The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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52 THE WOLVERINE ❱ DECEMBER 2024 ❱ COMMIT PROFILE BY EJ HOLLAND M ichigan has added some much needed size to its wide receiver room in the form of Lake Worth (Fla.) Santaluces prospect Jamar Browder. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound three-star recruit flipped his commitment from NC State to Michigan in early Novem- ber. "I loved everything about the pro- gram and the school," Browder said of U-M. "There's South Florida connec- tions to it that I was familiar with like [owner] Stephen Ross and the Dolphins. The history of Shoelace [Denard] Rob- inson, etcetera. Also, other South Flor- ida guys having gone to the league. "The coaches were super down-to- earth and high-energy. I loved the vibe of the players. It was awesome. It was always cool to see that big M logo on TV. Now, being able to see it in person and what it means is pretty cool." Browder's decision came less than a week after he made an unofficial visit to Michigan for its clash against No. 1-ranked Oregon. "It was good," Browder said. "It was really refreshing. Some of the highlights for me were getting to see the atmo- sphere, meeting with the coaches and just talking to all the people." Browder watched the Michigan of- fense closely during his time on campus and saw the need for more size in the wide receiver room — something that has been a big selling point for the Wol- verines. "They definitely passed more than they did last time I was there," Browder said. "I saw some balls that were over- thrown that I could go up and get. I can be used well with the extra length and height that I have." Both Michigan head coach Sher- rone Moore and wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy spent extended time with Browder during his stay in Ann Arbor. "It was nice talking to them," Browder said. "It's like family now. They didn't tell me too much. They were just excited to have me back. They are really mellow, chill and laid back. That's how I am. I can see myself getting along with them really well." Bellamy is a big reason the Wolverines landed Browder. In fact, Michigan was expected to evaluate several senior risers at the wide receiver position this fall. Instead, Bel- lamy focused in on Browder and made him the only target on the board. Bel- lamy got him on campus in September and made a strong first impression be- fore getting him back to Ann Arbor in November. "Coach Bellamy knows where I'm from and gets my lingo," Browder said. "It's like talking to someone from home. He was just being himself. He didn't have a pitch. He just told me about the plays and concepts and quizzed me. I passed the test, so that was good. He said they need me. He wasn't lying. They definitely need some size and someone that can go get it." This most recent visit also gave Browder a chance to get a closer look at the program away from the field. While early playing time and need were big factors, Browder, On3's No. 210-ranked wide receiver nationally, was also impressed with Michigan as a whole. "We went out and ate," Browder said. "I got to spend time with some of the other recruits. It was good to see [Top 100 2026 Michigan quarterback com- mit] Brady Hart. Knowing there are guys from where I'm from is easing. The alumni base has a great network. It's in the city of Ann Arbor, and I got to ex- plore." Browder is set to graduate this spring and be a regular enrollee at Michigan. ❑ U-M Flips Standout WR Jamar Browder From ACC School The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Browder will give Michigan an outside receiver with plus size. He is currently rated as a three-star prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking, but Rivals has him ranked as the No. 79 wide receiver nationally. PHOTO COURTESY JAMAR BROWDER PLAYER EVALUATION STRENGTHS: Browder is a true big-bodied wide receiver who can go up and get it. He is terrific in the air, winning the majority of 50-50 balls. He uses his size to his advantage and outmuscles opposing defensive backs, especially in the red zone, where he is a constant threat to score. While Browder is an excellent jump-ball winner, he's also a big presence over the middle of the field, often making plays on shorter routes like slants and drags. Michigan has a need for more size in its wide receiver room, meaning Browder could get on the field sooner than his rankings suggest. WEAKNESSES: Browder certainly has the size, but speed is a big question mark. While it looks adequate on tape, Browder doesn't have any verified times, and it's tough to judge if he has enough speed to stretch the field vertically. Browder is very raw as a route runner and struggles to sink his hips in and out of breaks. He will need plenty of development in that department. Overall, Browder is a big target, but he lacks refinement and has a limited tool bag. MICHIGAN PLAYER COMPARISON: Michigan has landed just one other wide receiver over 6-foot-2 since the 2022 recruiting cycle, so there aren't any pass catchers on the current roster that resemble Browder. Former Michigan wide receiver Darrius Clemons, who transferred out of the program, was the last true big-bodied receiver on the outside. Browder and Clemons share similar measurements and skill sets. However, Clemons was a more highly touted recruit due to his verified times. — EJ Holland