Meet The Commits: Overview Of Michigan's 2023 Recruiting Class
With National Signing Day in the rearview, Michigan now turns the page to the 2023 class, where they already hold four pledges and boast a top five class in the country. The Wolverines hold commits from one of the top linebackers in the country, arguably the top kicker in the country, a four-star defensive lineman and one of the best in-state prospects. The effects of Michigan’s Big Ten Championship and College Football Playoff berth will largely be felt in the 2023 class, where Michigan has a chance to put together one of the best classes in the country.
Tallahassee (FL.) Lincoln four-star linebacker Raylen Wilson
Height: 6’0
Weight: 205lbs
2021 stats: 139 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, five sacks, one interceptions, two forced fumbles, one blocked punt and 475 all-purpose yards in 12 game
Quick Biography: Tallahassee (FL.) Lincoln High linebacker Raylen Wilson committed to Michigan on Dec. 8, making him the fourth 2023 commit in Michigan’s class. Standing at 6-foot and 205lbs, Wilson is one of the fastest and most explosive linebackers in the country. Wilson visited Michigan for the Northwestern game and was primarily recruited by linebackers coach George Helow and defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. Wilson, who ranks as the No. 84 player and No. 7 linebacker in the country in the On3 Consensus, committed to Michigan on Dec. 8. He holds 33 offers and chose the Wolverines over the likes of Georgia, Alabama and Clemson, among others. Wilson ranks even higher in On3’s rankings, sitting as the No. 69 player and No. 4 linebacker nationally.
“He’s always kind of been a kid that wants to get away kind of see how it is,” his head coach Jimmie Tyson said. “So I think places that’s outside of the state of Florida was something piqued his interest. I think once he went up and saw Michigan, that really kind of was something he enjoyed.
Michigan lands commitment from Raylen Wilson
Commit Impact: What landing Raylen Wilson means for Michigan
Breaking Down Michigan LB commit Raylen Wilson
West Bloomfield (MI.) wide receiver Semaj Morgan
Height: 5’9
Weight: 178lbs
2021 Stats: 61 receptions for 1,015 yards and 13 receiving touchdowns along with 10 kick returns for 291 yards and one touchdown in 13 games
Quick Biography: West Bloomfield (MI.) High three-star wide receiver Semaj Morgan committed to Michigan on Dec. 1 over eleven offers, including Missouri, Ole Miss and Memphis. Morgan visited Michigan for multiple games in the 2021 season. As a junior, Morgan caught 61 passes for 1,015 yards and 13 receiving touchdowns along with 10 kick returns for 291 yards and one touchdown in 13 games. Morgan stands 5-foot-9 and 178 lbs. He’s unranked on the On3 Conesnsus, but holds a three-star grade on other recruiting services.
“Michigan has always been on top because they never disappoint me,” Morgan said. “Every time I’m there, I enjoy it. I have a strong bond with Coach Bell (Ron Bellamy). I like being around him and Coach (Josh) Gattis. I like Coach (Nate) Crutchfield, Coach (Steve) Casula and Coach (Jim) Harbaugh, too. They all try to create a bond with me.”
Michigan lands commitment from 2023 in-star WR Semaj Morgan
Commit Impact: What landing Semaj Morgan means for Michigan
Father of Semaj Morgan talks commitment to Michigan
Benedictine College Prep four-star defensive lineman Joel Starlings
Height: 6’5
Weight: 310lbs
Quick Biography:
Richmond (Va.) Benedictine College Prep four-star defensive lineman Joel Starlings committed to Michigan following a weekend visit to Ann Arbor to see the Wolverines defeat Ohio State. A lifelong Michigan fan, the Wolverines had long been the favorite for the four-star defensive lineman, and after seeing the campus in person, a commitment soon followed. Starlings is rated the No. 230 prospect in the On3 rankings and the On3 Consensus. He is also ranked the No. 25 defensive lineman nationally. He stands 6-foot-5 and 310 lbs.
“In my heart I feel like this is the place for me,” he said. “And why wait when I already know what I want to do.”
2023 On300 DL Joel Starlings commits to Michigan
Commit Impact: What landing Joel Starlings means for Michigan
Joel Starlings goes in-depth on his commitment to Michigan
Ann Arbor (MI.) Huron kicker Adam Samaha
Height: 6’0
Weight: 170lbs
Quick Biography:
The first member to join the 2023 class, Ann Arbor (MI.) Huron High kicker Adam Samaha is ranked as the nation’s top kicking prospect by Kornblue Kicking. Michigan was the first and only school to extend an offer to Samaha. The Wolverines hosted him for an unofficial visit for the BBQ at The Big House and immediately became the frontrunners in his recruitment. Samaha gave the Wolverines a verbal pledge on Thanksgiving Day.
“Thanksgiving is a holiday, where you show thanks and gratitude for everything you have. It was a perfect time to commit to the University of Michigan,” Samaha said. “There are great things that come with the University of Michigan such as the great academics and the great football program.”
