Legacy recruits key to building Michigan's 2024 recruiting class

Ask former players what it means to be a Michigan Man, and answers will certainly vary. One theme, however, remains a constant — brotherhood.

Once you don a winged helmet, you enter a fraternity unlike any other in the country. The family feeling doesn’t stop when you leave Ann Arbor. It stays with you for the rest of your life. And often times, that feverous passion for Michigan is passed down to the next generation.

“Michigan was always on the TV growing up,” said On300 offensive lineman Blake Frazier. “It’s hard to not learn to love a team that you are always watching, so that’s been interesting in my recruitment. My dad is trying not to be biased.” 

Frazier has established himself as a premier offensive tackle recruit and happens to be one of three high-profile Michigan legacy recruits in the 2024 recruiting class. The trio also features On300 Harper Woods (Mich.) High defensive back Jacob Oden and three-star Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day wide receiver Channing Goodwin.

With Michigan turning the page to next cycle, it is imperative for the Wolverines to land all three legacy recruits as they look to build a strong foundation for the class. Legacies like 2022 prize Will Johnson, the son of former defensive back Deon Johnson, take extra pride in playing for the University of Michigan and live by the Leaders and Best mantra.

There is no reason why the Wolverines, which are coming off back-to-back Big Ten titles and College Football Playoff appearances, shouldn’t be able to land the next wave of Michigan Men. Maize and Blue is in their blood.

Frazier is the highest ranked of the three legacies, checking in as the No. 14 offensive tackle and No. 154 overall prospect nationally, per On3. The four-star recruit is the son of former Michigan offensive lineman Steve Frazier, who was part of the 1997 national title team and also snapped for the legendary Tom Brady during his time in Ann Arbor.

As Frazier mentioned, his father is trying to remain neutral throughout the process. However, he has served as an excellent point of reference.

“One of the coolest things was getting to see the campus from a former student’s point of view on both of my visits,” Frazier said. “He showed me where his old dorm was and where he and some of his teammates used to hang out like Mr. Spots. He gets invited to all the reunions, and he’s made it clear that Michigan is a program that takes care of their present and former players. That’s been really cool to see in action.”

Frazier went to just one Michigan game as a youth and doesn’t remember much about seeing the Wolverines live. He returned to The Big House in the fall for the first time in a decade and took in Michigan’s thrilling win over Maryland.

Seeing a game from a recruiting perspective was a unique experience and one that Frazier cherishes.

“It was exciting,” Frazier said. “110,000 people is not quiet. Although that game was a little closer than I would have liked, it was a good game. It gave me a panic attack a little bit (laughs). I got to go in the locker room afterwards and saw how the guys interacted. I also got to spend time with some of the other recruits like Nathan Efobi. It was a really fun time.”

Along with Michigan, Frazier visited Clemson, Oklahoma and Texas A&M during the fall. He hopes to see all four again soon. Frazier is also set to visit Florida, Penn State and Texas this month.

While Michigan is considered the early leader, Frazier is giving all schools an equal opportunity to recruit him.

“I love Michigan, but it’s also cool seeing some of these other schools that have interest in me,” he said. “I’m not saying I won’t end up there, but I’m giving everyone the same look.”

Like the aforementioned Johnson, Oden, who is ranked as the No. 22 safety and No. 247 overall prospect nationally, is an in-state product and basically grew up immersed in the Michigan program. Oden has made several visits to U-M as a recruit, including one this month, and is pegged by many pundits to eventually end up in Ann Arbor.

And it’s no secret his father, Rod Oden, who was a walk-on fullback for the Wolverines in the 90s and now serves as the head football coach at Harper Woods, still has a strong affinity for his alma mater.

“I tell him that the education (at Michigan) is second to none,” Rod said. “He knows that. I went to Michigan. All my siblings are alums. My sister in-law is an alum as well. He sees the success that everybody is having in their personal lives. He knows a degree from that place can open so many doors. You get to play for one of the most storied programs in the national spotlight. You’re going to get the best of all worlds. U-M checks a lot of boxes.

“There isn’t much you can ask for that they don’t already have. There is unlimited resources. You have to really try to fail at a place at Michigan. You can find yourself for the next 40 years of your life in Ann Arbor.”

Oden, who can play any spot in the secondary at 6-foot, 180 pounds, is also strongly considering Iowa, Michigan State, Penn State and Tennessee. However, his connection to the program as well as his family’s personal relationship with Michigan co-defensive coordinator Steve Clinkscale has the Wolverines in the pole position.

“Coach Clink is amazing,” Rod said. “He’s authentic. He’s genuine. He’s more than a coach. He’s a personal friend. I’ve known him for more than 20 years. I remember Coach Clink recruiting in 2006, the year Jacob was born. When he says things like ‘I was around when you were in the crib on the sidelines at your daddy’s games,’ it’s true. He’s been to our house and has been extra personal. He’s like an uncle. His expectations for Jacob are going to be greater.”

Then there is Goodwin, the son of former Michigan offensive lineman Jonathan Goodwin, who suited up for the Wolverines from 1998-2001. Jonathan helped U-M win multiple bowl games and earned second team Associated Press All-American honors as a senior.

He then went on to spend more than a decade in the NFL, where he won a Super Bowl and also made another Super Bowl appearance under Jim Harbaugh with the San Francisco 49ers. Goodwin is only one of two former Michigan players that started for Harbaugh during his time as a head coach in the NFL — the other being Braylon Edwards.

Both Harbaugh and wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy, who played with Jonathan during his time at Michigan, have been leading the charge in Channing’s recruitment. Those bonds are obviously going a long way for the Wolverines.

“It’s positive when he gets recruited by people you know,” Jonathan said. “You feel like you’ll get the honest truth on how they feel. That’s definitely an advantage. It’s another thing that makes you realize you’re getting older when your younger teammate is recruiting your son to your alma mater (laughs). Ron has been great. Coach Harbaugh has been great. Christina DeRuyter has been great as well. It’s definitely been a positive experience with Michigan so far.”

Channing also holds offers from Kentucky, Louisville, Maryland, Missouri, NC State, Pitt, South Carolina and several other programs. However, Michigan is considered the team to beat early on in his recruitment.

And Channing admitted the idea of following in his father’s footsteps is certainly enticing.

“My dad has told me that Michigan was a great place for him when he was coming up,” Channing said. “He told me it was the perfect spot for him to land and that it changed his life. It would be cool to go there. Michigan fans would love another Goodwin there. It would be special.”

All three prospects have opportunities to play for top programs around the country, but only one destination is — as Goodwin put it— truly special. Michigan still means something to Steve, Rod and Jonathan. Now, the opportunity is there for Blake, Jacob and Channing.

A new wave of Michigan Men creating their own legacies in The Big House? Only time will tell.