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Possessing a strong, 24-man class in 2020, the Michigan coaching staff is beginning to make waves in the 2021 cycle as well.
Good Counsel (Olney, Maryland) four-star offensive tackle Landon Tengwall released his top-three schools on Tuesday and the Wolverines made the cut, along with Notre Dame and Penn State. Tengwall plans to be in attendance when Michigan hosts Notre Dame on October 26.
Primarily being recruited by offensive line coach Ed Warinner, Tengwall appreciates the coach’s attention to detail.
“What I loved the most when I went up there for a practice was he’d (Warinner) pull me aside after every play and explain to me why they did this,” he told 247Sports.
Ann Arbor’s location could also work in Michigan’s favor with Tengwall.
“I like the cold. Ann Arbor is a great fit. It’s not too far from home. It’s a great school. Has one of the best business schools in the nation.”
Michigan has placed a great emphasis on recruiting the East Coast over the last few classes and Tengwall could be the latest example of that hard work paying off. The Wolverines have received verbal pledges from five players from Maryland – their most of any state – in the 2020 class, including Tengwall’s Good Counsel teammate, three-star defensive end Kris Jenkins.
At 6-foot-6, 300 pounds, Tengwall has prototypical size for the position. Using his quick hands and nimble feet, he has the technique to contribute immediately for a Power Five program. The six “Crystal Ball” predictions for Tengwall are currently split between Penn State and Notre Dame, but Michigan is not out of the race.
Another very important visitor, Saguaro (Scottsdale, Arizona) four-star defensive end Quintin Somerville, will visit for “The Game” on November 30 vs. Ohio State.
According to the 247Sports Composite, Somerville is the No. 5 strong-side defensive end in the class and the No. 1 player in the state of Arizona.
Receiving an offer from the Wolverines in January, he also holds offers from Auburn, LSU, Nebraska and Ohio State. First visiting campus for Michigan’s spring game in April, Somerville spoke very highly of the experience.
“It was absolutely incredible,” he told The Michigan Insider. “We toured the facilities, sat in meetings with Coach (Shaun) Nua and Coach (Don) Brown to really see where I’d fit in this defense.
“They see me at the end position in Chase Winovich’s spot … I learned a lot in the few hours I spent with them.”
Currently playing at 230 pounds, Somerville likely needs to add some weight at the next level. Quick off the line, he has the potential to get to the quarterback and be a force against the run.
Michigan secured the commitment of one fellow Arizonian in the 2020 class, three-star pro-style quarterback JD Johnson.
Of course, the best way to attract elite recruits is to win big games and Michigan has an opportunity to do exactly that on Saturday. The No. 11 Wolverines (2-0) travel to Madison to face the No. 13 Wisconsin Badgers (2-0).
Kickoff is at 12:00PM ET and the game will be televised on FOX.
A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Rydquist has been contributing to Saturday Down South and Saturday Tradition since 2019. He can be found on Twitter @TeddyRydquist.