The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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AUGUST 2025 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 45 ❱ COMMIT PROFILE BY EJ HOLLAND M i c h i g a n o f f e r e d Ne e d h a m ( M a s s. ) St. Sebastian's offensive lineman Marky Walbridge more than a year ago. The Wolverines made R iva l s ' No. 14 i n te r i o r o f fe n s ive l i n e m a n a n d No. 236 overall player a top priority throughout the cycle, and were able to beat out Alabama and Penn State to earn his commit- ment. Michigan was a con- stant for Walbridge and his mother, Juliann, and checked all their boxes. "It's the culture, the e nv i ro n m e n t a n d wh a t the expectations are of the student-athlete at the university," Juliann said. "That's really important. It was really important for us to see that and be around some of the players. It was a great opportunity to see and learn everything. The coaches and the relationships they have with each other and how involved they are with the players is really important to us." U-M hosted the Walbridge family on several visits during Marky's recruitment, including Victors Weekend June 20. It was there where Michigan ce- mented itself as the team to beat. "I really appreciate all the time they spent with us all weekend — from [of- fensive line coach] Grant Newsome to Sherrone Moore to all the other coaches we were around," Juliann said. "They are super energetic and positive. We re- ally learned a lot about the program. The relationships the coaches have with each other seem great. It seems like they really like working with each other. It's a positive environment." Both Moore and Newsome were ac- tively involved in Walbridge's recruit- ment. From multiple school stops to personal meetings during the official visit, Moore and Newsome made Wal- bridge and his family feel wanted. They also made it clear that they see Walbridge as a future star at tackle. "It was wonderful to hear their thoughts on Marky as a player and as a student athlete in the classroom," Juli- ann said. "It was very humbling. They definitely see Marky as a tackle. He fits the measurements, the size, the body and the frame. "He's a typical tackle body. You look at the data on him — he's over 6-foot-5, has 10-inch hands and over 34-inch arms. He's athletic and can move. "Whether it's high level AAU, prep school basketball or hockey or skiing, he's grown up playing multiple sports. Obviously, Marky has a lot to work on. He knows that. They are great teachers of the game." St. Sebastian's head coach Dan Burke agrees with Michi- gan's staff and views Walbridge as a stalwart in the trenches. "He's very physical and super athletic," Burke said. "He can move really well. He can pull. He's good in pass sets, but he can also run-block and likes to finish blocks as well. If you see his tape, that's what he's do- ing. He's blocking through the whistle every time. "As a high school kid making the jump up to college, it's going to be big for him to put on weight to handle Big Ten football. That will come, but the technique, athleticism and physicality are all really, really good." Overall, Juliann is excited about their decision to side with U-M and sees her son as a fit both on and off the field. "The University of Michigan has stellar academics," Juliann said. "Coming from his environment, I think he would be pre- pared. No matter what, everyone has to work at an elite school. The resources that are available are great. He felt comfortable. "He's an honor roll student at his high school. He will be able to handle the academic rigor there. I think Coach Moore and Coach Newsome work well together. They teach the position really well. Marky will learn a lot." ❑ The Wolverines Beat Out Alabama And Penn State For Massachusetts Offensive Lineman Marky Walbridge PLAYER EVALUATION STRENGTHS: Marky Walbridge is a versatile prospect who is listed as an interior offensive lineman but was recruited as more of a tackle. He has the play strength and footwork to be a high-end guard. However, he carries his weight well and is very comfortable in protection, making him an ideal can- didate to play tackle. He often wins with technique athleticism. AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT: Walbridge has the frame to add another 20 to 30 pounds. He will ben- efit from a year in the strength and conditioning program, which will add more power to his game. He is a great run blocker on film and finishes blocks, but he's often playing against inferior competition. He will have to adjust to playing in the Big Ten. MICHIGAN PLAYER COMPARISON: Michigan offensive lineman Blake Frazier was considered a swing prospect as a recruit. Some saw him as an athletic interior offensive lineman, but Michigan mostly recruited him as a tackle. Like Walbridge, Frazier had an exciting frame and great feet but didn't have the natural power. Frazier is still developing in the strength and conditioning program, and Walbridge will need time there as well. — EJ Holland Wellbridge was a Massachusetts all-state selection on the offensive line as a junior. Rivals rates him as the No. 14 interior offensive lineman in the 2026 class, but U-M projects him as a tackle in college. PHOTO BY EJ HOLLAND