Signee Spotlight: 2024 LB Zach Ludwig goes in-depth on decision to sign and more

Three-star South Park (Pa.) High linebacker Zach Ludwig has submitted his National Letter of Intent and is officially signed with Michigan after over a year of being verbally committed to the three-time reigning Big Ten Champions.

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

Ludwig Recruitment

Ludwig, the nephew of Michigan strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert, was personally offered by head coach Jim Harbaugh and made his decision on an unofficial visit the week of the Ohio State game in 2022.

“He’s walking around in spikes and running around,” father Bill Ludwig previously told The Wolverine. “You see him catching on the sidelines before games. You don’t see a lot of coaches do the things that he does. I just think he’s so accessible. I described him to my wife, ‘He’s famous, but he’s so approachable whenever you get to talk to him.’ I think that’s what got Zach in quick. That whole atmosphere.”

Ludwig was the first true linebacker in the 2024 recruiting class to announce a commitment to Michigan. He’s since endured two coaching changes at the position, including the release of Chris Partridge last month, but remained locked in throughout the year.

Returns to Ann Arbor from Ludwig and his family after the pledge occurred in April for the spring game, the late July annual BBQ at The Big House, and two home games this season, including in late November for the win over Ohio State.

“It’s just the school in general,” Ludwig previously told The Wolverine. “The coaches and staff are all like family. Whenever I’m up there, all of the players are very welcoming. It’s like a brotherhood up there. The overall systems are also just amazing. It’s crazy to me that I just had my last game on (South Park’s) home field and I’ll be in college next year.”

Ludwig was the starting quarterback, MIKE and long snapper for South Park, finishing with a 7-5 record. He tallied 46 total tackles, 3 for a loss and 1 sack. Offensively, he went 42-90 (46.6%) for 591 yards and 6 touchdowns while also rushing for 296 yards and 2 touchdowns on 60 carries.

He’s set to enroll in June.

At 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, Ludwig is ranked as the No. 93 overall linebacker in the country and No. 32 player in Pennsylvania, according to On3. The On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four primary recruiting media services, lists Ludwig as the No. 1,586 player in the country.

Scouting Report

“He’s a multifaceted athlete. Played quarterback for his high school as a senior, but also plays as an off-ball inside linebacker, and that’s where he projects. Having the experience of quarterback certainly helps. Pretty physical. Good size and frame. He’s kind of a pure inside linebacker. He’s not scared to lower his shoulder and deliver hits. He fit the Big Ten downhill linebacker mold and I think he’ll get better while he plays just linebacker full-time.” – 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.