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5-star DL, nation’s No. 3 overall prospect keeps Michigan in Top 5
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One of the nation’s top prospects in the 2022 class has kept Michigan in his Top 5.
Walter Nolen, a 5-star defensive lineman and the No. 3 overall prospect in the 2022 recruiting class, released his Top 5 on Friday. Along with Michigan, Nolen is considering four SEC programs — Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee.
247Sports has Nolen listed as the No. 1 defensive lineman in the country. He is 6-foot-4, 300 pounds and has received more than two dozen offers on the recruiting trail.
Nolen took an official visit to Michigan last month and has also taken visits to Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida recently. He would be a huge addition to a Wolverines class that already ranks No. 10 nationally and No. 3 in the B1G.
Michigan has one 5-star prospects currently committed in the class — cornerback Will Johnson out of Grosse Pointe, Michigan.
From 247Sports recruiting analyst Gabe Brooks:
Stoutly assembled defensive lineman with college-ready size. Owns the requisite height and possesses verified length to foster more bulk addition if desired. Powerful build manifests in point-of-attack disruption. Flashes consistent suddenness at the snap and closes fast in pursuit. Shows outstanding lateral range relative to size. Punchy and physical. Motor runs hot. Strong enough to make plays through blocks.
Any of the five schools in consideration would receive a major boost by adding Nolen, but for Michigan, it would help close the gap with Ohio State and Penn State on the recruiting front.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB