The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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54 THE WOLVERINE DECEMBER 2021 COMMITMENT PROFILE BY TIM VERGHESE F our-star 2023 Richmond (Va.) Bene- dictine defensive lineman Joel Star- lings committed to Michigan Nov. 28 following a weekend visit to Ann Arbor to see the Wolverines defeat Ohio State. Starlings, who is the No. 230 prospect in the On300 and the No. 225 prospect in the On3 Consensus rankings, com- mitted to Michigan over Penn State, Georgia, Texas A&M and Wisconsin. In announcing his commitment, Starlings thanked those close to him who helped him along the way. "First off, I would like to thank God for the gifts he instilled in me in doing what I love to do, play football," he wrote on Twitter. "I would like to thank my coaches and the whole Benedictine family for giv- ing me the chance to play for y'all. Last but not least, I would like to thank my lov- ing family for inspiring me and believing in me from the start to finish." Michigan had long been the favorite for the On300 defensive lineman out of Virginia. After Starlings saw the campus in person, he knew the decision he had to make. "The campus was amazing," he said. "The people on campus are great people as well. Like I said before, the coaches really are bought into this team and I would love to be a part of that." Starlings began the weekend with Michigan at the top of his mind, but en- tering his first visit to the school, he didn't initially plan on shutting down his recruitment so soon. "Honestly, Michigan has been my fa- vorite since I got the offer," Starlings said. "I have been in love with Michigan for a long time." After experiencing the atmosphere in The Big House during Michigan's 42-27 win over Ohio State, he knew Michigan was the place to be. "In my heart I feel like this is the place for me," he said. "And why wait when I already know what I want to do?" As far as the on-field performance, Starlings came away impressed with Michigan's physicality and dominance at the line of scrimmage in the win over Ohio State. "The performance was vintage Mich- igan football," he said. "They pounded the rock and won the game at the line of scrimmage." Starlings stands 6-5 and more than 300 pounds and projects to be an inte- rior defensive lineman for Michigan in the mold of Mazi Smith and Jess Spei- ght. Michigan offered Starlings in August this year, and he has built a great re- lationship with Wolverines defensive line coach Shaun Nua since landing the offer. "Coach Nua is a great guy," Starlings said. "He's a down-to-earth, loving man. He reminds me of myself. He's a big family man, and he will always be 100 with you whether you like it or not." Still a year away from signing to play for Michigan, Starlings is excited to suit up for the Wolverines. "Michigan fans can expect a guy who will give his all to the school and to the fans," he said. "I'll push my teammates to accomplish the goals we will set for the season and exceed them." Starlings has already gotten to work peer recruiting, actively interacting with Michigan offensive line targets Joe Crocker and Madden Sanker on social media. Starlings is the second 2023 com- mitment for Michigan. The Wolverines notched their first commitment in the 2023 class in local kicker Adam Samaha, who informed the staff of his decision on Thanksgiving night. ❑ 2023 Defensive Lineman Joel Starlings Ready To Give His All For U-M Starlings is the No. 230 prospect in the On300 and the No. 225 prospect in the On3 Consensus rankings. PHOTO BY CHAD SIMMONS/ON3.COM PLAYER EVALUATION Strengths: Standing 6-5 and more than 300 pounds, Joel Starlings lines up all over the defensive line for Benedictine. Has a college-ready frame and is very nimble for his size, with solid closing speed. He is equally disruptive against the run and pass. He draws double teams consistently, but uses his im- pressive upper-body strength and active hands to get off blocks rela- tively easily. Areas of Improvement: Though Starlings is nimble, his first step doesn't particularly flash and he sometimes overruns tackles. Overall, not the most sure tackler because he primarily wins off pure strength. He carries some bad weight on his frame but should be able to redis- tribute weight in a college strength program. Needs to add more pass- rushing tools to his arsenal. Michigan Player Comparison: Starlings projects to be an interior defensive lineman, but likely won't be a true nose tackle. He can be compared to a slightly bigger Mazi Smith, and could be utilized all over the defensive line in certain situations. — Tim Verghese