2024 Michigan PWO DB EJ Clinkscale talks decision, playing for his father, going on journey with fellow signee

The state of Kentucky is home to 2024 Michigan cornerback signee Jeremiah Lowe, who committed to the reigning national champions following a return visit for the late July BBQ at The Big House last year.

Out of powerhouse Lexington (Ky.) Frederick Douglass, Lowe won’t be the only senior at his school set to play for the Wolverines next season.

U-M picked up a preferred walk-on signing from defensive back EJ Clinkscale on early National Signing Day. The son of co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale, EJ knew moving north to continue his education and playing career was his calling after multiple visits to Ann Arbor.

“I feel great and it’s a great program to go to,” EJ told The Wolverine. “It’s a great school, great place, with great teammates.”

It’s a bonus that EJ will join the No. 1 ranked team in the country after College Football Playoff wins over Alabama and Washington. EJ was in Houston for the national title with family and felt proud to see the end result deriving from the work behind the scenes.

“That feels great,” EJ said. “I saw how hard they worked for it. With my dad one of the coaches, I saw how hard he worked for it. I was really proud of them winning it. The atmosphere was crazy. I know we have dedicated fans who love the game. I also knew the players wanted it bad and they got it.”

EJ’s signing came after he traveled to campus with Lowe for the Ohio State game in November.

“It was great because they always show you a great time and the staff is always welcoming with smiling faces,” EJ said. “When you get to The Big House, the atmosphere is so crazy, you can’t hear yourself talk. All of the fans are excited and they like you. When you’re wearing the recruiting pass, they come up to talk to you about committing and how this is the place to be. I just love it.”

Both EJ and Lowe will enroll in June. As good friends, they also hope to live together during their first year in the dorms.

“(Lowe) is like a brother to me,” EJ said. “We’ve been playing together in high school. I know him really know with us playing the same position, so I can’t wait for him and I to ball out. The goal is to room with each other. We have chemistry, so I feel like when we’re on the field together, nothing is going past us. We’re going to lock up everything and be great. He always jokes with me, ‘What’s up, roomie?’ so it’ll be great to play with him and compete with him.”

The pair will be in the same position room with EJ’s father leading the way.

“It’s good because I know (Steve is) going to be tough on me,” EJ said. “He’s going to be one of the best coaches I’ll ever have because he knows my strengths and weaknesses. I feel like I’ll develop better with him as my coach. He loves his players, but he shows tough love a lot. He’s always hard on them, but he always means well, and he always loves them up in the end. He’s smart and knows the game really well.”

Steve has been preparing EJ for what to expect once summer workouts begin.

“He’s (told me) to come in, work, make sure my academics are up, so that’s great,” EJ said. “Also, get in on the playbook. Do whatever the coaches tell you (with) 100 percent (effort), no complaining. Go straight to work.”

Through his many returns to the facilities, EJ has established close connections with other Michigan assistants, like defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert.

“I love Coach Minter,” EJ said. “He’s always nice to me whenever I talk to him and he’s a great coach. He’s very smart and knows the game really well.”That’s my guy. He’s intense, but he always wants me to get better and wants me to work out a lot.”

Even though the speculation regarding head coach Jim Harbaugh‘s return to the NFL is ongoing, EJ said it doesn’t affect his signing.

“He’s a great coach,” EJ said. “I hope he stays because I want him as my head coach. That would be really cool. (Harbaugh potentially leaving doesn’t change anything) because I know the next coach will be great. Hopefully, the whole coaching staff stays, and the (other committed)) players stay, too. We can build something great.”

Building on what Michigan accomplished last season is EJ’s ultimate asipriation and he knows being taken the wing of starters like Rod Moore and Makari Paige will help further his development.

“I got to know them as if they’re my older brothers,” EJ said. “I know Rod well, I know Mike (Sainristil) well, I know Makari well, I know all of them well. They work hard for everything. It’s not like they just show up and play. They work hard. They’re also very smart because they know the game really well. They said they’ll teach me the ropes so I can be just as good as them.”

Of the 2024 Michigan defensive back signees, EJ and Lowe are joined by Jacob Oden and Jo’Ziah Edmond. The entire class has welcomed EJ in with open arms and despite not being together in Ann Arbor just yet, he already considers them his brothers.

“We have a group chat together, so we all talk and stay connected with each other,” EJ said. “I love all of those guys. We’re a family now. It’s going to be special. Everyone tells me that it’s going to be a great group. We’ll come in with one goal, which is to win a national championship, which this team just did. We’ll go in and compete and work.”

So, what should Michigan fans know about EJ once he enrolls?

“Obviously, graduate,” EJ said. “I want to make a big impact on this team and help the community. I’m a very nice guy. (Fans) can come up to me and talk to me whenever. I’m always working and always competing, so I want the betterment of Michigan football.”