Got the chance to talk to 2023 Rivals250 defensive tackle John Walker following his visit to Michigan this past weekend. Walker and I caught up on how his first trip to Ann Arbor went and where he recruitment is taking him moving ahead to February and March.
As previously stated, Walker had not been to Michigan prior to the weekend, so it was big for the Wolverines to get him on campus immediately following the dead period. The visit also marked the first time that Walker had seen snow before, being that he hails from Osceola high in Kissimmee, Florida.
Walker appreciated the love that the coaching staff was showing him throughout the trip. Establishing that connection will be crucial if Michigan has any luck in getting him to commit over the likes of Alabama, Florida State, Ohio State, Penn State, and UCF. All five schools would appear on his recent top list released back on Christmas Eve. But after the spent in Ann Arbor, Walker confirmed that the Wolverines are right near the top of his favorites.
He is keeping his recruitment open for the sake of programs that have brought in new coaching regimes. Among those who have offered him, Florida, Miami, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and USC all have head coaches making their debut next season. Keep an eye out for any future visits Walker might take to those schools down the line. Ohio State and UCF, Walker said, are really pushing hard for him.
Walker did get a chance to speak with newly hired defensive line coach Mike Elston. The two go back to when Elston was at Notre Dame and was recruiting Walker to come play for the Fighting Irish. Walker wants to get to know Elston more now that he's at a new school. Both of them talked about Walker's potential role at Michigan and how Elston wants more guys like him to come aboard.
The 6-foot-3, 275-pounder confirmed with me that he will use one of his official visits in Michigan later on this year. That's big news considering the Wolverines weren't even mentioned as a contender a few weeks ago. It goes to show that on-campus visits to Ann Arbor really resonate with recruits.
Walker is set to compete in the Under Armour Next Camp Series on February 20 in Miami. He will also attend the Rivals Camp Series with the combine heads to Miami as well on March 12.
As previously stated, Walker had not been to Michigan prior to the weekend, so it was big for the Wolverines to get him on campus immediately following the dead period. The visit also marked the first time that Walker had seen snow before, being that he hails from Osceola high in Kissimmee, Florida.
Walker appreciated the love that the coaching staff was showing him throughout the trip. Establishing that connection will be crucial if Michigan has any luck in getting him to commit over the likes of Alabama, Florida State, Ohio State, Penn State, and UCF. All five schools would appear on his recent top list released back on Christmas Eve. But after the spent in Ann Arbor, Walker confirmed that the Wolverines are right near the top of his favorites.
He is keeping his recruitment open for the sake of programs that have brought in new coaching regimes. Among those who have offered him, Florida, Miami, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and USC all have head coaches making their debut next season. Keep an eye out for any future visits Walker might take to those schools down the line. Ohio State and UCF, Walker said, are really pushing hard for him.
Walker did get a chance to speak with newly hired defensive line coach Mike Elston. The two go back to when Elston was at Notre Dame and was recruiting Walker to come play for the Fighting Irish. Walker wants to get to know Elston more now that he's at a new school. Both of them talked about Walker's potential role at Michigan and how Elston wants more guys like him to come aboard.
The 6-foot-3, 275-pounder confirmed with me that he will use one of his official visits in Michigan later on this year. That's big news considering the Wolverines weren't even mentioned as a contender a few weeks ago. It goes to show that on-campus visits to Ann Arbor really resonate with recruits.
Walker is set to compete in the Under Armour Next Camp Series on February 20 in Miami. He will also attend the Rivals Camp Series with the combine heads to Miami as well on March 12.
