On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Michigan trending with 4-star EDGE Darien Mayo

Clemson, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio State, South Carolina and USC made the top six last week for Olney (Md.) Good Counsel four-star EDGE Darien Mayo.

He has already locked in official visits to Clemson (June 2-4), Ohio State (June 9-11), USC (June 16-18) and Michigan (June 23-25) next month, with a decision expected before his senior season starts, according to On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons.

As he begins official visits in the next few weeks though, one program is trending in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM). Following an expert pick from Simmons, Michigan holds a significant lead in the race to land him, per the RPM.

“Heading into the official visits, all six schools have a chance, but based on intel, Michigan is the school the other five are chasing,” Simmons wrote on Tuesday. “Jim Harbaugh‘s program has picked up seven commitments since April 1, and the Wolverines check in at No. 5 in the Team Rankings. They have some momentum in this race too.

… Michigan’s production in recent years along the defensive line has Mayo’s attention. He likes their player development, how he would be used in their scheme and the opportunity there. Mike Elston has done an excellent job recruiting Mayo as well. He and Ron Bellamy have developed relationships with Mayo and those close to him. Harbaugh is involved too.”

Darien Mayo recently broke down his top schools with On3

In an interview with On3’s Hayes Fawcett when he announced his top six, Mayo touched on why each school made the cut.

Michigan: “Their production on defensive ends is off the charts and it’s a great school with great academics.” 

Ohio State: “Coach Larry Johnson is a big piece of why Ohio State is one of my top schools and they are building something special there.” 

Clemson: “Love the culture and the staff down there. Coach Dabo and Coach Ski are great people, and it feels like family down there.” 

USC: “They were one of the first schools to show me love in this recruiting  process and they continued that. I just love everything out there in LA, and they’re building something special.”

South Carolina: “I love the culture down there. Coach Lucas is a great guy and Coach Beamer is building something special down there.” 

Maryland: “I love what Coach Locks is trying do with the local kids with staying home and everything is close to me.”

The 6-foot-6, 240-pounder is the No. 187 overall prospect in the 2024 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He ranks as the nation’s No. 13 ED