Michigan flips priority DL target Cameron Brandt away from Stanford

Michigan has scored an important late recruiting cycle win.

Three-star Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon defensive lineman Cameron Brandt flipped his commitment from Stanford to Michigan on National Signing Day.

Brandt originally gave Stanford a verbal pledge in the summer. However, Brandt opted not to sign with the Cardinal during the early period following the resignation of head coach David Shaw.

And that opened the door for Michigan to make a run and eventually complete the flip.

Michigan defensive line coach Mike Elston led the way in his recruitment and quickly developed a bond with the West Coast native.

“I like Coach Elston as a guy and coach,” Brandt said. “He’s really genuine. I like how he develops his players on and off the field.”

At 6-foot-4, 260 pounds, Brandt plays multiple spots along the defensive line at the high school level. Michigan recruited him more as a bigger EDGE, which was a void left by decommit Collins Acheampong, who flipped from Michigan to Miami before the early signing period.

Brandt was impressed with Elston’s pitch and likes the idea of suiting up for a team that is known for producing NFL pass rushers.

“He sees me more of an EDGE,” Brandt said. “He wants to develop me into that. I feel like I can play anywhere, but I would love the opportunity to develop myself as an edge rusher. Their success with edge rushers appeals a lot to me. It shows they know what they are doing and know how to get their players to succeed.”

Brandt is ranked as the No. 46 defensive lineman and No. 407 overall prospect nationally, per the On3 Consensus.

Michigan’s 2023 recruiting class

Michigan now has 24 commits in its 2023 recruiting class — On300 defensive back Jyaire Hill, On300 offensive lineman Nathan Efobi, On300 offensive tackle Evan Link, On300 EDGE Enow Etta, consensus four-star offensive lineman Amir Herring, four-star running back Cole Cabana, four-star linebacker Semaj Bridgeman, four-star defensive lineman Cameron Brandt, four-star tight end Deakon Tonielli, four-star wide receiver Karmello English, three-star wide receivers Semaj Morgan and Fredrick Moore, three-star defensive linemen Brooks Bahr, Cameron Brandt, and Roderick Pierce, three-star running back Benjamin Hall, three-star EDGE Aymeric Koumba, three-star tight end Zack Marshall, three-star athletes Kendrick Bell, Breeon Ishmail and Jason Hewlett, three-star defensive backs Cameron Calhoun and D’Juan Waller, three-star linebacker Hayden Moore and three-star kicker Adam Samaha.

The class is currently ranked No. 19 nationally in the On3 Consensus rankings and No. 3 in the Big Ten behind Penn State and Ohio State.