The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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NOVEMBER 2025 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 53 ❱ MICHIGAN RECRUITING NOTEBOOK to Coach Espo [Lou Esposito] to Coach Wink, it's like family. They make ev- eryone feel amazing. Coach [Sherrone[ Moore, too. He's amazing. He talked to all of us. We talked football and his fam- ily. They have that connection with us. It's hard for any place to beat that. "It reaffirmed everything. He knows the program is going in the right direc- tion. Coach Moore has something re- ally special going on. His coaches and support staff believe in Michigan. They breathe Michigan football. It's really comforting to see that. It reaffirms that he's making the right choice." Colorado was pushing to get the Vallejo family on campus this fall — Ali- ster is actually a legacy there through his mother. However, Orlando shot down the idea of visiting other programs. "We don't have any plans at all," Or- lando said. "Alister is focused on his se- nior season. He's locked in on helping his teammates, getting better and stay- ing healthy. He's happy with Michigan, so we don't have any plans." The Vallejo family does plan on being back at Michigan for The Game in late November. "I know it's going to be different and colder," Orlando said. "We're looking forward to it. We know it's going to be a great experience. They could both be on the verge of making the playoffs. It just hypes up everything. We're excited to see more. Like Ali said, it's 'The Game.' To be a part of that is going to be an out of this world experience." LB COMMIT MARKEL DABNEY IS READY TO ENROLL EARLY Three-star Michigan linebacker com- mit Markel Dabney did a little bit of ev- erything in Richmond (Va.) Huguenot's win over Chesterfield (Va.) Bird in early October. Dabney recorded 4 tackles and 1 pass deflection while playing everything from linebacker to nickel to safety. He also lined up at wide receiver and run- ning back and racked up 65 yards of total offense and a touchdown. "The season has been going great," Dabney said. "I've been staying healthy, which is the main part. Going both ways has been easy. I've been doing it for three years now. When the coaches need a play, I deliver." Dabney had a whirlwind of a recruit- ing process. He gave SMU a verbal com- mitment in the spring only to officially visit Michigan a month later and even- tually flip to the Wolverines later in the summer. Now, Dabney, who was back in Ann Arbor for the game against Wisconsin, is completely locked in with U-M. "I don't want to give other schools any type of interest," Dabney said. "I'm focused on Michigan and my senior year — that's it. The coaches have been transparent with me. They've kept it real with me from the jump. I give them 100 percent for that." Michigan linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary led the way in Dabney's re c r u i t m e n t a n d i s co n t i n u i n g to strengthen their bond. "We talk every week," Dabney said. "He gives me advice on different tech- niques. He's a great guy. He's a chill guy, but when it's time to go, he turns it on. You can see that." Dabney is slated to play the Will line- backer role in Michigan's defensive scheme. However, he has the athleti- cism and versatility to move around. "I love Coach Wink's [Martindale] defense," Dabney said. "I've been break- ing down every game and seeing where I would fit. I can see myself in space and in the box. I'm a true athlete who can succeed anywhere. I love what they are doing with Jaishawn Barham and Bran- dyn Hillman." Dabney, the No. 57-ranked linebacker nationally, is set to graduate in Decem- ber and will arrive at Michigan as an early enrollee. "I just finished my application, and I was really excited about that," Dabney said. "Coming in early is going to put me ahead of some of the guys coming in late. It's also going to give me a clearer picture of where I'm at heading into the season." MICHIGAN LOSES THREE-STAR DB COMMIT Michigan's 2026 recruiting class has taken a hit. Three-star Carrollton (Ga.) High de- fensive back Dorian Barney, the No. 42 cornerback nationally, flipped his com- mitment from Michigan to Ole Miss in late September. Barney's decision came after a week- end trip to see the Rebels in game ac- tion. Barney was considered a soft com- mit — he also made a visit to Georgia Tech earlier this season. Michigan extended an offer to Barney in May of last year. He committed to Alabama just a week later but backed out of his verbal pledge to the Crimson Tide last fall. Barney began to trend to Texas A&M soon after. However, Penn State took command of his recruitment going into the summer. Michigan made a late surge and eventually earned his commitment. Now, he's a verbal pledge to Ole Miss. Barney's recruitment has been a wild ride. The Wolverines no longer have to worry about keeping him and continue to shift their attention to other targets. Michigan has been in contact with several potential flips in the secondary, including Notre Dame commit Khary Adams, the No. 4 cornerback and No. 34 player in the country; Oregon com- mit Davon Benjamin, the nation's top cornerback and No. 22 prospect; and Baylor commit Jamarion Vincent, the No. 176 player and No. 23 cornerback in the land. The Wolverines will look to get them on campus in coming weeks. ❑ Richmond (Va.) Huguenot's Markel Dabney, ranked by Rivals as the No. 57 linebacker nationally, is set to graduate in December and will arrive at Michigan as an early enrollee. PHOTO BY EJ HOLLAND