The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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AUGUST 2024 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 47 ❱ COMMIT PROFILE BY EJ HOLLAND T he Wolverines scored a massive win on the recruiting trail in mid-June when Top 100 2026 quarterback Brady Hart gave Michigan his verbal commit- ment. The Cocoa (Fla.) High prospect made his decision shortly following a multi- day unofficial visit. "The biggest thing was the people," Hart said. "The culture of that staff and the guys on the team, it's just the perfect fit for me. It's one of those things you don't realize until you are there. "I was always attracted to Michigan and their program and how they've al- ways won and won big-time games like the national championship. But the big- gest thing was the people and Coach [Sherrone] Moore and Coach [Kirk] Campbell and the type of high-level guys they are. That's something I want to be part of." Hart left Ann Arbor with Michigan high on his mind, but he had yet to com- mit. He made the short trip into enemy territory for a visit with rival Ohio State and earned an offer from the Buckeyes after throwing in front of their staff. However, it didn't take long for Hart to realize that Michigan was the right place for him. He called Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore on the way to the Columbus airport for his flight home. "There is not a place like Michigan when it comes to the ability to win and the type of guys and coaching staff they have. I called Coach Moore and commit- ted in Columbus. I realized I didn't want to miss out on it. I thought it was pretty ironic and crazy how it worked out. But I wasn't going to wait another minute to call Coach Moore." Hart had spent a few days in Ann Ar- bor and loved everything he saw both on and off the field. "We checked everything out like the campus," Hart said. "We sat down with Coach Campbell and talked about the offense. We just got all the logistics of it. Every person we talked to seemed like the type of person I would want to be around every day. That was the biggest thing. We talked to J.J.'s [McCarthy] parents, and my parents loved what they had to say about what Michigan did for J.J." Hart also had an opportunity to hop on a call with McCarthy himself. "It was awesome to talk to J.J., too," Hart said. "You don't realize what makes him a great player until you talk to him. Obviously, he's a super talented, but his mindset and the things he does really separates himself. There is a reason he won a national championship." Michigan quarterbacks coach Kirk Campbell prioritized Hart and made him feel wanted throughout the process. While Campbell offered other signal- callers in the class, it was always clear Hart was at the very top of the wish list. The two built a strong relationship over the last several months and will continue to bond over the next two years. "I've really connected with him," Hart said. "It also seems like he knows a lot about the game. He was a huge piece in developing J.J. McCarthy. I think they are going to have a great year with him calling plays [as the OC]. I'm excited to see it and be a part of it soon." Hart, the No. 8 quarterback and No. 87 overall prospect nationally, as well as the No. 14 prospect in Florida, committed to Michigan over offers from Clemson, LSU, Miami, Ohio State, Texas A&M and others. MaxPreps named Hart a second-team Sophomore All-American after he led Cocoa High to a Florida Class 2S state title, a 14-1 record and a final national ranking of No. 15 by USA Today. He passed for 3,759 yards and 41 TDs for the season and directed a five-game playoff run during which Cocoa outscored its opponents 184-30. Now that he's locked in, Hart is ready to lead Michigan's 2026 recruiting class. "It's always been a dream of mine to build the class," Hart said. "That's why I decided to commit early. The quarter- back has to be the leader. You have to be the first one in the building every day. I think it sets a great example for the guys in 2026, and they realize Michigan is a special place. I'm excited to build the class." ❑ Michigan Lands Brady Hart, Its Top 2026 QB Target As a sophomore, Hart passed for 3,759 yards and 41 touchdowns, and led Cocoa High to a 14-1 record and the Florida Class 2S state title. PHOTO BY EJ HOLLAND PLAYER EVALUATION STRENGTHS: Brady Hart is a tall, strong-armed pocket passer with a quick release and elite mechan- ics. He has all the traits you want in a high-end signal-caller and will have an opportunity to start for the Wolverines early on in his career. Hart isn't a true threat as a runner, but he's athletic in the pocket and can create if plays break down. He's at his best on timing throws and displays a very quick release. Hart also does a tremendous job of utilizing full body mechanics when throwing, unlocking extra power from his lower half. AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT: Hart is on the skinny side at 6-foot-5, 185 pounds and will need to con- tinue filling out over the next couple of years. It's important to note that Hart didn't turn 16 years old until this offseason, making him fairly young for his class. His physical maturity will be fun to follow, and he could easily play 40 pounds heavier at the next level. Hart started off as a baseball player before fully focusing on football going into high school, and there is still some upside when it comes to the technical intricacies of the position. MICHIGAN PLAYER COMPARISON: It's tough to compare Hart to former Michigan starting quarter- back J.J. McCarthy, but the latter is the only similar signal-caller the Wolverines have had over the last several years. Hart shares some traits with McCarthy such as athleticism in and around the pocket, high-end mechanics and accuracy at all three levels of the field. — EJ Holland