The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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48 THE WOLVERINE ❱ JUNE/JULY 2025 ❱ COMMIT PROFILE BY EJ HOLLAND M ichigan defensive line coach Lou Esposito has a strong track record of develop- ing unheralded recruits into NFL Draft picks. He did it at Western Michigan with Braden Fiske (Los Angeles Rams) and Marshawn Kneeland (Dallas Cowboys). Both were under-the-radar prospects who blossomed in second rounders under the tutelage of Esposito. While Esposito has more re- cruiting resources at Michigan, he's taking the same philosophy — find prospects, regardless of rank- ing — who can produce and turn into NFL-caliber players. It's no surprise Esposito made three-star Washington (D.C.) St. John's edge Tariq Boney a top pri- ority and pressed for his commit- ment this spring. "From the alumni to the educa- tion, Michigan is a place you want to be," Boney said. "People talk about it a lot. It's a big stage. You get a chance to compete every day. Just the rich history. Their abil- ity to develop guys. Just the coaches. It was the right fit." Ranked as the No. 86 edge in the coun- try, per On3, Boney committed to Michi- gan over fellow finalists Cincinnati, Tu- lane and West Virginia. Those contenders and that ranking doesn't scream blue- chip prospect. But again, Esposito knows what he's doing. "Coach Espo gave me a lot of coaching points," Boney said. "We had a great con- versation. He really told me what Michi- gan is all about and how he develops guys into not just players but young men as well. That stood out." At 6-foot-1, 230 pounds, Boney lacks ideal height and length for the edge po- sition. However, Michigan had plenty of success with a player who possesses similar measurables — recent third-round NFL Draft pick Josaiah Stewart. Like Boney, Stewart was an undersized pass rusher who flew under the radar as a recruit. He signed with Coastal Carolina out of high school before transferring to U-M and developing into one of the best edge players in the country last season. The hope is for Boney to follow in Stew- art's footsteps and excel in Michigan's NFL-style defensive scheme. "The defensive scheme is kind of like my high school but more complicated," Boney said. "I definitely see myself as a fit. I think I'll be an edge player. That's where they like me. I'll have a chance to stop the run and rush the passer." Boney had a chance to see Michigan's defense in action this spring when he made his first-ever visit in early April. It was on that trip that he started to envision himself playing for Michigan. Boney gave the Wolverines a verbal pledge just a few weeks later. "Everything went well," he said. "We got a chance to see the cam- pus and experience a practice. Practice was great. They were competitive. The guys enjoyed being coached up, especially in the film room. They asked a lot of questions. It was a big learning environment. Everybody wanted to get better." The visit also gave Boney a chance to get to know Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore. "Coach Moore is great," Boney said. "He's a very down-to-earth guy. He is able to relate to his play- ers. I was able to see that on the field in practice." Boney is a two-way standout for St. John's. He rushed for 1,897 yards and 29 touchdowns on 156 carries in 11 games last season. At his natural edge position, Boney recorded 24 tackles for loss, including 14 sacks, and also had 2 forced fumbles and a pick six en route to first-team Washington Post All-Met honors. Overall, Boney will arrive at Michigan next year with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. "I'm very versatile," Boney said. "I can drop back into coverage. I can cover backs and tight ends. But I feel like I have the ability to pass-rush and set the edge. I can bring a lot." ❑ D.C. Edge Tariq Boney Draws Comparisons To Josaiah Stewart PLAYER EVALUATION STRENGTHS: Boney is a productive pass rusher in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference, one of the best high school football leagues in the country. The all-conference performer displays adequate quickness and explosiveness off the edge, which helps make up for his lack of measurables. Boney is de- ceptively athletic and also stars at running back for St. John's. He's physical on both sides of the ball and could potentially blossom into an H-back if the defensive side of the ball doesn't work out. WEAKNESSES: Boney is on the short side for being a pass rusher at this level. It's not ideal to have a pass rusher with a verified height of 6-foot-1. Boney has a very compact frame, and it's unclear how much weight he'll be able to add — right now, he's listed at 230 pounds. Boney doesn't have the length that Michigan often looks for in a pass rusher and almost looks more like a linebacker than an edge. His ceiling is certainly limited. U-M PLAYER COMPARISON: Michigan is looking for Boney to be its next Josaiah Stewart, who was an unheralded recruit and excelled as a true edge rusher despite not having the height or length often desired at the position. However, Stewart was the exception and not the rule, making this player com- parison a tall task for Boney. While he can be productive later in his career, it's tough to imagine he'll be the next Stewart. — EJ Holland Boney, a three-star edge rusher, recorded 24 tackles for loss, includ- ing 14 sacks, and also had 2 forced fumbles and an interception return for a touchdown for Washington (D.C.) St. John's last fall. PHOTO BY EJ HOLLAND