The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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42 THE WOLVERINE ❱ AUGUST 2023 ❱ COMMIT PROFILE BY EJ HOLLAND F our-star Brandywine (Md.) Gwynn Park edge rusher Devon Baxter committed to Michigan shortly after his official visit in June. Baxter, the No. 20 edge and No. 199 overall prospect nationally according to On3, as well as the No. 3 player in Mary- land, said he loved his time in Ann Arbor and credited the 13 commits on campus for helping make his decision easier. "It was actually the commits who pushed me to commit," Baxter said. "They have a great group of guys with a really strong bond. They talk to each other every day. "They had that family feeling going. It was just a matter of me feeling them out. They told me they really wanted me and that we could be a national champi- onship team. "They have five offensive line com- mits. Why not compete against the best every day in practice? That will only help me become the best." Another big reason Baxter sided with Michigan was his relationship with staffer and lead recruiter Dylan Roney, who works closely with U-M's pass rushers. This was Baxter's first time meeting Roney in person, and the two clicked immediately. Roney spent time with Baxter's parents and also went over film and fit in Michigan's defensive scheme, which is obviously very edge friendly. "He really is my dog," Baxter said of Roney. "My family vibed with him, and he vibed with my family. It was a great experience being with him in person and not just talking to him through a phone. "We had a nice conversation in his office about how they would use me. He broke it down even further and showed my game film and some of their game film. He showed me how they relate and how I can capitalize at the next level." Baxter also had a sit-down meeting with Michigan head coach Jim Har- baugh. "That was amazing," Baxter said. "It was even more amazing for my father. He's a big Jim Harbaugh fan and a big Chicago Bears fan, and had a lot to talk about. It was like watching a kid at a candy store. It was fun. "I heard Coach Harbaugh is very chill but intense at the same time. I definitely got that feeling from him. He likes to have fun, but when it's business, it's business." "Just watching and seeing how the edge has all the freedom stood out. I love that. They have one big responsi- bility — get to the quarterback. That's the main goal." Along with the commits and coaches, Baxter also spent extended time with his player host TJ Guy, a junior edge from Mansfield, Mass. "TJ is a great person," Baxter said. "I spent a lot of time with him on Satur- day night. I talked to him about why he chose Michigan and what he thinks about the coaches. "I was just picking his brain about the school outside of football to understand what I'm getting myself into. He spoke very highly of everything and reassured my feelings about the coaches. He also told me a lot of the guys there just work on their craft and don't really go out. That's definitely my speed." Baxter added that another highlight of the visit was seeing Michigan direc- tor of strength and conditioning Ben Herbert give his presentation. No edge on the Michigan recruiting board has more upside than Baxter, and Herbert can help him reach his high ceiling. "That was definitely the biggest highlight of the visit," Baxter said. "I watched the spring game, and they spent 15 minutes talking about how Coach Herb is a great strength and con- ditioning coach. "Meeting him in person was high on my list. That energy and focus is un- matched. He pulled me aside and told me how he's going to develop me as a player. There is no ceiling for me work- ing with Coach Herb. He develops the best of the best. I'm next in line to be that." Baxter committed to Michigan over offers from Boston College, Maryland, Penn State, Rutgers, Tennessee, Virginia Tech and others. ❑ Maryland Edge Devon Baxter Commits After Official Visit Four-star edge prospect Devon Baxter of Brandywine (Md.) Gwynn Park is rated as the No. 3 player in Maryland, and the No. 20 player at his position and the No. 199 overall prospect nationally by On3. PHOTO BY EJ HOLLAND PLAYER EVALUATION STRENGTHS: Baxter is listed at 6-foot-5, 235 pounds and has the frame to easily add another 30 pounds. In fact, he played at closer to 260 pounds as an underclassman before cutting weight and fo- cusing on being a pass rusher. Baxter has raw, natural ability and is one of the more athletic defensive players in Michigan's class. He is at his best when he can pin his ears back and get after the quarterback. Baxter projects well as a pure speed rusher. AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT: Baxter is still new to the edge position. He began his high school career as a tight end and still plays wide receiver for his high school team. He needs work from a technical and fundamental standpoint, and he can also improve his bend and overall flexibility. Baxter is far from a finished product, making his ceiling especially exciting. However, he also has a low floor. MICHIGAN PLAYER COMPARISON: Similar to Baxter, Michigan senior edge Jaylen Harrell was listed at 6-foot-3, 235 pounds as a recruit. Baxter has the tools and build to slide into Harrell's role at Michigan down the line. Harrell now plays closer to 250 pounds. Baxter is 2 inches taller and has more length than Harrell, and he is just as explosive off the edge. — EJ Holland