Jim Harbaugh dishes on several ’23 signees— ‘It’s a great recruiting class’

The Michigan 2023 recruiting class ranks in the top 20 — a little lower than expected for a team coming off back-to-back Big Ten titles, but still solid. Head coach Jim Harbaugh told Jon Jansen on the In the Trenches podcast he loved everything about it.

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“It’s a great recruiting class … it’s a total effort by all,” he said. “It’s about choosing future Michigan men who possess the qualities we aspire to have in the program. This class represents those qualities we’re looking for — guys that are willing to work hard to be the best version of themselves, each and every day. Those who are also willing to place team highly in their priorities … show up every day, work in the weight room to learn, to practice be a champion, be a true Michigan man.”

They’re trying to get future starters at every position Harbaugh noted, and they covered every position. 

Harbaugh covered all of them on the podcast, starting with Kendrick Bell, brother of two-time captain Ronnie Bell. 

“We struck lightning with Ronnie Bell as a great teammate, great player. Talk about someone always willing to put the team first,” Harbaugh said. “Ronnie Bell epitomizes that. His brother Kendrick — great athlete. He loves to compete. He told me he’s willing to play any position. Could be quarterback, receiver, could be a corner. He’s got the skill set to play all those. 

“We’ll start him out at quarterback, and we’ll roll from there. He’s an extremely productive football player who is very versatile. 

The Wolverines brought in three offensive linemen — Evan Link, Nathan Efobi, and Amir Herring. All three come with high expectations, Harbaugh noted. 

“As soon as you meet all three of these offensive linemen, you’re going to be excited,” Harbaugh said. “Great guys. They’re going to fit right in with our offensive line. They love to work. They’re not ever really looking for accolades. It’s all about working hard and being the best they can be. That’s what I love about each. 

“Great families, starting with Nathan’s family. They are very close to the Ojabo family. The mothers are very, very good friends, and tip of the cap to David Ojabo for recommending Michigan to the Efobi family. Just wonderful, wonderful people. Nathan is one of those athletes who is a real athlete who is an o-lineman. Super high ceiling. He can play both sides of the ball, rarely comes off the field. And his dream school has been Michigan, thanks in part to the great David Ojabo and the Ojabo family.”

Herring comes from another great Michigan family, Harbaugh added.

“… We’ve been recruiting Amir for about two or three years. He’s been one of our best recruiters for the ’23 class all along with his teammate Semaj Morgan,” he said. “They’ve done a tremendous job of helping build this class … part of the state championship with Donovan Edwards. 

“Amir’s been a four-year starter at West Bloomfield. Day 1 starter as a freshman. Practically impossible that is to start on a high caliber high school football team as a freshman. He’s a super hard worker, all state twice. Loves Michigan. Has been here a lot during his recruitment, come to a lot of games. 

“Another really great student. He wants to go into medicine. I love the o-linemen who are street smart and book smart … savvy about the game, but also just smart. As a quarterback and a running back, that makes you feel really good that they’re going to know their assignment and go out and execute. All three are really savvy for football and gifted in the classroom.”

Link, meanwhile, comes from a military family, and it shows.

“One thing I’ve learned is the apple doesn’t fall too far from the branch. Each one of these players come from solid, solid upbringing, families,” Harbaugh said. “Evan Link comes from a military family, both mom and dad. Attended a big-time high school in Gonzaga, played against elite competition. No stranger to competition. He’s shown an ability to be the dominant player. 

“He’s got a great frame, is very athletic. Smart … intelligent. He wants to go into engineering or business. It’s a really fantastic offensive line class.”

Watch for more on the other recruits in updates to come …