Wolverine Digest

Top Defensive Recruit Lists Michigan as a Potential Landing Spot

Four-star EDGE prospect includes Wolverines in trimmed list as Michigan continues building future defensive line depth.
Justice Steiner|
Dec 31, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines helmets sit on the field before a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Dec 31, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines helmets sit on the field before a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

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Michigan Wolverines

Four-star EDGE recruit Jayce Brewer has narrowed down his list of schools to just six, and the Michigan Wolverines made the cut, per Steve Wiltfong of On3. The class of 2027 recruit also has Indiana, Auburn, Tennessee, Kentucky and Purdue as potential options.

Brewer is ranked the No. 7 recruit in the state of Indiana and No. 35 EDGE in the country via On3 and preps at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis, Ind. Currently, On3 has the 6’5” 225 lb. EDGE is projected to commit to Indiana.

This past season as a junior, Brewer accumulated 31 total tackles, nine tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. He was also a two-way player, playing tight end on offense.

Michigan currently has three commits in the class of 2027 after four-star quarterback Peter Bourque decommitted last week.

Michigan and the Defensive Line

The defensive line has been a strength of Michigan football for quite a while. 

As far as the 2027 class goes, Michigan already has an in-state EDGE committed, Recarder Kitchen (Muskegon, Mich.) Kitchen was the first player at his position in his class to commit. The Wolverines were able to retain Kitchen despite losing former defensive line coach Lou Esposito to the NFL.

Michigan EDGE Derrick Moore
Michigan edge Derrick Moore (8) celebrates a sack against Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (2) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In the incoming 2026 class, the Wolverines have eight defensive linemen joining the squad next year, four listed as defensive tackles and four Edge rushers. Highlighting that group is incoming five-star EDGE Carter Meadows and Utah transfer John Henry Daley.

As far as returners, UofM is losing some of its top production at the position, including Derrick Moore, who led the team in sacks, and TJ Guy who ranked third on the squad in sacks and had 18 tackles.

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Justice Steiner
JUSTICE STEINER

A Battle Creek, Mich. native, Justice Steiner has been passionately involved in sports, currently as the sports information director at Davenport University, an NCAA Division II program, where he covers 12 sports. He also serves as the creative services director for the men's and women's baseball teams. Prior to DU, Steiner worked as a graduate assistant in the sports information office at the University of Louisville, working closely with the women's soccer, women's basketball, men's tennis and softball programs. While at Grand Valley State University, Steiner began his writing career at the Grand Valley Lanthorn. He graduated from GVSU with a degree in advertising and public relations.

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