The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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46 THE WOLVERINE JANUARY 2020 COMMITMENT PROFILE M ichigan made an early statement on the recruiting trail for the class of 2022. The Wolverines picked up a com- mitment from big-time Essexville (Mich.) Garber defensive tackle Alex VanSumeren just days before the early signing period. While all eyes are still focused on the 2020 class, this commit- ment is big for the future of Michigan football. The talented interior defensive line- man has always loved U-M and will be an ambassador for the Wolverines on the recruiting trail for two-plus years. For VanSumeren, the decision to pull the trigger so early was an easy one. "I figured why wait when I know ul- timately that is where I want to be," he said. "It feels incredible. I really don't think there is any place other I'd rather be. Being the best I can be is now my focus." VanSumeren committed to Michigan over offers from Kentucky and Central Michigan. He also drew interest from several major programs such as Michi- gan State, Notre Dame and Purdue. However, the 6-2, 260-pounder has a special tie to Michigan. On top of bleeding maize and blue growing up, his older brother, Ben VanSumeren, is currently on the U-M roster. "Ben tells me all about the school and how it's the place to go, and just tries to explain how great of a univer- sity it is," VanSumeren said. "He's at running back now and is expecting to compete for the starting job." Unlike his brother, VanSumeren will look to make an impact with Michigan on the defensive side of the ball. He's played both defensive end and defen- sive tackle, as well as fullback, at the high school level but best projects as a three-technique tackle. VanSumeren had a chance to bond with Michigan defensive line coach Shaun Nua at The Big House BBQ over the summer and spent some time with him on a couple of unofficial visits this fall. "Working with him was actually my favorite part of the whole day [at The Big House BBQ]," VanSumeren said. "He's a great guy and a great coach. It was awesome practicing with him and having him coach me up." Jim Harbaugh also took a special interest in VanSumeren's recruitment early on. The Michigan head coach made him a top priority for the 2022 class, and the youngster had nothing but positive things to say about the commander in chief. "Coach Harbaugh is very down to earth and humble," he said. "You wouldn't necessarily think someone with his accomplishments would be like that, but he is. "You'd think a guy like that would have a big head or something, but he doesn't at all." Though just a sophomore, VanSu- meren — who earned an offer from the Wolverines back in April — emerged as a dominant force in the trenches for Garber this season, notching 91 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 25 quarter- back pressures, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. VanSumeren earned first team all- state honors and proved to be one of the elite in-state recruits for his age this fall, and now gives the Wolverines a great start to the class of 2022. — EJ Holland Legacy Defensive Tackle Alex VanSumeren Gives U-M Big Start In 2022 VanSumeren notched 91 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 25 quarterback pressures, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery en route to all-state honors as a sophomore at Essexville (Mich.) Garber. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM FILM ANALYSIS Strengths: Michigan needs true defensive tackles, and Alex VanSumeren cer- tainly fills the void. Though a long way off from arriving in Ann Arbor, he has a chance to really grow into a special player at the position. He has been on varsity since he was a freshman and earned all-state honors this fall. He is very athletic for his size and even lines up in the backfield on occasion. VanSumeren is one of the more physically impressive defensive linemen in the country in 2022. He plays with a relentless motor, which is a big plus for young defensive linemen. His ceiling is extremely high. Areas Of Improvement: The 6-2, 260-pounder will need to continue to add weight to his frame — but he's physically impressive for his age, so that shouldn't be much of an issue as he continues to grow and develop. VanSumeren plays some defensive tackle but mostly lines up at defensive end at the high school level. He will need to get accustomed to playing more in the interior since that is where he best projects at the next level. Like all young prospects, VanSumeren will need to keep working on the technical aspects of his game. Michigan Player Comparison: VanSumeren could end up being a better version of Ben Mason. He is already bigger than Mason was as a high school prospect and just as athletic. Like Mason, he is athletically gifted for his size and has experience playing fullback on the offensive side of the ball. Unlike Mason, VanSumeren should be able to stick as a three-technique tackle once he arrives in Ann Arbor. — EJ Holland