Skip to main content
Wolverine Digest

4-Star LB Frederrick Ford Spurns SEC Country, Commits to Michigan Football

Michigan went into the heart of the SEC and plucked away one of the top linebackers.
Trent Knoop|
Frederrick Ford's Instagram

In this story:

Michigan Wolverines

Michigan found itself in Frederrick Ford's recruitment late, but the Wolverines came out on top.

On Thursday, the 2027 four-star linebacker picked Michigan over Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Tennessee, among others. The maize and blue didn't offer Ford until June 4. But once linebackers coach Alex Whittingham made it known he wanted Ford in the class — it was a full-court press.

Ford would take an unofficial visit following his offer from Michigan. Then just days later, he made a return visit, on Victors Weekend, for his official visit. The Wolverines hit it out of the park with Ford, Whittingham made it evident that Michigan needed him in the class, and the Wolverines prevailed.

The 6'3", 195-pound linebacker is ranked as 247Sports' Composite's No. 224 player in the class. The Greenwood (MS) is ranked No. 140 on ESPN, which is the service that's the highest on him.

Michigan got its linebacker

With Ford's commitment, the Wolverines now have 19 players in the class, and it's Michigan's second linebacker commit. Ford joins Buford (GA) three-star Brayden Watson as the two linebackers in the fold. The Wolverines would like to take three linebackers and are still pushing to add another.

But barring a late change, Ford is going to be the big fish in the class. Last cycle, Michigan took three linebackers, all being three-star prospects. Two cycles ago, the Wolverines landed coveted four-star linebacker Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, and three-star Georgia product Chase Taylor.

Linebacker recruiting hasn't been up to standard at Michigan in recent years, and fans were starting to get worried about this class. However, with Ford in the class, fans can start feeling better about things. Plus, with Watson coming from the powerhouse that is Buford, he will come to Michigan having some top experience under his belt.

Jaishawn Barham 2.0?

While Ford has a thin frame and will need to bulk up playing linebacker at the collegiate level, the first player that comes to my mind when watching his film is former Michigan linebacker and edge rusher Jaishawn Barham.

Ford isn't shy about making a tackle. The quick and hard-hitting linebacker makes his presence known on the football field, and the way he flies around, makes you think of Barham during his first season at Michigan. Ford appears to take better angles than what Barham did during his first season at Michigan, which is why the Wolverines moved him to edge.

Ford moved around on the defense this past season, lining up at linebacker, safety, and nickel. He projects at linebacker, however, and once he fills his frame out, he could end up being an All-Big Ten linebacker.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations

Published
Trent Knoop
TRENT KNOOP

Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.

Share on XFollow @trentknoop
Home/Recruiting