Offensive Line Recruiting 3/5/2011

Offensive line will be a huge position of emphasis for Brady Hoke and co. in the 2012 class, seeing as the Wolverines have only take four offensive linemen over the last two classes. The depth chart up front is already looking thin, and any injuries to the four returning starters (Lewan, Molk, Omameh and Huyge) will result in a dangerously inexperienced front five leading the way. Michigan should take at least five or six offensive linemen in this class. The coaching staff has already offered 21 recruits at the position, so they are well on their way to addressing their needs. Michigan looks to be in good shape early with several recruits, and a few of those are of an elite caliber.

2012 OL Jordan Diamond

Leading the way on the list of offensive linemen considering Michigan is Jordan Diamond of Chicago Simeon. Diamond grew up a Michigan fan and one of his fellow linemen at Simeon was 2011 Michigan signee Chris Bryant. The popular opinion from recruiting analysts, including Scout's Sam Webb, is that Diamond is Michigan's to lose. This would be a huge commitment for Michigan, as Diamond reports offers from a host of top schools, including the likes of Ohio State, Florida State, Auburn and Notre Dame. It'll be interesting to see if Diamond prolongs his recruitment and courts the interest of the other elite schools that are pursuing him or if he pulls the trigger early and commits to Michigan before the 2011 season begins.

Diamond's film is very impressive, especially based off of the agility and speed that he possesses. For a tackle his size, he displays a lot of athleticism when blocking. He routinely gets up field on running plays, tossing linebackers aside while also displaying good foot work on passing plays, coupled with relentless hands that make it difficult for any defensive end to get to the quarterback. Size wise, Diamond, who is 6'6" and weighs around 290 lbs, really doesn't need to get much bigger. If he does become a Wolverine, the staff would likely look to get him a bit more sculpted and have him playing around 300 pounds. A lot of offensive line recruits are far behind their college colleagues when it comes to weight, though, and the fact that Diamond is familiar with his frame and athleticism at that size is a good sign. Diamond is likely to be rated among the top ten tackles in the country, and he would be Michigan's first offensive linemen of that caliber since Dann O'Neill (let's hope to God he doesn't end up like O'Neill, though).

Keep An Eye On:
Andrus Peat (AZ)
Zach Banner (WA)
Dan Voltz (IL)
Jordan Simmons (CA)
Tyler Orlosky (OH)
Daron Brown (MI)
Ben Braden (MI)
Kelby Latta (MI)