Michigan lands commitment from top DL target Roderick Pierce

Michigan has scored a key commitment on the recruiting trail.

Three-star Chicago (Ill.) Brother Rice defensive lineman Roderick Pierce gave the Wolverines a verbal pledge on Wednesday night.

Pierce picked Michigan over fellow finalist Illinois. He also held offers from Auburn, Kentucky, Michigan State, Missouri, Texas, Vanderbilt, Wisconsin and others.

Michigan jumped in the mix for Pierce earlier this fall and hosted him for two visits. The Windy City native fell in love with the program and environment during his stays in Ann Arbor.

“I liked it a lot,” Pierce said. “I liked the facilities. I liked the people in the building, which is really the most important part. I had a good time out there. The environment was insane. It was the most people I’ve been around in my entire life. I liked Coach Herb (Ben Herbert) and Coach (Mike) Elston. I really liked Coach (Jim) Harbaugh, too.”

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and defensive line coach Mike Elston all made an in-home visit with Pierce on Tuesday night and were able to seal the deal.

Elston made Pierce a top priority along the defensive line, and the latter believes he’ll be a great scheme fit.

“I feel like I would fit in as a three-technique and play all over the line,” Pierce said. “I like the way they are playing this year. They have the No. 1 defense in the country right now.”

Elston played a big role in Michigan securing Pierce’s recruitment and was able to build up a strong relationship with him in just a few months.

“Out talks have been pretty good,” Pierce said. “I talk to Coach Elston a few times a week. I like him. I feel like he’s been doing a good job there. I feel like he’s invested in the program since he went to Michigan.”

Pierce was previously committed to Wisconsin but backed out of his verbal pledge last month.

At 6-foot-3, 290 pounds, Pierce is ranked as the No. 61 defensive lineman and No. 516 overall prospect nationally, per the On3 Consensus.

Michigan has 19 commits in its 2023 recruiting class — On300 offensive lineman Nathan Efobi, On300 offensive tackle Evan Link, On300 EDGE Enow Etta, On300 running back Cole Cabana, On300 linebacker Semaj Bridgeman, consensus four-star offensive lineman Amir Herring, four-star tight end Deakon Tonielli, three-star wide receivers Semaj Morgan and Fredrick Moore, three-star defensive linemen Brooks Bahr and Roderick Pierce, three-star running back Benjamin Hall, three-star EDGE Aymeric Koumba, three-star tight end Zack Marshall, three-star athletes Kendrick Bell and Breeon Ishmail, three-star linebacker Jason Hewlett, three-star cornerback Cameron Calhoun and three-star kicker Adam Samaha.  Michigan entered the day ranked No. 22 in the On3 Consensus national team recruiting rankings for the 2023 cycle