Decision Primer: On300 Michigan EDGE target Lugard Edokpayi ready to make call

Lugard Edokpayi is ready to make his decision.

The On300 EDGE out of Forestville (Md.) Bishop McNamara will announce his commitment tomorrow during National Signing Day .

Edokpayi, who is ranked as the No. 18 EDGE and No. 176 overall recruit nationally, per the On3 Industry Ranking, has a final four of Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota and Rutgers.

Here is a closer look at where things stand.

Why It Will Be Michigan

All signs point to Michigan in this recruitment. In fact, Michigan has a 95.1 percent chance of landing Edokpayi going into his decision, per the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine. I logged my prediction in favor of Michigan after his official visit last week. It was there where the Wolverines really sold Edokpayi on its elite academics and track record of developing pass rushers. It appears lead recruiter Dylan Roney, defensive line coach Mike Elston, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and the rest of the staff have done enough to win this recruitment.

Why It Won’t Be Michigan

Michigan is considered the leader going into the decision, but Maryland remains a threat in this recruitment. The Terps also hosted him for an official visit this month and are pitching him hard on staying closer to home. While Michigan is a superior program, the home state pull is certainly weighing on Edokpayi’s mind. Minnesota hasn’t given up, either. Minnesota was actually one of the first Power Five programs to get involved with Edokpayi, so his relationships with the staff there are strong.

In His Own Words

“Michigan is a great, consistent team that’s been in the Top 5 in recent years. They do a great job. They produce edge rushers, which is my position. They have a great coaching staff and a great culture. They are good at football and have a great education. Those are two big things on my checklist.”

EJ’s Prediction

if Edokpayi truly values academics and development, then this one should be a no brainer. Michigan has recently developed pass rushers like Aidan Hutchinson, David Ojabo and Mike Morris and has arguably the nation’s best strength and conditioning coach on staff in Ben Herbert. Edokpayi has an extremely high ceiling, and a program like Michigan can maximize his potential. Michigan is also the best academic institution on his list. And there really is no debate. I feel good about my On3 prediction in favor of Michigan and am still expecting the Wolverines to win out.