Michigan’s recent success on the recruiting trail took a hit on Saturday when four-star cornerback Broddy Jennings, from Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin, flipped his commitment from the Wolverines to the Miami Hurricanes.
Jennings had taken multiple unofficial visits in the spring and followed those up with official visits to several major programs including Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Miami, and Michigan. His decision to switch commitments came after an extensive evaluation of his options.
Jennings’ Bond with Coach Morgan Tested After Tragic Loss of His Father
Despite ultimately choosing Miami, Jennings had previously expressed a strong bond with Michigan, especially with defensive backs coach LaMar Morgan. In an April interview, Jennings highlighted Morgan’s mentorship and likened him to a father figure. This connection gave Michigan a serious edge in his recruitment for a while, with Jennings and his family placing significant trust in Morgan’s guidance and character.
Broddy Jennings (NFL)Tragedy struck Jennings’ family in late May when his father, former Florida State linebacker Bradley Jennings, passed away at the age of 47. This loss undoubtedly influenced Broddy’s recruitment process. With support from his family, he continued his visits and kept Michigan in strong contention.
However, those close to the situation felt the emotional impact of his father’s passing might lead to a change in direction—a view subtly acknowledged by Coach Morgan in a heartfelt tweet emphasizing “Family First.”
Wolverines Aim to Regain Recruiting Momentum with Key Decisions on the Horizon
Jennings’ decommitment caused Michigan to fall from seventh to ninth in the 247Sports national recruiting rankings. While not a major drop, the move highlights how quickly things can shift in college football recruiting, especially for top-tier programs like Michigan. Losing a highly regarded defensive back is a setback, but the Wolverines remain in a strong position to rebound depending on the decisions of several key remaining prospects.
Michigan’s recruiting outlook could soon rebound. Later today, four-star cornerback Dorian Barney from Carrollton, Georgia is set to announce his commitment, with Michigan among his top choices.
Furthermore, the Wolverines are also in the mix for five-star wide receiver Calvin Russell out of Miami Northwestern, who will make his decision at 9 PM EST. If Michigan lands either—or both—of these prospects, they could swiftly regain lost momentum on the recruiting front.
