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Michigan lands commitment from key EDGE target Tariq Boney

ECCrzGbXkAEmHxxby:EJ Holland•about 17 hours•

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Credit: Ryan Snyder | On3

Michigan has scored another win on the recruiting trail.

Shortly after landing Top 100 Newberry Park (Calif.) High quarterback Brady Smigiel, the Wolverines reeled in a verbal pledge from three-star Washington (D.C.) St. John’s EDGE Tariq Boney.

“They have a rich history, a winning culture and a great facility,” Boney said. “They develop players and get guys degrees. It’s a great academic school.”

Boney made his decision just a couple of weeks after making his first visit to Michigan.

“Everything went well,” Boney said. “We got a chance to see the campus and experience a practice. Practice was great. They were competitive. The guys enjoyed being coached up, especially in the film room. They asked a lot of questions. It was a big learning environment. Everybody wanted to get better.”

Boney committed to Michigan over fellow finalists Cincinnati, Tulane and West Virginia.

Michigan defensive line coach Lou Esposito led the way in Boney’s recruitment and was able to seal the deal.

“Coach Espo gave me a lot of coaching points,” Boney said. “We had a great conversation. He really told me what Michigan is all about and how he develops guys into not just players but young men as well. That stood out.”

At 6-foot-1, 230 pounds, Boney is undersized for the EDGE position. However, he plays with speed and technique and really impressed Esposito, who has a track record of developing under-the-radar recruits.

Boney sees himself as an ideal fit in Michigan’s scheme after taking in practice this month.

“The defensive scheme is kind of like my high school but more complicated,” Boney said. “I definitely see myself as a fit. I think I’ll be an EDGE player. That’s where they like me. I’ll have a chance to stop the run and rush the passer.”

Boney is currently set to return to Michigan for an official visit on June 13. However, now that he’s committed, he could move that trip to June 20, which is Victor’s Weekend.

Boney is ranked as the No. 83 EDGE and No. 937 overall prospect nationally, per the On3 Industry Ranking. He is also ranked as the No. 4 overall overall recruit in the District of Columbia this cycle.

Michigan now has five commits in its 2026 recruiting class — Boney, Smigiel, On300 Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin cornerback Brody Jennings, three-star Cartersville (Ga.) Cass offensive lineman Bear McWhorter and three-star Dallas (Texas) Parish Episcopal wide receiver Jaylen Pile.

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