the elite talent has the potential to be a “freak” during his career in Ann Arbor.

“Carter is a special talent,” Moore said. “He’s all of 6’6″, 230 pounds. Very, very long, rangy frame, twitchy, physical, but an extremely intelligent kid. Academic means a lot to him. Being part of the Ross School business means a lot to him. The football piece is huge for him, and I think he’s going to develop into a freak.

“I could see him being a possible first-round draft pick, but that takes a lot of work. But he has all the ability in the world and all the size to allow us to put him in different places in the defense. And be extremely physical and help us, hopefully, sooner than later.”