The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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OCTOBER 2020 THE WOLVERINE 41 COMMITMENT PROFILE A s Michigan tight ends coach Sherrone Moore put it, Mar- lin Klein is bringing overseas speed to Ann Arbor. The rising 2022 tight end out of Rabun Gap (Ga.) Nacoochee by way of Germany gave the Wolverines a verbal pledge on Sept. 22. Klein, Rivals.com's No. 40 wide receiver nationally, com- mitted to Michigan as a tight end over offers from Arizona State, Florida State, Georgia, Michigan State, Nebraska, TCU, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and others. "This commitment means a lot to me," Klein said. "I am from Germany, and now I get to go play football at Michigan, so this is like a dream coming true for me. I have been playing football for four years now and I know I have found my spot. I have the opportunity to play for a big and powerful program, so it feels great. "I feel it is the right time to commit because my feelings about Michi- gan are so strong. I am the type of guy that does not plan to change my mind when I commit to some- thing. That is how strong I feel about Michigan." Klein's commitment to U-M comes just weeks after he took a self-guided tour of campus and Ann Arbor. While recruits are not allowed to in- teract with coaches or check out the facilities on these "visits" due to the ongoing dead period, they are able to get a vibe for everything around the program. And that's ultimately what won Klein over. "I did not go up there thinking about doing this, but I know that I found my place," he said. "When I was up at Michigan, I felt like I was at home in Germany. The weather reminded me of home, and it just felt right. The campus was great, the people are nice, and Michigan is the whole package. "Michigan was always high on my list, but I really had Purdue up there too. That visit changed things for me. I never thought about committing this early, but it just felt right, so I had no reason to wait." Klein informed the Michigan coaching staff a few days before he publicly announced his decision on social media. Klein felt a bond with the aforementioned Moore and head coach Jim Harbaugh. "I made the call to Michigan on my birthday, last Thursday [Sept. 17]," Klein said. "I called Coach Moore to give him the news first, then I called the boss, coach Jim Harbaugh and talked to him about my commitment. I think they were a little surprised, but they knew I liked Michigan a lot." Klein made the move from Ger- many to Nacoochee, a small pri- vate school in rural Northeast Georgia, about a year ago. Klein recorded 15 receptions for 335 yards and four touchdowns in his first year with the program. At 6-6, 215 pounds, Klein caught the attention of college coaches thanks to his speed, height and potential. Still new to football, Klein has one of the highest ceilings in the 2022 re- cruiting class. "On the field, he is a big tar- get for the quarterback, but he has also come a long way as a blocker," Nacoochee head coach Joe Sturdivant said. "He is not scared to put a hand in the dirt at tight end and block, but then he is athletic, so he can flex out and be someone who can line up at multiple positions. He can line up at so many different spots, cause so many difficult match- ups and really give the coaches a lot of flexibility. "Marlin is one who can stretch the field and run like a wide receiver, then line up and be physical like a tight end. He is a unique kid, a unique player and a very versatile athlete." Klein is the third member of Michi- gan's 2022 recruiting class, joining Rivals250 defensive lineman Alex VanSumeren and Rivals250 line- backer Tyler Martin. — EJ Holland Klein — a 6-6, 215-pound native of Germany who has only played football for four years — recorded 15 receptions for 335 yards and four touchdowns in his first season with Rabun Gap (Ga.) Nacoochee last fall. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM Wolverines Land High-Ceiling 2022 Tight End Marlin Klein FILM EVALUATION Strengths: Marlin Klein has the height and athletic profile to develop into a multi-year starter at the next level. His upside is unlimited as he is still learning the intricacies of the game. He has excellent speed and moves extremely well for his height. He's a big target at 6-6, 215 pounds and can go up and get it in the red zone. For as new as he is to football, Klein is a pretty polished route runner and is at his best when flexed out. Areas Of Improvement: Adding weight will be key for Klein. He is listed as a wide receiver and needs to add at least 25 pounds. He has the frame to do so, but he must maintain his athleticism. He spends most of his time out wide and has never really played a traditional tight end role. While physical, Klein must be willing to be an in-line blocker in the run game. Learning that part of the game will be massively important for him to succeed in the Big Ten. Michigan Player Comparison: The only tight end on Michigan's roster that Klein really resembles is walk-on Carter Selzer. At 6-8, 240 pounds, Selzer is also a tall target with a more slender frame. Of course, expectations should be higher for Klein, who will likely move up to a four-star prospect by the end of the cycle. With his size and receiving abilities, Klein will add a different dynamic to the U-M offense. — EJ Holland