Wolverine Digest

Michigan becomes finalist for No. 1 CB in country, talks interest level in Wolverines

Michigan football has a great chance to reel in a major talent.
Trent Knoop|
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Michigan Wolverines

Michigan football has 21 commitments in the 2026 cycle, but there is still a need at cornerback. After losing long-time commit Brody Jennings to Miami, the Wolverines have just one true cornerback in the class: four-star Dorian Barney. Michigan also has two safeties committed: Andre Clarke and Jordan Deck.

The Wolverines are hoping they can fill that need with the top-ranked cornerback in the country -- per Rivals -- when Davon Benjamin Jr. makes his announcement. The Los Angeles (CA) Oaks Christian prospect is down to Michigan, Oregon, Washington, Texas, and North Carolina.

The 6-foot defender is ranked as the No. 36 prospect in the country, per 247Sports' Composite. According to Greg Biggins from 247Sports, Benjamin is the most versatile defensive back out west.

Benjamin is the most versatile defensive back out West and could end up starting at corner, safety or nickel. A talented receiver as well and offers playmaking ability as a punt/kick returner. Plays predominately safety at the H.S level to allow him to roam sideline to sideline and take advantage of his range and ballhawk ability but has excellent man to man cover skills. Has locked up some talented receivers on the 7v7 circuit and shows the ability to play a physical game without having to clutch and grab like so many young corners. Athletically gifted, a twitchy athlete who can stop and start on a dime, change direction and has the speed to run with just about anyone down the field. Plays a physical game in run support and can fly off the hash and lay out an opposing ball carrier. A smart, high IQ football player and very instinctive. When combine his physical tools with his high compete level, it won't surprise at all if Benjamin is a potential three-and out college player and a high round NFL Draft pick.

Two schools sticking out to Benjamin

According to a recent report from Rivals' Hayes Fawcett, Benjamin said both Michigan and Oregon are sticking out.

“Michigan, I’d say just the fact that who they are, they’re going to preach that to you every day, it’s going to show up in their work,” Benjamin said about the Wolverines. “I love the fact that Michigan has great people in the building. A new head coach, great dude, and he obviously cares for this football stuff. But at the end of the day, he’s going to make sure you’re taken care of off the field. You can walk around with that Michigan degree anywhere in life and be successful with it. So, really, I love the care that they’ve got on and off the field.”

Benjamin will make his decision on August 2.

Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI -

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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.

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