The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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48 THE WOLVERINE ❱ JANUARY 2025 ❱ FOOTBALL RECRUITING 18. LB Chase Taylor STOCKBRIDGE (GA.) HIGH On3 Industry Ranking: Mid three-star Our Ranking: High three-star The Skinny: Taylor is yet another intriguing prospect with a high ceil- ing and low floor. Ranked as the No. 73 linebacker and No. 681 overall prospect nationally, he has never been a highly touted recruit, but Michigan made him an early priority at the linebacker posi- tion. And it's not hard to see why. Taylor is a long, rangy backer with plenty of athleticism and speed. While Michigan is expect- ing him to play more of a Mike or Will role depending on his development, Taylor's biggest upside may be as an edge. He shares some of the same qualities as former Michigan pass rusher Jaylen Harrell, who was also listed as a linebacker early on in his recruitment. 19. RB Donovan Johnson BRADENTON (FLA.) IMG ACADEMY On3 Industry Ranking: High three-star Our Ranking: High three-star The Skinny: Johnson is arguably the toughest recruit to rank in this class. Listed as the No. 39 running back and No. 495 overall prospect nationally, Johnson was projected to be a borderline five-star after an outstanding freshman campaign and flashed as a sophomore after transferring from Savannah (Ga.) Calvary Day to IMG Academy in Florida. However, Johnson tore his ACL going into his junior year and saw limited action as a senior this season. At 6-foot, 213 pounds, Johnson is a tough runner between the tackles and plays with power. If he can get back his explosive- ness, he could very well be the steal of the cycle. 20. OL Kaden Strayhorn BRADENTON (FLA.) IMG ACADEMY On3 Industry Ranking: Mid three-star Our Ranking: High three-star The Skinny: Ranked as the No. 48 interior offensive lineman and No. 552 overall prospect nationally, Strayhorn projects as a true center at Michigan. Centers don't often get respect in the rankings due to lack of position flexibil- ity, but Strayhorn has an argument as the best in the country. He is as strong as an ox and overpowers defenders when run- blocking. He finishes his blocks as well, serving pancakes often. Strayhorn played out of position at IMG, where he started at tackle. However, that experience has helped with his feet and balance. The Novi, Mich., native does have a background at center and should have no issue making the transition at U-M. 21. EDGE Julius Holly ALPHARETTA (GA.) HIGH On3 Industry Ranking: Low four-star (outside of top 300) Our Ranking: High three-star The Skinny: Holly, the No. 35 edge and No. 350 overall prospect nationally, missed most of his senior season due to injury. When healthy, he did flash his ability as a push rusher, utilizing high- level technique and quality athleticism. Holly tested well in camps, but he still needs to put it all together on the field. At 6-foot-4, 224 pounds, he isn't the prototypical tall, long edge, but he could serve a role simi- lar to TJ Guy later on in his career. It may take some time for Holly to develop before he sees significant action. 22. DL Bobby Kanka HOWELL (MICH.) HIGH On3 Industry Ranking: High three-star Our Ranking: Mid three-star The Skinny: Ranked as the No. 49 defensive lineman and No. 499 overall prospect nationally, Kanka is a solid depth piece in the trenches. While he's not overly impressive as an athlete, he has a sturdy frame at 6-foot-4, 289 pounds and plays with power. Kanka also displays a high motor and is the "bring your lunchpail" type of recruit who will give maximum effort. Kanka may also have some flexibility as on offensive lineman and could follow a similar path as former Michigan center Dominick Giudice, who was a defensive line recruit. 23. QB Chase Herbstreit CINCINNATI (OHIO) ST. XAVIER On3 Industry Ranking: Low three-star Our Ranking: Two-star The Skinny: The son of former Ohio State player and current college foot- ball analyst Kirk Herbstreit, Chase was a surprising late take for Michigan after National Signing Day. U-M was the only school to offer Herbstreit, and the ex- pectation is that he will provide depth and knowledge to the quarterback room. Ranked as the No. 125 quarterback nationally, Herbstreit is a game man- ager at the high school level and knows how to operate on of- fense, which is no surprise considering he grew up around the game. However, he lacks Power Four traits. ❑