Top 100 EDGE Lugard Edokpayi commits to Michigan on National Signing Day

Michigan scored a big win on the recruiting trail on National Signing Day.

On300 2024 Forestville (Md.) Bishop McNamara EDGE Lugard Edokpayi gave Michigan a verbal commitment shortly following his official visit this week.

“Michigan is a great, consistent team that’s been in the Top 5 in recent years,” Edokpayi said. “They do a great job. They produce edge rushers, which is my position. They have a great coaching staff and a great culture. They are good at football and have a great education.”

Edokpayi picked Michigan over fellow finalists Florida State, Maryland, Minnesota and Rutgers. He also held offers from Cal, Michigan State, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Wisconsin and others.

A true late riser, Edokpayi didn’t notch his first Power Five offer until October. The 6-foot-7, 215 pounder is still raw from a technical standpoint but does have plenty of length and athleticism, making him a high ceiling prospect.

Michigan, of course, is known for its development, especially at the EDGE position.

“It’s appealing,” Edokpayi said. “They’ve produced Aidan Hutchinson so many good defensive ends. I was really impressed with what they did on defense this year. It was really good to watch.”

Michigan staffer Dylan Roney led the way in this recruitment and sealed the deal during Edokpayi’s time in Ann Arbor.

“He’s definitely full of energy,” Edokpayi said. “He’s just one those guys that you can build a connection with. Now, it’s about learning what he can teach me. But he’s just one of those guys you know you have a connection with on the spot.”

Edokpayi recorded 22 tackles, five sacks and five pass deflections in just six games as a senior this season. He also caught seven passes for 120 yards on the offensive side of the ball.

Edokpayi is ranked as the No. 19 EDGE and No. 182 overall prospect nationally, per On3. He is also ranked as the No. 3 overall recruit in the state of Maryland.

Edokpayi is set to arrive at Michigan in June as a regular enrollee.

Michigan now has 27 commits in its 2024 recruiting class, which entered the day ranked No. 4 in the Big Ten and No. 16 nationally, per the On3 Industry team recruiting rankings. The class is highlighted by Top 100 Cincinnati (Ohio) Moeller running back Jordan Marshall, Top 100 Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day quarterback Jadyn Davis and Top 100 Kansas City (Mo.) Rockhurst offensive tackle Andrew Sprague.