The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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56 THE WOLVERINE ❱ JUNE/JULY 2023 ❱ COMMIT PROFILE BY EJ HOLLAND C hanning Goodwin was consid- ered a Michigan lean for an entire year. After all, the three-star wide re- ceiver out of Charlotte (N.C.) Provi- dence Day is the son of former Michi- ga n o f fe n s ive l i n e m a n Jo n a t h a n Goodwin, who suited up for the Wol- verines from 1998-2001 and went on to win a Super Bowl in the NFL. Channing, however, wanted to make his own decision. He took closer looks at programs like NC State, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia Tech. But at the end of the day, he found his own path to Michigan. "It feels like home," Goodwin said. "It's a place I'm comfortable in, a place I feel I can jell well into that re- ceiver room and be able to showcase my talent. "The third reason is I've got my quarterback. I've been tight with Jadyn [Davis] since middle school and then through high school and now col- lege. I'll be looking forward to that." Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy built strong relationships with Chan- ning throughout the process. The two also have unique bonds with his father. Bellamy roomed with Jona- than during their playing days in Ann Arbor. On the flip side of the coin, Jona- than is one of only two ex-Wolverines — the other being wide receiver Braylon Edwards — to play for Harbaugh in the NFL. "It's positive when he gets recruited by people you know," Jonathan said. "You feel like you'll get the truth on how they feel. That's definitely an ad- vantage. "It's another thing that makes you realize you're getting older when your younger teammate is recruiting your son to your alma mater. Ron has been great. Coach Harbaugh has been great." Channing also felt a personal connec- tion with Bellamy. "He's definitely a great coach," Good- win said. "He's going to coach you hard on the field and love you off it. I have complete faith in him, and I'm ready to go get to work with him." As Goodwin mentioned, Michigan already had a verbal pledge from his high school teammate Jadyn Davis, the No. 4 signal-caller in the On3 Industry Ranking, going into his own decision. The two helped lead Providence Day to a state title. That chemistry should carry over to Ann Arbor. "Obviously, him being my high school quarterback and having him in college as well, it's something that I'll enjoy," said Goodwin. Overall, Michigan was simply the right fit for Goodwin and his family. And Jonathan knows what Michigan can do for his son on and off the field. "I talked to him about the alumni network and the brotherhood," Jona- than said. "I talked to him about past football players and how close we all are. "I just let him know about my expe- rience, and my experience at Michigan was all good. I enjoyed my time there. I enjoyed my teammates. I enjoyed go- ing to school there." Goodwin, who is listed as the No. 77 wide receiver and No. 436 over- all prospect nationally, per the On3 Industry Ranking, caught 68 passes for 962 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior last season. He is the first wide receiver to join Michigan's 2024 re- cruiting class. With his commitment now out of the way, Goodwin is looking forward to building the class and is excited about the future of the program. "I don't see us dropping off anytime soon," he said. "Michigan is going to keep working and keep climbing that hill. A national championship is defi- nitely something they'll be working to- ward. It's definitely something I want to be a part of, and hopefully I can help them out with that." North Carolina Receiver Channing Goodwin Makes It Official Goodwin, who is ranked as the No. 77 wide receiver and No. 436 overall prospect nationally, per the On3 Industry Ranking, caught 68 passes for 962 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior at Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day last season. PHOTO BY EJ HOLLAND PLAYER EVALUATION STRENGTHS: Goodwin is one of the more consistent pass catchers in the country this cycle. The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder displayed soft hands throughout his junior campaign as well as the ability to run advanced routes. He has the versatility to play on the outside or in the slot at the next level but best projects as the lat- ter. Goodwin does his best work on underneath routes and consistently gets open to move the chains. He should serve as a solid security blanket for the Wolverines later in his career. AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT: Goodwin has a slender frame but has added some good weight in his upper half over the last year. Continuing to fill out in the Michigan strength and conditioning program will be key upon his arrival in Ann Arbor. While he is a tactical route runner, he lacks elite speed and explosiveness. Goodwin will never be the type of receiver that can take the top off the defense or be a true deep threat. PLAYER COMPARISON: While not as ballyhooed on the recruiting trail as Tyler Morris, Goodwin shares similar traits with the Michigan sophomore. Morris was limited in the rankings due to speed concerns but had some of the best hands in the country and consistently got open. The same can be said about Goodwin. — EJ Holland