Michigan didn’t leave room for doubts to be raised by 2027 Buford (Ga.) High three-star linebacker Brayden Watson following his visit last week. In fact, the Wolverines are now among the favorites in his recruitment.
“Going into the visit, I’ve heard a lot of great things and they didn’t disappoint,” Watson told Maize n Brew. “They were a school that was at the top of my list and they still are.”
Watson was on campus with fellow 2027 Buford three-star linebacker teammate and U-M target Ethan Hauser.
“It was a great visit to say the least,” Watson said. “Ann Arbor is an awesome place to be. The staff did so much for me to leave a lasting impression and they achieved just that.
“From watching practice, I can tell I already fit some of the play styles of the current linebackers, so I think I will fit in just fine.”
The Wolverines recently entered the mix for Watson right before the February dead period. Since then, he’s been building a strong connection with linebackers coach Alex Whittingham.
“My relationship with coach Whittingham is a strong one,” Watson said. “We talk very often, and proved to have a great interest in me, and I love his coaching style. He also brings valuable knowledge from the NFL, which is very appealing as a recruit.”
Head coach Kyle Whittingham was also a key figure in Watson’s interest in the program not wavering throughout the visit.
“I really like coach Whittingham,” Watson said. “He’s definitely a very genuine guy who’s there to bring Michigan Football where it’s been in the past. He is definitely a coach I can see myself playing for.”
Watson is expected to return to Michigan during Victor’s Weekend (June 19) on an official visit.
“They showed me a lot on this one visit, so the only thing I want to see is player housing, like dorms. Other than that, I just want to hangout, have a good time, and continue to build the relationship with the staff and even the players,” Watson said.
Before Watson heads back to Ann Arbor in two months, he will also officially visit Pitt the week prior. At 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, Watson is the No. 31 overall linebacker in the country and No. 47 player in Georgia this cycle, according to Rivals.
