The 2023 cycle hasn’t gone smoothly for Michigan football’s recruiting trail. But as the early signing date approaches, the Wolverines are heating up.
It started with multiple deals coming out of Ohio State shortly after rival Ohio State’s drubbing in Week 13, with more signings coming next week. Many of their larger fish won’t make a final decision until February to sign on the appropriate national signing day.
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But Michigan Football was able to hit one big goal in the fold this week.
Fighting for a player from Illinois in one of the Wolverines’ many recent recruiting battles Fighting the Illini 2023 Oak Lawn (Illinois) Brother Rice 3 star Roderick ‘Tray’ Pearce committed Like I did, I pulled the trigger on the corn and blues. Michigan football.
Go blue 〽️! pic.twitter.com/MJbAGoqOF1
— Trey Pierce (@treypierceiii) December 15, 2022
According to Allen Trieu of 247Sports, Pierce predicts as a Power Five starter:
A well-made, well-rounded prospect without unnecessary weight. Shows quickness from the snap. Play with great motors. As a tycoon, it exhibits definite agility, but can still continue to work in the realm. The frame may not be able to support more weight, but it still has room to grow. You can take a block and stop execution. Well coached and plays with great technique and pad level. Very college ready in terms of his physique and approach. A very high floor type prospect that looks like a safe bet to become a power five starter. Can be played with Nose or 3-Tech.
247Sports lists Pierce as the 3-star, 545th overall and 51st defensive lineman in the 2023 cycle. He chose the Wolverines over Illinois or Texas, and received offers from Wisconsin, Auburn, MSU, and others. Pierce was originally committed to the Badgers, but backed off his commitment in late November.
Now, the Wolverines are hoping to acquire four-star-rated cornerback Gyre Hill, also an Illinois recruit. Pierce is his 19th pledge in his 2023 adoption cycle for corn and blue. He is listed as 6 feet 3 inches, 290 pounds and is expected to play his tackle defensively at the next level.