The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1493247
62 THE WOLVERINE MARCH 2023 COMMITMENT PROFILE BY EJ HOLLAND M ichigan dipped back into Ohio and landed another talented prospect from enemy territory. Three-star Cincinnati St. Xavier defensive lineman Ted Hammond now joins Avon (Ohio) High offensive lineman Luke Hamilton as the second Michigan pledge from the state of Ohio in the 2024 recruit- ing class. The Wolverines also signed a quartet of Ohioans in the last cycle. Michigan's recruiting mo- mentum in his home state definitely moved the needle for Hammond, who gave the Wolverines his verbal commitment Jan. 25, shortly after making an unofficial visit to U-M. "The visit was great. I was with a bunch of Ohio guys who have offers from Michigan," Hammond told Maize & Brew Review. "We were talking about the Ohio-Michigan connection and how great players in this state are becoming great players at Michigan. It leads to great success at Michigan, in the Big Ten and eventually the NFL." Aside from the Michigan-Ohio con- nection, Hammond was impressed with the campus, facilities and staff. Michi- gan defensive line coach Mike Elston first evaluated Hammond last year and even- tually offered this winter. Elston quickly developed a rapport with Hammond and his family and pushed for his commitment during his visit to Ann Arbor. "Our connection is very strong," Ham- mond said. "It is probably the strongest I have with any coach at Michigan, or any coach that is recruiting me. "He is always responsive. We visited Michigan four times, and Coach Elston and my family have a great relationship." Hammond, who is ranked as the No. 28 defensive lineman and No. 353 overall prospect nationally, per the On3 Consen- sus, committed to Michigan over offers from Cal, Duke, Iowa, Kentucky, Louis- ville, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Purdue and West Virginia, among others. On3 rates him as the No. 15 player and the No. 1 de- fensive lineman in the state of Ohio. At 6-foot-4, 265 pounds, Hammond has the frame to add plenty of weight and likely projects as a three-technique at the next level. Right now, he is still a bit of a project along the defensive line, but there is a lot for Elston and company to work with once he arrives in Ann Arbor. "I'm going to try and get my size up to 275 pounds," Hammond said. "I can be plugged right into the Michigan de- fense when I get there. I'm getting bigger and stronger, while also keeping my same speed. I'm working on agility, quickness and being powerful." Hammond finished his junior season with 46 tackles, including 10.5 for loss and 7 sacks. He was selected to the 2022 Division I first-team All-Southwest Dis- trict team by the Cincinnati and Dayton area sportswriters. And in the weight room, he hit high marks with a 3 2 0 - p o u n d b e n c h p re ss, 5 6 5 - p o u n d s q u a t a n d 625-pound deadlift. Along with a ton of offsea- son work in the weight room, Hammond is also looking to improve from a technical standpoint. "I want to add more tech- nique," he said. "I have the ability to bull rush — that gives you the most confidence if you can just push a player back. I'm working on getting offen- sive linemen's hands off of me, which is important." Hammond is an underrated athlete who also plays basketball and baseball at the high school level. Aside from two tradi- tional sports, Hammond is also an ac- complished swimmer. In fact, he swims for a local club team, Cincinnati Marling, and holds 13 summer club records. Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh loves multi-sport athletes, and Ham- mond certainly fits the bill. He also loves "football guys," and Hammond's main priority is being the best player he can be on the gridiron. "I love everything about football," Hammond said. "The heat, the training, the coaching, the lifting, the contact and being a part of a team that must work to- gether to succeed." ❏ No. 1 Defensive Lineman In Ohio Ted Hammond Commits To U-M Hammond, a 6-4, 265-pounder from Cincinnati St. Xavier High, is ranked as the No. 28 defensive lineman nationally, per the On3 Consensus. PHOTO COURTESY TED HAMMOND PLAYER EVALUATION Strengths: Hammond has plenty of power and strength that should serve him well as he transitions into the Big Ten. At the high school level, he is responsible for taking up multiple blockers and allowing linebackers behind him to make plays. While he's not a true disrupter, Hammond does his job and is very disciplined. He plays with a high football IQ and takes coaching well. Areas Of Improvement: Hammond has the frame to add plenty of weight. He will have to spend some time in the strength and conditioning program — he should play at around 290-300 pounds at the next level. Hammond can still improve his pad level and overall technique. He can get after the quarterback, but pass rushing isn't necessarily a strong suit. Overall, Hammond is a bit of a safe take but likely won't make a big contribution until later in his career. Michigan Player Comparison: Hammond resembles 2023 Michigan defensive line signee Brooks Bahr. Like Hammond, Bahr is a big kid with impressive frame who added weight as a senior. If Hammond can progress physically like Bahr, the tools are there for him to break out as a senior. He and Bahr both have brute strength, length and have received top-level coaching at highly successful Midwest programs. — EJ Holland