Michigan recruiting is gaining momentum. The 2023 is shaping up to be a solid one with a commitment from another 4 star recruit. Offensive lineman Evan Link has officially committed to the Wolverines adding another key commit to the roster. As Michigan adds another 4 star recruit, let’s learn a little about him and what it means for Michigan.
Evan Link
Evan Link is a 6-foot-6, 290 pound offensive lineman out of Gonzaga high school in Washington D.C. His big frame makes him a perfect fit for a Wolverines coaching staff that has a history of sending lineman to the NFL. It is worth noting that Link also boasts a 4.22 GPA meaning Michigan is adding not just a great athlete but also a scholar. Link was not really on the Wolverine’s recruiting radar with many experts having him going to Penn State. It is a huge win for Michigan to flip this commit to their side and add to their 2023 class.
Michigan’s 2023 Class
Early in June, Michigan was having trouble recruiting. Harbaugh and the Wolverines have flipped the narrative in a matter of a couple of months. The additions of Amir Herring and now Link help solidify the offensive line for the 2023 class. They have had five 4 star prospects commit in the last month alone. All of a sudden, the Wolverines have a top 27 class according to 247 sports. For a program that was taking some heavy criticism for it’s recruiting (including from me) this is a welcome sight.
Building the Lines
Michigan’s team building strategy is clear. Build up the interior lines and the rest will take care of itself. Michigan has added many offensive and defensive lineman in the past month. The Wolverines understand if they are to build a winning program it starts with the lines. No matter how good your skill players are, if you cannot protect or pressure the QB it will be hard to find success. In the latest Super Bowl, the image of WR Ja’Marr Chase wide open down the field while QB Joe Burrow is being pressured highlights this. Having a solid offensive line allows running the ball to be more feasible and QBs plenty of time to survey the field. A defensive line that can get to the QB means the back end of the defense has less pressure to cover. On both sides of the ball, Michigan is building from the inside out.
Michigan fans have to be ecstatic about the direction of recruiting. The Wolverines have landed big commits and have taken the lead on others. The no. 2 QB for the 2024 class Jadyn Davis had a great visit and many sites are predicting Michigan as the leader to land him. Michigan is trending in the right direction after adding another 4-star recruit.