3-star LB Jason Hewlett commits to Michigan

Youngstown (Ohio) Chaney three-star linebacker Jason Hewlett has committed to Michigan. He chose the Wolverines after backing off his pledge to Cincinnati on Nov. 24.

Hewlett is the No. 744 overall prospect and No. 75 linebacker in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 22 player in Ohio.

On3 rates Hewlett higher than other recruiting services, according to the Industry Comparison. Even though he is not ranked in the 2023 On300, Hewlett is the No. 68 linebacker in the country.

Hewlett is the second linebacker in Michigan’s 2023 recruiting class alongside Philadelphia (Penn.) Imhotep Institute four-star Semaj Bridgeman. The Wolverines’ group is led by Colleyville (Texas) Covenant Christian Academy four-star defensive lineman Enow Etta, the No. 118 overall prospect in the On300.

The Ohio native has an On3 NIL Valuation of $15K. The On3 NIL Valuation is an index that looks to set the standard market value for both high school and college-level athletes. The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.

For more Michigan recruiting intel, check out The Wolverine.

Inside Hewlett’s commitment to Michigan

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound took an unofficial visit to Michigan on Nov. 19. He also told Zach Libby of The Wolverine that he is planning an official visit to Ann Arbor in the coming weeks.

“I want to truly see everything without having to worry about the game day (distraction),” Hewlett said on Nov. 25. “Feel everything out and understand how everyone is when they’re not in the game. Everyone is sort of hyper or more excited because of games. Learning about the town, learning about the academics, just to see how it is when it’s not game day.

“Just keep showing me real and genuine love. I gel off of the vibes of people. They could be telling me something, but if I feel like their vibes are off, then I’ll back off.”

A key reason for Hewlett’s decision is defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale. He spoke with Libby about his connection with the Wolverines staffer.

“(Clinkscale) knows where I’m from and I know where he’s from,” Hewlett said. “He was born in the same city as me, he was doing the same things that I’m doing right now, and he knows the struggle. We really bonded over that. Youngstown kids have always been Big Ten caliber. We just haven’t had the proper exposure (to get there). There are so many great players in Youngstown that few people actually know about. So we trying to get our name back out there.”