Linebacker Recruiting 3/27/2011

2012 LB Kaleb Ringer

Michigan signed four linebackers in the 2011 class and will only lose three after this coming season. Linebacker won't necessarily be a position of need, but expect the staff to try to sign three or four linebackers in 2012, anyway. There's room for more bodies and the staff will probably be fairly selective in who they pursue. James Ross and Royce Jenkins-Stone will be at the top of their list, so let's look at some other possibilities.

Kaleb Ringer, a 6'1", 225 lb. middle linebacker from Northmont High School in Ohio is one of those possibilities. Ringer, who has an early ranking as the number ten overall prospect in the state of Ohio, has shown serious interest in Michigan. The linebacker, who is the nephew of former Michigan State running back Javon Ringer, told Scout.com that after speaking to Greg Mattison, he literally began to have dreams of putting on the winged helmet. This experience has seemingly put Michigan at the top of his list of favorite schools. Ringer plans on committing to a school on April 15, and don't be surprised if he chooses Michigan. Stealing a top ten Ohioan from OSU and a legacy recruit from MSU in one swoop would be a great moment, but it almost seems to good to be true to me. Ringer has yet to receive an offer from Michigan State or Ohio State, and even if he does choose Michigan initially, don't be surprised if he at least gives OSU and MSU a look when those offers do come. However, he seems about as high on Michigan as any recruit at this point, and expect the Wolverines to play into his ultimate decision, no matter who it be to.

Ringer's video is promising, in the sense that he looks to have a definite nose for the ball carrier. He has good size and he has the frame to put on the muscle that he'll need in college. He looks strong enough to take on blockers and has no qualms about hitting guys, which is a necessary quality for any linebacker. He could have trouble dropping back into coverage because he lacks the overall speed of a guy like James Ross, but Ringer will likely end up as a middle linebacker which means he won't be asked to play in coverage too often. From a physical standpoint, Ringer is nearly identical to where current Michigan linebacker Kenny Demens was at the same age. Demens turned into one of Michigan's better defensive players in 2010, and Ringer could have a similar impact wherever he goes. 

Edit: Ringer is being recruited as a weakside linebacker. I need to remember that sizes of players are going to be different than the last regime, especially among the linebackers and offensive linemen. My apologies. IF Ringer puts on twenty five pounds like Kenny Demens did than maybe he could end up in the middle. For now though, consider him a future outside linebacker.


Keep An Eye On:
Jazzmar Clax (NJ) 
Joe Bolden (OH)
Vince Biegel (WI)
De'Andre Rollins (OH)
Laron Taylor (MI)
Hunter Matt (MI) 
Nathan Ricketts (MI)
Jamal Lyles (MI)