Michigan’s 2027 recruiting class keeps adding length, versatility and a whole lot of defensive backs.
The Wolverines landed another major commitment in the secondary last week, continue pushing for a flip target out of Indiana and are still building out the running back room with in-state talent. Let’s dive in.
New DB commit explains decision
Michigan landed one of its biggest defensive commitments of the cycle when Tavares Harrington committed to Michigan Wolverines over Notre Dame, Alabama, Ole Miss and Auburn last week. The 6-foot-3
defensive back from Chicago’s Mount Carmel High School is a four-star prospect and is among the Top 200 overall players in the class, per the Rivals Industry Ranking.
Speaking with Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong ($), Harrington explained why he picked Michigan.
“The history of Michigan from the academics and football,” Harrington said. “It’s the best thing to be part of.
“Coach (Tyler) Stockton, he was the biggest factor in everything. The relationship we had and he came to see me a lot in the spring. The fact the entire staff recruiting me, coach Whitt talking to me consistently, the relationship I had with the coaches it was a no-brainer.”
Harrington posted 50 tackles, nine pass breakups and three interceptions as a junior, and Michigan clearly sees him as more than just a traditional safety. In fact, the Wolverines pitched him on his versatility and the ability to move around the secondary, including potentially playing the nickel as well as safety.
He now joins fellow safeties Charles Woodson Jr., and Maxwell Miles, plus cornerback Darius Johnson in a revamped looking Michigan secondary.
Michigan keeps working on DJ Mitchell
Meanwhile, Michigan is pushing hard for 2027 three-star cornerback DJ Mitchell, a Miami (Ohio) commit from Indianapolis. The 5-foot-11 defensive back from Franklin Central High School recently locked in a visit to Ann Arbor after receiving an offer from the Wolverines earlier this month. He earned the offer from cornerbacks coach Jernaro Gilford, a coach he has built a good relationship with so far.
“I feel like he’s a very good coach, and I would love to have him as my coach down there in Ann Arbor,” Mitchell told On3’s Ethan McDowell ($). “I was beyond excited, and I was very grateful. To have that offer as my fourth offer, and that being my first Power Four offer, it felt amazing.”
Notably, Mitchell is high school teammates with four-star edge rusher commit Jayce Brewer, so that should help Michigan’s chances of possibly flipping him.
It’s interesting to see just how aggressive Michigan is being in the secondary search this class. It’s evident that both Gilford and Stockton have been hard at work on the recruiting trail, much like the other assistants. They appear to be going for a bigger class of defensive backs, so don’t be surprised if they take commitments from a few more guys.
Lundon Hampton gives Michigan another in-state piece
Michigan also added 2027 three-star running back Lundon Hampton to the 2027 class after he committed last week. The Grand Rapids native chose Michigan over Michigan State, Iowa and Penn State.
Hampton told Rivals’ Allen Trieu ($) that Michigan’s combination of player development and academics, as well as his relationship with position coach Tony Alford, played a major role in his decision.
“I feel like they cross all the boxes,” Hampton said. “They have what I’m looking for with opportunity and development. I wanted to be developed as a running back and I feel like they can do it the best with coach Alford. I just feel like he’s the best fit for me. His blueprint — he knows how to get people to the next level, and then he knows what it takes. “
Hampton also gives Michigan a bigger back in the class at around 6-foot-2, 200 pounds. Maize n Brew’s recent film study highlights his ability to run through contact and accelerate downhill once he gets into space.
He joins four-star running back Tyson Robinson in the class, giving Alford two very different styles of backs early in the cycle.
