Welcome to the Recruiting Roundup, our two-times-per-week series breaking down the latest developments on the recruiting trail for the Michigan Wolverines. We’ll keep you up to date on the top targets, the visits they take, the predictions that analysts make, and everything in between. Here’s what you need to know today…
Top-100 DL Aedyn Havili sets Michigan return
Michigan is getting one of its top defensive targets in the 2028 class back to Ann Arbor in the very near future.
Aedyn Havili, the No. 54 overall prospect and No. 7 defensive lineman in the Rivals Industry Rankings, has locked in a visit for the Oklahoma game in Week 2. The 6-foot-1.5, 320-pound Washington native impressed at a Michigan camp this summer, and new position coach Larry Black has made him a priority.
This time around, Havili wants to see what Michigan looks like on game day.
“I’m excited for the game day experience,” Havili told The Wolverine’s Ethan McDowell ($). “I look forward to being in that locker room before the game and seeing what the vibe is like, how the players prep for the game and getting to know them. I want to see how the players respond if they’re losing and how they fight through adversity and how the fans respond as well. Need that energy to stay lit throughout the whole game regardless of what the score board looks like!!”
Michigan’s defensive staff has ramped up its communication with Havili, including new defensive coordinator Jay Hill.
“I’ve been in constant contact with the whole defensive staff lately, whether it’s the occasional motivational quote or going over film,” Havili said. “After talking with coach Hill, I have a clearer understanding of where they see me fitting into their scheme. I’m close with coach Black because he personally knows my uncle who trains me, and they have similar coaching styles.”
Ohio State is also making a strong push, but Michigan appears to be establishing itself as a legitimate contender.
Another DL locks in a Michigan visit
Michigan only offered Tory Clark in July, but the Wolverines are already getting the 2028 defensive lineman up to Ann Arbor for a visit.
The 6-foot-4, 275-pounder from Woodward Academy in Atlanta has scheduled his first Michigan visit for the weekend of Oct. 24, when the Wolverines host Indiana. Clark is the No. 39 defensive lineman and No. 44 player in Georgia, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings, and already holds around 30 offers.
Despite offering him later than most other major programs, Michigan has quickly made a move on him.
“Michigan is a football program with a lot of history, winning and developing guys to play on Sunday,” Clark told 247Sports. They’ve won several conference championships in the last four or five years and a national championship. Next, playing in a big game environment with a sold-out stadium weekly and a very large fan base. Academically, it’s one of the top schools in the nation.”
Clark is particularly excited to finally experience a game at Michigan Stadium.
“I hear Michigan’s game day is outstanding, and I’m looking forward to just being in the environment and seeing the preparation up close and going through the process,” he said.
Black has played a big role in Michigan making up ground so quickly, which makes sense considering Clark’s relationship with him actually predates Black’s time at Michigan.
“I have a good connection with coach Black dating back to his SEC days,” Clark said. “I have regular communication with coach two or three times a week. We discuss X’s and O’s and general stuff. From the beginning, coach Black has been straightforward. He is also really getting to know me and my family and how I am as a person and athlete. I have a real connection with coach Black.”
Michigan gaining ground with more elite 2028 targets
The Wolverines are making progress with several other highly ranked prospects in the 2028 class as well. Michigan recently offered Cassell Cruickshank, the No. 11 overall prospect and No. 3 edge rusher in the Rivals Industry Rankings. Despite the Wolverines entering his recruitment later than most, Cruickshank says he “definitely” plans to visit.
“I’m interested in Michigan because of the tradition, the winning culture, and how they develop their players,” he told On3’s McDowell ($). “They compete at a high level, and I feel like it could be a great place for me to grow as both a player and a person. I’m definitely interested in learning more about the program and building a relationship with the staff.”
It’s still very early in the 2028 cycle, but Michigan’s new staff is starting to build some real momentum with several of the best prospects in the class.