The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1516256
PLAYER BIOS ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ MARCH 2024 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 45 BY ZACH LIBBY Jo'Ziah Edmond wasn't on Michi- gan's radar until he showed up at a camp hosted by the team last June and wowed the coaching staff, leading to his commit- ment in early August. The Wolverines landed their first true cornerback of the 2024 recruiting class when Edmond flipped from his pledge to Purdue following his return to Ann Arbor for the annual late July BBQ at The Big House. "What really stood out to me about Michigan is that they care," Edmond told The Wolverine. "The coaches care about the team and the players. I am going in knowing that I have coaches by my side to help me get through everything that I deal with." Former co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale and former head coach Jim Harbaugh were instrumental in the four-star mov- ing from a Big Ten rival. Even though neither coach is with Michigan anymore, that didn't change Edmond's view of the reigning national champions. "I'm not really concerned," Edmond said. "I'm home." Edmond was one of the later additions to the 2024 recruiting class, with the group nearly finalized by the early sum- mer. Friendships with the other signees developed quickly, and his acceptance to the corps was met with enthusiasm. "I'm loving it with them," Edmond said. "The group chat that we have is amazing. All the guys welcomed me in when I an- nounced my commitment and immedi- ately added me to the chat. The guys who are there are amazing, and they're like my brothers." When Edmond publicly announced his commitment to Michigan, the On3 In- dustry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four primary recruiting media services, listed the senior as a three-star prospect at No. 645 nationally. By the February signing day, the northeast In- diana native had jumped more than 500 spots to a four-star ranking at No. 122, with national scouts and analysts show- ing high praise for Edmond's athleticism as an offense and defensive standout. "My fit is to be a ball hawk," Edmond said. "Wherever the ball is, that's where I'm going to be. Michigan has one of the best DB corps in college football." Slated to enroll in June, Edmond will have a few months to get ready for the next chapter, with his goal being to receive playing time as a freshman and show oth- ers what he can bring to the table. "It's been amazing watching Will [Johnson] play. He's a great DB. When I go up there, I want to get close with Will, get things down, get a routine, be solid, be good, get set in order. I'll have a chance to play early and show my talent as a fresh- man," Edmond said. ❑ Cornerback Signee Jo'Ziah Edmond Put Himself On The Map In 2023 2024 Projection Edmond was originally expected to enroll early at Michigan, which gave rise to specula- on that offseason development would lead to early playing me as a true freshman. Regardless, his athle cism and leadership persona are what made him a high school standout in Indiana, and having experience in all three facets of the game will make him a versa le weapon in college. Some technical elements, including footwork, in-game situ- a ons and his weight will need to improve once he arrives in June. As an outside corner, Edmond could find himself compe ng for playing me early. STATISTICS Year Tackles INT FF 2023 64 5 1 2022 28 5 1 Year Rec. Yds. TD 2023 65 505 7 Year Rush Yds TD 2023 26 204 4 HONORS • Led NorthWood to a 12-2 record and the state Class 4A championship game in 2023. • 2023 Indiana Football Coaches Associa on All-State selec on. • 2023 IndyStar Top 50 All-State defensive honoree. • 2022 IndyStar Super Team honorable men on. • Played in the 2024 All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas. • Named a PrepStar Top 300 All-American. • Picked as the wide receiver MVP at the 2022 All-America Combine. RECRUITMENT • Pledged to Michigan on March 22, 2023, a er receiving his offer in January 2022. • Picked U-M over notable offers from Michigan State, Penn State and Cincinna . • Recruited by head coach Sherrone Moore. DID YOU KNOW? • Will enroll at U-M in June. • Edmond played on the same Chicago-based 7v7 na onal team (Midwest BOOM) with fel- low Michigan signee I'Marion Stewart. • Originally commi ed to Purdue. • Transferred to NorthWood a er three years at Indianapolis Warren Central. • Son of Joseph and Kiki Edmond. • Born on Nov. 2, 2005. THEY SAID IT On3 director of scou ng and rankings Charles Power: "Jo'Ziah has a ton of versa lity and is a really good football player. … He has a lot of ball skills and toughness. I would expect him to be a physical presence on the outside who can overpower wide receivers." JO'ZIAH EDMOND CORNERBACK 6-1 • 180 NORTHWOOD INDIANAPOLIS, IND. RANKINGS STARS NAT. POS. STATE ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 122 17 2 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 101 12 3 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 108 10 2 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ — 30 5 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ — 32 6 INDUSTRY Edmond was a late bloomer who climbed more than 500 spots in the recruiting rankings his senior year, all the way up to No. 122 on the On3 Industr y Ranking of the nation's best prospects. He went on to play in the 2024 All- American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas, and will enroll at U-M in June. PHOTO BY EJ HOLLAND