2023 On300 DL Joel Starlings goes in-depth on his commitment
2023 Benedictine four-star defensive lineman Joel Starlings committed to Michigan on Sunday night following a weekend visit to Ann Arbor to see the Wolverines defeat Ohio State.
Starlings, who ranks as the No. 230 prospect in the On300 and the No. 225 prospect in the On3 Consensus rankings, went in-depth on his commitment after committing to Michigan over the likes of Penn State, Georgia, Texas A&M and Wisconsin.
Michigan had long been the favorite for the four-star defensive lineman, but after seeing the campus in person, he knew the decision he had to make.
“The campus was amazing,” he said. “The people on campus are great people as well. Like I said before the coaches really are bought into this team and I would love to be apart of that”
Starlings entered the weekend with Michigan at the top of his mind but didn’t initially plan on shutting down his recruitment so soon. After experiencing the atmosphere in the Big House during Michigan’s 42-27 win over Ohio State, his heart told him otherwise.
“In my heart I feel like this is the place for me,” he said. “And why wait when I already know what I want to do.”
Michigan defensive line coach Shaun Nua has been Starlings’ primary recruiter, who said Nua reminds him of himself.
“Coach Nua is a great guy,” he said. “Down to earth loving man. He reminds me of myself. A big family man and he will always be 100 with you whether you like it or not.”
Still a year away from signing to play for Michigan, Starlings is excited to suit up for the Wolverines and added that Michigan fans can expect a guy who will give “his all” for the school.
“Michigan fans can expect a guy who will give his all to the school and to the fans,” he said. “I’ll push my teammates to accomplish the goals we will set for the season and exceed them.
