Michigan loses commitment of 2023 four-star DL Joel Starlings
2023 four-star Richmond (VA.) Benedictine Prep defensive lineman Joel Starlings announced on Sunday evening he is decommitting from Michigan, citing the change at defensive line coach as a reason for his decommitment.
“I would like to give thanks to God for blessing me, and giving me the tools and abilities to play the sport I love,” Starlings said in his statement on Twitter. “I would like to thank the University of Michigan for showing the hospitality they’ve shown to me and my family. With the changing of the coaching situation at my position at The University of Michigan, me and my family have decided to re-open my recruitment from here on out. With this decision I will be keeping all options open to other schools.”
Starlings initially committed to Michigan in late November, after visiting for the Ohio State game. At the time of his commitment, Starlings had stated his heart was in Ann Arbor.
“In my heart I feel like this is the place for me,” he said at the time of his commitment. “And why wait when I already know what I want to do.”
Due to Shaun Nua’s departure for USC, Starlings now restarts his recruiting process. Michigan could remain an option for Starlings, but with new defensive line coach Mike Elston now in place, the Wolverines’ board at defensive line could feature new names.
Michigan now holds no commitments at defensive line, and just one defensive commit in four-star Tallahassee (FL.) Lincoln linebacker Raylen Wilson.
Michigan has over 26 offers out to defensive lineman nationwide. With zero commits at the position, names to know are four star Dematha Catholic (MD.) defensive lineman Jason Moore, four-star IMG Academy (FL.) defensive lineman Will Norman, Highland Home (AL.) DL Keldrick Faulk, Detroit (MI.) Cass Tech defensive lineman Jaylen Thompson, four-star Jacksonville (FL.) Westside defensive lineman Jordan Hall and three-star Hewitt-Trussville (AL.) defensive lineman Hunter Osborne.
Michigan is now back to four commitments in the 2023 class with the loss of Starlings and addition of four-star Milton (NY.) Academy tight end Andrew Rappleyea in the same day. The Wolverines’ 2023 class remains as the No. 4 class in the country.
