In today’s Recruiting Roundup, we’ll dive into Michigan pursuing an ex-Ohio State commit who previously played with a few current Wolverines, a top-75 linebacker discussing his interest in Michigan, and an SEC commit who is high on Michigan.
Wolverines pursuing ex-Ohio State commit with ties to Michigan players
It’s always great to land a four-star defensive back, but for the Wolverines, it would be even sweeter to land one who was previously committed to Ohio State.
Blake Woodby, a Baltimore cornerback ranked 73rd in his class on the 247Sports composite, recently backed off his verbal pledge to the Buckeyes. New Michigan secondary coach LaMar Morgan has already been in contact with him, even when it looked like he’d be going to Columbus.
“He hit me up while I was committed,” Woodby said to On3’s EJ Holland ($). “He asked me about family and things like that. He hit me up again, and we’re supposed to talk more now. I just want to hear him out. He’s showing interest, so I want to hear what he has to say, so I can make the best decision.”
Woodby has connections to a few current Wolverines, as he played with defensive end Derrick Moore and linebacker Jaishawn Barham in high school. The allure that comes with being a Michigan man also has Woodby’s attention.
“I like that Michigan puts together good classes,” Woodby said. “I know some of the guys from the area that play there. Michigan is a prestigious program. They are part of the best rivalry in college football history. They are known for having great defenses. They have a reputation for putting guys in the league.”
Woodby also mentioned a visit to Ann Arbor is possible if Michigan keeps pursuing him. Along with Michigan, he also has offers from Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame, Oregon, and Penn State, among others.
South Carolina CB commit considering Michigan
In the uncertain world of recruiting, it’s always wise to stay in contact with players you want on your squad, even after they’ve already made commitments elsewhere. That’s exactly the case for South Carolina cornerback commit Shamari Earls, who is rated just outside the top-100 in the 2025 class on the 247Sports composite.
Morgan recently made the trip to Chester, Virginia to connect with Earls in person.
“I really appreciated him stopping by,” Earls told On3’s Holland ($). “I gave him a shot because he gave me a shot. We connected about a lot of things and how I would fit into the program. It actually went really well. They rose up on my board. He talked to me about how well I move and said a lot of big corners can’t move like that. He likes my feet and the way I press.”
Earls committed to the Gameco*cks a little more than a month ago, but he likes how Michigan is big on education. He also likes the culture at Michigan football, another reason why the Wolverines are still in the mix.
“They are top-four right now,” Earls said. “My whole family is supposed to get on the phone with coach Morgan and get to know him a little more. We’re going to work on a summer date or go up there for a game. Michigan is the only Big Ten school I’m considering. It’s going to come down to a feeling and getting to know the coaches.”
Earls has official visits with South Carolina and Virginia locked in and is also considering Michigan, Georgia and Texas A&M. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on his recruitment.
Four-star LB excited for his official visit
Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, one of the top uncommitted linebackers in the 2025 class, has been pursued by Michigan for a while now. He visited Michigan at the end of April and is returning the weekend of June 21 for his official visit.
Michigan is pursuing Owusu-Boateng aggressively, with the IMG Academy defender shedding light on his top contenders recently to 247Sports’ Tom Loy ($).
“Talking to coach Wink (Martindale) and coach (Brian Jean-Mary) at our showcase, they expressed how much love they have for me,” Owusu-Boateng said of Michigan. “They are excited for me to come back on my official visit on June 21, I believe.”
We aren’t expecting a decision from Owusu-Boateng anytime soon, as he said his decision will likely come closer to the end of his high school senior season, and he could even take it into December. Hopefully Michigan can get him on campus a few more times before he makes his decision later this year to help nudge him to Ann Arbor.
