Bio Blast: Meet three-star Michigan EDGE commit Tariq Boney

Three-star Washington (D.C.) St. John’s EDGE Tariq Boney officially signed with Michigan on Wednesday.

Here is everything you need to know about the talented pass rusher.

The Skinny

Height: 6-1
Weight: 230
Industry Ranking: No. 71 wide receiver, No. 665 overall
Interesting Facts: Was named the WCAC Defensive Player of the Year as a senior. Earned an invitation to the Under Armour All-American Game. Was an AAU basketball teammate of fellow Michigan EDGE commit Carter Meadows.

Recruitment

Michigan offered Boney last winter and earned his commitment in April, shortly following his first visit. He committed to Michigan over offers from Penn State, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Washington and others. Michigan defensive line coach Lou Esposito led the way in his recruitment.

He Said It

“It was just the perfect fit. They are all about culture and winning. They want get better every day — one percent day-by-day. The fit was just perfect for me. I just locked it in and went ahead and committed. I love Coach (Sherrone) Moore and Coach Lou. Coach Lou is a teacher. He’s going to coach you through things and help you get better as a player and as a man.”

They Said It

“He’s not 6-foot-5. We can’t do anything about that. I think people look at size and those things, but there are guys who aren’t 6-foot-5. Elvis Dumervil was 5-foot-11. People also try to project him and ask what he’s going to be. I say he’s just a football player. He went up against the best out here (at Under Armour Baltimore), and he dominated. It’s a testament to who he is as a person. He has a chip on his shoulder. Me personally, I think he should be a five-star. There are guys who look prettier, but there aren’t guys who are better football players.” — St. John’s head coach Pat Ward

Scouting Report

“Boney checks all the boxes except… he’s very, very undersized. I’m 6-foot-1 with no reason to lie. Boney is listed the same, and I think it’s pretty generous. Boney has ridiculous weight room numbers, is as strong as an ox and has filled out his compact frame. But again, the lack of height and length is concerning — hence why he doesn’t get love from a rankings perspective. Can Boney be an anomaly like former Michigan pass rusher Josaiah Stewart? It’s very possible. Some have asked if Boney can slide inside or perhaps play linebacker. I don’t think he has the frame or athleticism for either of those transitions in U-M’s scheme. He was recruited to be the next Stewart, and that’s exactly the role I see him filling as well. Overall, it’s tough to give Boney a recruiting grade. Both times I’ve seen him, I struggle to get over the measureables, especially since my evals are usually very metric/upside driven, but it’s impossible to ignore the production at the highest level. I will say that if any program can maximize Boney, it’s Michigan. U-M did it with Stewart, and it can do it with Boney. If we’re solely evaluating for Michigan, I think Boney is a low four and could even outplay that ranking.” — The Wolverine’s EJ Holland