Leaders Of Michigan, Ohio State Recruiting Classes Ready To Shape Future Of Rivalry

On3 imageby:EJ Holland11/25/21

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CJ Hicks is known around recruiting circles as Captain Buckeye.

The five-star linebacker out of Dayton (Ohio) Archbishop Alter was an early commit to Ohio State this cycle and has helped the Buckeyes put together one of the top 2022 recruiting classes nationally.

It’s no secret Ohio State has been a recruiting machine. That, of course, has equated to wins on the field, including eight straight in The Game. Despite a bit of a lopsided rivalry in recent years, Hicks says Ohio State has never and will never lose focus under his watch.

“Up at Ohio State, we take it very seriously,” Hicks said. “You have the countdown clock and all the M’s are X’d out. It’s the team up north or the state up north. I take it very seriously as well. I’ll talk with my friends, and I’ll say they are going to the state up north. I never say that word.”

That word is obviously Michigan.

If there is a Captain Wolverine in U-M’s class, it’s obviously Will Johnson. The son of ex-Wolverine Deon Johnson, Will is also a consensus five-star and has played a major role in recruiting top talent to Ann Arbor this cycle.

The Grosse Pointe (Mich.) South prospect grew up bleeding Maize and Blue, and, through his father, probably understands the dynamics of this rivalry more than anyone.

Johnson was heavily recruited by Ohio State and strongly considered the Buckeyes during the process. But he couldn’t bring himself to turn his back on the Wolverines. Will is a Michigan Man through and through and is ready to be the catalyst for change.

“The rivalry means a lot,” Johnson said. “There is no love for Ohio State. I’m going to Michigan to be the change and be the one that helps Michigan beat Ohio State. I’m there for my hometown. That’s the goal when I get there.”

The change can actually start before Will arrives on campus. Michigan is 10-1 going into its clash with Ohio State at The Big House this weekend and has many fans believing this is the year the drought ends.

Johnson will be in attendance, and there is no doubt which team he’s picking to win.

“I’m expecting it to be crazy,” Johnson said. “It’s going to be a game like no other. Both teams are 10-1. I think we have a really good chance at winning. The Big House is going to be packed. It should be a great atmosphere. I’ve got Michigan on top, of course.”

To nobody’s surprise, Hicks believes Ohio State will continue its winning tradition against Michigan for years to come.

“We’re going to continue to dominate,” Hicks said. “There is no reason why we shouldn’t.”

Well, there may actually be a few. On top of Michigan’s complete culture change, which has produced plenty of on-field success this year, the Wolverines brought in blue chip recruits like JJ McCarthy and Donovan Edwards last cycle — both have contributed as true freshmen.

Then there is this cycle. Along with Will, the Wolverines have landed guys like On300 defensive tackle Kenneth Grant and On300 linebacker Jimmy Rolder. All three picked Michigan over Ohio State.  And U-M might not be done. A number of highly touted prospects will be at The Game this weekend, including five-star defensive back Domani Jackson.

“I think my class is going to be huge in turning it around,” Johnson said. “The last class got guys like JJ and Donovan that can be the next greats at Michigan. There are a couple of guys that we can get in this class that may join us that can be the pieces to helping us beat Ohio State. I think we’re going to be the change.”

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