5-star DL Walter Nolen set for return visit to Michigan

It’s no surprise the list of recruits expected at The Big House for the Washington–Michigan game is long. But it may be surprising to some that five-star defensive lineman Walter Nolen is making a return visit to Ann Arbor.

Two weeks ago, Nolen of Powell (Tenn.) High said his focus was on three schools – Texas A&M, Tennessee and Georgia. Michigan wasn’t mentioned among his top teams.

On3 National Analyst Chad Simmons broke down Nolen’s recruitment after he released the top three. Heading into the season, Simmons said Tennessee and Texas A&M were the teams at the top of his list.

However, Nolen, the nation’s fourth-ranked player, said earlier this week he is making the unofficial visit to Ann Arbor with his mother and two younger brothers.

This is the third time Nolen has been on campus at Michigan. It is his first time back at The Big House since his official visit in June.

Michigan needs DL help

With Michigan’s need for defensive line help, landing Walter Nolen would be a major coup. The Wolverines currently have 15 prospects committed in the 2022 class. But none of them are defensive tackles.

Michigan is also recruiting realistically.

The Wolverines have other defensive line targets – like four-stars Deone Walker of Detroit Cass Tech and Kenneth Grant of Merrillville, Ind. – on the board. Walker falls into the must-get category. Grant isn’t too far off that list.

Plus, the Wolverines are heavily courting four-star On300 EDGE prospect Joshua Josephs of Kennesaw (Ga.) North Cobb. Michigan has been trending with him and the visit is a good sign for the Wolverines.

All the top defensive line targets will be on campus this weekend for a visit. They’re part of a star-studded list heading to The Big House.