Signee Spotlight: Michigan DL signee Ted Hammond talks decision, culture in Ann Arbor, more

Three-star Cincinnati (Ohio) St. Xavier defensive lineman Ted Hammond has submitted his National Letter of Intent and is officially signed with Michigan after announcing a verbal commitment 11 months ago.

The Wolverine’s Zach Libby caught up with Hammond to discuss his decision, why he stayed solid with the Wolverines throughout the process and more. Watch the exclusive interview above.

Hammond Recruitment

Hammond picked up an offer from Michigan in January and soon visited Ann Arbor less than two weeks later for a Junior Day event. He committed before the month was over.

He chose the Wolverines over notable offers from Iowa, Cincinnati, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, Louisville, Oklahoma, Washington, Missouri, Purdue, Rutgers, Pitt, Kansas, Cal and others.

“I’ll ride or die with Michigan football,” Hammond told The Wolverine. “So, whatever happens, I’m sticking with them. I’ll listen to whatever they say and I’ll do whatever they say. I’m fully (locked in) with Michigan and I’d love to be a part of that family. Rallying around Coach (Jim) Harbaugh is truly special. You saw Coach (Sherrone) Moore crying tears about Harbaugh, so it’s a special place to be. Even when times are dark or tough, to find that courage to succeed is why I want to be a Michigan Man and a Michigan football player.”

Hammond has established regular communication with Michigan defensive line coach Mike Elston since his commitment, as the latter’s family man values and teaching philosophies have brought them closer together.

“Ted is being himself and that’s all I want him to be,” St. Xavier head coach Steve Specht told The Wolverine. “He’s matured these past few years and leads in his own way. He’s not a rah-rah guy, but he’s an effort guy. He does the right thing, shows up early and leaves late. If he continues to do that at Michigan, he’ll be just fine. He’s one of those kids who every time he steps onto the field, plays the game the right way. He plays it hard and plays it fast. He also plays it aggressively. It’s a collision sport and he plays it that way. But when he steps off the field, you see him opening doors for his grandma. He’s just a class act.”

Hammond finished with 38 total tackles, 2 for a loss and 0.5 sacks this past season in St Xavier’s run to the OHSAA Division I Regional Quarterfinals and 7-5 overall record. The senior earned first-team Division I All-Ohio honors by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association.

He’s set to enroll in June.

At 6-foot-4, 265 pounds, Hamilton is listed as the No. 419 overall prospect and No. 44 defensive lineman in the country, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four primary recruiting media services. He’s also the No. 14 player in Ohio.

Scouting Report

“Just a really good football player and is really physical. I see him starting off as a defensive end. Depending on how he fills out, he could slide inside permanently. Quick off the ball, instinctive, plays high-level football against top competition. He’s a guy who’s going to find a role regardless. He plays with high effort, a high motor and finds a way to make plays.” – On3 director of scouting and rankings Charles Power

Michigan 2024 Recruiting Class

Michigan has 27 commits in its 2024 recruiting class, which is ranked No. 4 in the Big Ten and No. 17 nationally, per the On3 Industry National Team Recruiting Rankings.

Among the notable commits in the class are Top 100 Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day quarterback Jadyn Davis, Top 100 Cincinnati (Ohio) Moeller running back Jordan Marshall, Top 100 Kansas City (Mo.) Rockhurst offensive tackle Andrew Sprague, On300 Rochester (Mich.) Adams tight end Brady Prieskorn, On300 Pittsburgh (Pa.) Central Catholic linebacker Cole Sullivan, On300 Brandywine (Md.) Gwynn Park EDGE Devon Baxter, On300 Austin (Tex.) Vandegrift offensive tackle Blake Frazier, On300 West Charlotte (N.C.) High linebacker Jaden Smith, four-star Harper Woods (Mich.) High defensive back Jacob Oden and four-star Nashville (Tenn.) Ensworth linebacker Mason Curtis.