Five Michigan Recruiting Rankings Bumps I Love In New On300

On3 imageby:EJ Holland11/22/21

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On3 released its updated On300 rankings for the class of 2022 on Monday morning morning.

Here is a look at five Michigan related rankings bumps I completely endorse.

DT Kenneth Grant, Merrillville (Ind.) High

Ranking: Up from not ranked to No. 129 nationally

It’s about damn time Kenneth Grant gets the respect he deserves. The Monster on Broadway is one of the country’s premier nose tackles and is a rare athlete at 6-foot-5, 350 pounds. No, Grant isn’t just a space eater that allows backers to make plays. A dancing bear, Grant has terrific feet, violent hands and an array of pass rushing moves that allow him to see time as a five-technique on third downs at the high school level. Grant has been a sleeper tucked away near Gary, Indiana, but a strong offseason and senior year has seen him burst onto the national scene. Michigan defensive line coach Shaun Nua and the rest of the staff did a fantastic job of evaluating him early and earning his commitment.

LB Jimmy Rolder, Chicago (Ill.) Marist

Ranking: Up from not ranked to No. 154 nationally

The story of Jimmy Rolder is one of the best of the recruiting cycle. This is a guy that was a complete unknown heading into the fall. Rolder didn’t start playing linebacker full-time until his junior season, which took place in the spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After getting more comfortable with the position, Rolder exploded this fall and became one of the most-sought-after after recruits in the country, earning offers across the Big Ten and a few down south. Rolder eventually committed to Michigan over Ohio State, giving the Wolverines a massive win over their rival. A former Illinois baseball commit, Rolder has a ton of naturally athletic ability and an impressive frame that can carry more solid weight. His upside is tremendous.

DB Zeke Berry, Concord (Calif.) De La Salle

Ranking: Up from No. 157 to No. 59 nationally

I have been the leader of the Zeke Berry fan club since I made my way out to the Bay Area to see him in September. An impressive athlete on the hoof, Berry is a versatile defensive back that can literally play any spot in the secondary. His speed, athleticism, ball instincts and high football IQ would make him the total package for Michigan in a nickel-type role, where he can showcase his skillset. While he still has some ceiling, Berry’s floor is so high thanks to the coaching he’s received at De La Salle, one of the best high school programs nationally. He’s as safe of a recruit as you can get. Berry, who decommitted from Arizona this fall, has quickly emerged as one of Michigan’s most important remaining targets this cycle. In a class that also features consensus five-star defensive back Will Johnson, Berry would be a whale of a land.

DT Deone Walker, Detroit (Mich.) Cass Tech

Ranking: Up from not ranked to No. 245 nationally

I’ll be the first one to tell that I was very low on Walker when I initially saw him in the offseason going into his junior year. However, Walker has gotten better and better every time I’ve seen him. In fact, Walker may be the most improved recruit I’ve covered in my almost 10 years of doing this. At 6-foot-6, 357 pounds, Walker is a massive prospect that has cut some bad weight and moves extremely well for his size. Like the aforementioned Grant, Walker is quick and has violent hands. Walker has more length, which would make him a perfect fit next to Grant, who is more of a true nose. Even No. 245 may be a little too low for in-state recruit. The Wolverines have long made Walker a top priority and are looking to fend off a handful of SEC schools for his services.

WR Kaleb Webb, Powder Springs (Ga.) McEachern

Ranking: Up from not ranked to No. 160 nationally

My colleague Tim Verghese went out to Atlanta and had a chance to see Webb in-game. Based on my conversations with him as well as the tape I’ve seen, it’s pretty evident that Webb was undervalued for most of the recruiting process. At 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, Webb is a tall, athletic wide out that creates mismatches on the outside. He can go up and get it, but he also has legit speed to stretch the field and take the top off a defense — he runs a 10.9 100m. Webb, who is currently committed to East Carolina, made an official visit to Michigan a few weeks ago and is high on both U-M and Tennessee.

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