The Michigan Wolverines locked in their 2026 recruiting class this week, the second for head coach Sherrone Moore since taking over the program. Shout out to Von Lozon and the rest of the staff for keeping us in the loop when it comes to the early signees.Moore joined Jon Jansen on “In the Trenches” to give his impressions on the recruiting class. On what to expect from the players “We brought in five or six linemen on each side of the ball. We feel really good about all of them. We think they’re going to be physically mature, and ready faster than others.”When it comes to the “skill guys” Moore said, “We got some electric guys on the outside, on the inside. Pieces and a quarterback that can help us win.”On the needs the coaching staff wanted to address this recruiting cycleMoore said it was a focus to get more recruits on the offensive line and the defensive line in this cycle since they’re losing players in that position after this season. He also believes the players they’re bringing in at cornerback are longer than they’ve been and they got some players there. On whether the offensive players will fit in at Michigan Moore said his main focus was on “wanting to get bigger.” This includes, “long, physical, and fast” tight ends and receivers that are big and can make competitive catches. Moore believes they’ve done that in this class.On whether the defensive players will fit in at Michigan Moore echoes his statements for the offense on the defensive side of the ball. He talked about wanting to fill the void since the team is losing four players on the inside of the defensive line. He also wanted to make sure they picked up playmakers on the edges. On recruiting guys to play positions where they already have depth Moore said he wants to recruit players who want the challenge of working to earn starting. Moore said he’ll ask people if they’re a competitor and that you can tell from the look in their eyes when they give their answer.On DB Jordan Deck “Very cerebral player. Loves football. Loves competition. Studies the game at a high level. Has a high football IQ.” Moore referenced a conversation with Deck, who said he wanted to focus on his tackling.On DB Andre Clarke“Physical for a defensive back.” Moore highlighted Clarke’s ability to play quality man coverage and at the nickel as well. The Wolverines will plan to start his career at corner. On DB Jamarion Vincent Moore described Vincent as a “6-2 corner that can run. That’s fluid. Has really good ball skills.” Moore said if the team is going to win championships and make the playoffs, they’re going to have to guard against the very best receivers, and he thinks Vincent can help them do that.On DL Titan Davis Moore compares Titan Davis to a player we know and love — Kris Jenkins. He says that includes in personality and in build.On DL Alister Vallejo Talk about comparisons we love, as Moore also had high praise for Vallejo. “Very similar play style to Mason Graham.” Ever heard of him? Moore was quick to say that projecting Vallejo to be a first-rounder is a whole different story, but did say he plays like Graham in a lot of different ways.On edge McHale Blade Moore talked about how Blade is able to play a few different positions, but described him as a “versatile player.”On edge Tariq Boney Moore compared Boney to Josaiah Stewart, another defensive player many of us know and love. Moore described Boney as “compact and explosive.” He watched him play a basketball game and saw his skills and knew he wanted Boney to play for the Wolverines.On edge Carter Meadows Moore started off with highlighting Meadows’ size and athleticism. “He’s explosive, he’s physical.” He also has stuff you “can’t teach” like his length and size. Moore believes Meadows will get bigger and better.On K Micah Drescher “Accurate, big leg,” is how Moore described Drescher.On LB Kaden Catchings Moore and the coaches flipped Catchings late in the process. Moore describes him as “athletic, twitchy, can play multiple spots within the defense.”On LB Markel DabneyMoore says Dabney is very versatile and compared him to Michael Barrett.On LB Aden Reeder Moore points out they recruited Reeder a little later in the process, flipping him from Wisconsin, but says he’s “long and physical.”On OL Tommy Frauman Moore said Frauman is a “high upside” player who’s going to be a huge human being. The program lists him at 6-foot-8.On OL Adrian Hamilton While Hamilton is 6-foot-3, Moore is quick to point out he has really long arms. Moore described him as “twitchy” with a lot of flexibility.On OL Malakai LeeThe Wolverines have had a long-standing relationship with Lee, according to Moore. He described Lee as an “athletic freak.” Moore wanted to get bigger and stronger on the offensive line, and they think Lee can get ready to play early.OnOL Bear McWhorterAccording to Moore, the name “Bear” is appropriate for McWhorters. Moore described him as “tenacious.” Moore thinks McWhorter will have an opportunity to compete early in his career.On OL Marky Walbridge Moore said Wallbridge is “nasty” when he gets on the field and that he’s a “large human being.”On QB Brady Smigiel Smigiel is dealing with a torn ACL he suffered as a senior in high school, but Moore said it’s important to the program to honor its commitments. Including scholarship offers to players when they get hurt.On QB Tommy Carr Moore pointed out Carr’s great senior year. Moore said he is excited to “get a Carr back into the Michigan family.” He expects to get Tommy’s grandfather, Lloyd, back in to watch practice sometime in the future.On RB Jonathan Brown Moore said Brown is a player “who is going to turn into a really physical back for us.”On RB Savion Hiter While everyone’s excited about Hiter, Moore didn’t want to put too much on him to start. He described Hiter as “electric.”On TE Mason Bonner Moore said Bonner is another player with “elite upside.” Moore noted they’ll have to work with him on the blocking piece, but Bonner’s willing to learn.On TE Matt “Moose” Ludwig Moore described Ludwig as a “physical freak.” He’s another player Moore suspects can have an early impact considering he’s a special prospect.On WR Jaylen Pile He’s been committed to the Wolverines for a long time, and Moore said Pile is underrated for what he brings to the table. He’s expected to play in the slot.On WR TravisJohnsonJohnson is strong, fast, and physical, according to Moore. He believes Johnson is a guy that can stretch the field.On WR Brady MarcheseAccording to Moore, Marchese is a “dynamic playmaker.” Moore said the Wolverines really needed a guy who could play in the slot and make explosive plays.
