Michigan fulfilled a primary need in the 2021 class on Wednesday, turning a prospect away from its in-state rival.
Oak-Park four-star defense tackle Rayshaun Benny, who had been verbally pledged to the state of Michigan since November, signed with the Wolverines on Wednesday, the traditional signing day in February.
The six-foot, 275-pounder appeared to have had a late change of heart. He told Detroit News on Tuesday that he intended to sign with the Spartans, but the Wolverines and their revamped coaching staff continued to make a strong move.
Benny, who had 32 tackles and 5 1/2 sacks in five games this season, will be the Wolverines’ top line of defense in the 2021 league at No. 195 overall, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He is the No. 6 overall player in Michigan.
Michigan had no defensive tackle prospects during the early signing period in December, but added two four stars to the position in the past week. George Rooks of Jersey City (NJ) St. Peter’s Prep has committed to the Wolverines last Wednesday.
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Benny joins Rooks, four-star Kechaun Bennett, three-star TJ Guy and three-star Dominick Giudice as defensive linemen in Michigan’s 2021 league. Bennett, Guy, and Giudice are all listed as ends, although Giudice will likely move in at the college level.
Meanwhile, MSU is losing its top-rated prospect in the 2021 class to Mel Tucker. Benny was the only 2021 recruit not to sign in December.
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Michigan’s 22-man 2021 league moves up one spot to number 10 in the national rankings, while MSUs drop to number 48. Jim Harbaugh and his staff are also in the mix to knock down a new defensive tackle prospect on Wednesday. All four 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions are in favor of Michigan landing Garland (Texas) Lakeview Centennial three-star Ikechukwu Iwunnah, who made his way to Colorado on January 19.