There was some hope that Michigan football could meet all of its 2021 commitments, but linebacker Branden Jennings is trending elsewhere.
Early signing day looks like it will be filled with excitement for Michigan football, but very early on Wednesday the Wolverines can expect to get some bad news.
That’s because it looks like Michigan football will lose one of its current commitments to 2021 linebacker Branden Jennings, who was actually the last player to commit to this league.
Jennings is ranked 109th overall and the No. 7 outside linebacker in the 2021 class according to the 247 composite sports rankings. But Maryland has made an aggressive push for him, and the uncertainty surrounding head coach Jim Harbaugh has only made that easier.
At this point, when Jennings signs his national letter of intent, which he now says he will do that morning, it looks like it will be to go to Maryland. Not all of his picks have been flipped, but Steve Wiltfong is one and the Michigan Insider’s Sam Webb is another.
If it turns out like this, it will be a tough loss for the Wolverines, but Junior Colson is all set to sign and if Michigan football can keep Jaydon Hood, it won’t hurt that much. Still, I really liked Jennings and it’s hard to watch him go.
Hopefully he will be the only flip tomorrow.
Positive momentum with others
While the prevailing winds are heading in the wrong direction with Jennings, it seems to be the exact opposite for Xavier Worthy. Obviously we won’t know for sure until he puts pen to paper, but there’s a positive buzz from all sources right now and his crystal ball picks have stuck to Michigan for now.
There’s also more confidence with Donovan Edwards, the four-star fleeing return flight from Michigan, while Allen Trieu, another 247 expert, boosted his confidence. That has happened more than once in the past few days.
The confidence level for the eight crystal picks (all to Michigan) for Edwards has increased from a six to a seven. Georgia is the main contender here, so let’s not count our eggs before they hatch, but there are more reasons than not to believe Edwards will be a Wolverine with ESD.
If UM can keep Worthy too, that’s going to be a coup and I feel like JJ McCarthy has played a part in that when it happens.
The other thing to keep an eye on is Rayshaun Benny. EJ Holland of Rivals reports that Benny won’t sign with Michigan State tomorrow ($) and while that doesn’t mean he’ll turn around, UM could stand a chance if Michigan gets Edwards and Harbaugh a new deal.
Andrel Anthony tweeted about a surprise for Michigan fans on Twitter, and some are speculating that it’s about Benny or Edwards. We’ll see, but if Benny doesn’t ink with MSU, that means Michigan is still in it.
Signing Day is going to be a wild day, but it sounds like it could be a good day all in all.