The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1504445
44 THE WOLVERINE ❱ AUGUST 2023 ❱ COMMIT PROFILE BY EJ HOLLAND M ichigan added another intriguing pass rusher to the fold in June. Three-star Ijamsville (Md.) Oakdale edge Dominic Nichols committed to Michigan over offers from Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, Kentucky, Mary- land, Michigan State, Penn State, South Carolina and others. "It's about development, really," Nichols said. "I can go there, play out- side and get developed how I need to be developed. Their edge production is insane." Michigan staffer Dylan Roney, who works closely with U-M's pass rushers, led the way in Nichols' recruitment and helped seal the deal on his official visit. "He made it known that I was a prior- ity to them," Nichols said. "He said that I'm a true edge rusher in comparison to Aidan Hutchinson and Mike Morris. I do feel really comfortable playing that edge position because it's what I'm used to." Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh also made a strong impression on the visit. "It was a good meeting," Nichols said. "The last time, my mom didn't come, so he got to meet her and all that. It defi- nitely went well. Obviously, he's a great coach. I feel like I could play well under him. We really talked about how many [NFL draft] picks he's had over the last few years, especially edge players. "It's crazy he's coached in the Super Bowl and had a whole bunch of players at my position drafted during the time he's been at Michigan." Nichols, who is ranked as the No. 45 defensive lineman and No. 476 overall prospect nationally, per the On3 Industry Ranking, recorded 11 sacks and 16.5 tack- les for loss last season while playing with his hand in the dirt as a five-technique. At Michigan, Nichols will be playing a standup role in the same mold as the aforementioned Morris and Hutchin- son. And it's clear Nichols believes he's a perfect fit. "I liked the scheme a lot," said the 6-foot-5, 255-pounder. "I prefer to play on the edge, and they like bigger defen- sive ends. They drop sometimes, but it's not a lot. I'd rather rush the passer like they do. They get after the quarterback a lot, so I really like that. Coach [Jesse] Minter worked for the Ravens, and they always have one of the top defenses in the NFL. It's great to know that he has a lot of knowledge." Overall, Michigan has sent six pass rushers to the NFL over the last four seasons, led by two first-round picks (Aidan Hutchinson in 2022 and Kwity Paye in 2021) and two second-round picks (David Ojabo in 2022 and Josh Uche in 2020). The edge production also played a big role in Nichols siding with the Wolverines. "It's insane how many dudes they have go to the league and how many great edge players they have there," Nichols said. "They have Derrick Moore from [Baltimore] St. Frances. He's going to be a dog when he gets a starting spot. They always have edge players going to the league. They have a lot of produc- tion." Aside from production, Nichols was quick to point to development and the job Michigan director of strength and conditioning Ben Herbert does with the players on the roster. "Coach Herb is great," Nichols said. "He's the top strength coach in the country from what I saw. He's getting paid the most, so I'm assuming he's up there [laughs]. He tests you, and he makes sure you are going to work at what you're not good at. He can help with strength, flexibility and speed. The weight room and the nutrition available at Michigan are great, which is very im- portant to me." Nichols is excited to join the edge room soon and believes the Wolverines will continue to have success on the field once he arrives in Ann Arbor. "Everyone wants to play for the na- tional championship, and I feel like that can be done at Michigan," Nichols said. "They've shown it these past couple of years. This recruiting class is good, but they're also going to have another really great year on the field as well." ❑ Dominic Nichols Could Be Latest In U-M's Long Line Of Standout Edge Rushers Nichols, who is listed as the No. 45 defensive lineman and No. 476 overall prospect nation- ally, per the On3 Industry Ranking, recorded 11 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss last season for Oakdale High outside of Frederick, Md. PHOTO BY EJ HOLLAND PLAYER EVALUATION STRENGTHS: Nichols is a big-framed edge rusher who already weighs 255 pounds. He should have no issue adding another 20 pounds in Michigan's strength and conditioning program and projects well as a bigger edge in Michigan's defensive scheme. At 6-foot-5, Nichols has adequate length and knows how to use it to his advantage when rushing the quarterback. He has plenty of raw power and is an underrated athlete who also starts on offense at wide receiver and tight end. AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT: Nichols isn't overly quick or explosive off the edge. He needs to bend more consistently as well. Nichols is more likely to use his strength and length to win battles against opposing tackles as opposed to speed and athleticism. He spends a lot of time at the five-technique and will need to get comfortable playing as a true standup edge. He can take some plays off defensively, so improving his motor will be key. MICHIGAN PLAYER COMPARISON: Braiden McGregor is expected to slide in as Michigan's bigger edge following the graduation of Mike Morris, a fifth-round draft pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 2023. It's taken a few years, but McGregor is ready to make an impact for the Wolverines. Nichols will also be a depth piece early on in his career. However, he has a similar skill set as McGregor and should come on as a junior and senior. — EJ Holland