Michigan Wolverines trending for 4-star LB Elias Rudolph

Deerfield Beach (Fla.) four-star linebacker Elias Rudolph announced his top five schools on May 14. They are Cincinnati, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State and Pittsburgh.

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, the Wolverines have a commanding lead for Rudolph’s commitment at 83.3%. Michigan’s odds rose exponentially following an expert prediction from Zach Libby of The Wolverine.

“Michigan is set to host four-star EDGE Elias Rudolph for an official visit on June 9th,” Libby said. “Heading into next month, it was learned that the Wolverines are a lean for the pass rusher because of what was experienced on his January visit to campus, paired with his high impressions on Michigan’s development and his close relationship with co-defensive coordinator Steve Clinkscale and other U-M defensive coaches. Rudolph’s standing on the board as a key target is due to his ‘freak of nature’ playing ability, intriguing frame and athleticism.”

Rudolph is the No. 260 overall prospect and No. 29 linebacker in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 39 player in Florida.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound recruit is also taking officials to Ohio State on June 23 and Pittsburgh on June 1. His last trip to Ann Arbor came on Jan. 28.

“(Michigan is) one of the best, I’m not even going to lie,” Rudolph told Libby on Jan. 24. “I love Michigan. I love the coaching staff. I have talked to a couple of them. They’re going to keep it real and that’s what I love about coaches. You can tell the difference if they are or not. But Michigan is one of the top programs in college football.”

For more Michigan recruiting intel, check out The Wolverine

Landing Rudolph would strengthen Michigan’s 2024 class

At the moment, Michigan’s 2024 recruiting class is No. 5 in the 2024 On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings and No. 2 in the Big Ten. The Wolverines’ group is led by Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day School four-star quarterback Jadyn Davis, the No. 28 overall prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking.

Before moving to Florida, Rudolph played at Cincinnati (Ohio) Taft. One of his top recruiters from Michigan is Clinkscale, who is originally from Ohio.

“I’m close with coach Clink,” Rudolph said. “He has my respect and I feel like I have his respect. He’s a really nice recruiter and is a really nice person. I can see myself being in the program with him. He’s a man who I can respect a lot.”

Michigan currently has commitments from four of the 16 players in Ohio: Cincinnati (Ohio) Archbishop Moeller four-star running back Jordan Marshall, Avon (Ohio) four-star interior offensive lineman Luke Hamilton, Cincinnati (Ohio) St. Xavier four-star defensive lineman Ted Hammond and Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward three-star offensive tackle Ben Roebuck.

The Wolverines are also heavily involved in the recruitments of some of the best players in the Buckeye State, including Springfield (Ohio) four-star cornerback Aaron Scott Jr., Cleveland (Ohio) Glenville four-star cornerback Bryce West and Austintown (Ohio) Austintown Fitch four-star EDGE Brian Robinson.