The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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50 THE WOLVERINE ❱ DECEMBER 2025 ❱ COMMIT PROFILE BY ETHAN MCDOWELL A den Reeder went into his Michigan official visit feeling good about his commitment to Wisconsin, but a child- hood desire to wear the Maize and Blue still stuck with him. Less than 24 hours after his trip to Ann Arbor, he flipped his pledge to the Wolverines. The three-star linebacker announced his decision Nov. 6. He spent most of this year pledged to the Badgers, but U-M was always a coveted school for the Cincinnati St. Xavier standout. "I always dreamed of playing in those big games so, after the visit, I knew that was home," Reeder said. He grew up in the heart of the Buckeye State with a house split between OSU and Michigan fans. Reeder emphasized that he rooted for the Wolverines. The linebacker visited Michigan for the first time Nov. 1 when the program hosted Purdue. Reeder's longstanding desire to don the winged helmet, plus a growing con- nection with linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary and head coach Sherrone Moore, drew him to Ann Arbor. The people make the place, in Reeder's eyes, and that completed the picture from his Michigan visit. " T h e t ra d i t i o n i s d e e p - ro o te d ," Reeder said. "The culture and tradition is everything there. It's all about cul- ture, tradition and the players." He committed to the Wolverines pri- vately the Monday after his visit con- cluded. Reeder thought the staff could tell good news was coming based on the big smile on his face when they met. Before that conversation, he talked with his head coach at St. Xavier, Steve Specht. They sat down for what Specht referred to as a "really, really tough conversation." Reeder felt bad. He al- ready made the pledge to Wisconsin, but that didn't end up deterring him from reaching for something he always wanted. "He's like, 'Coach, I've dreamed of going to Michigan since I was a little kid,'" Specht said. Specht is an old-school football coach leading one of the top prep programs in Ohio. Modern college recruiting has swayed him away from his previous be- lief that a commitment is binding and final. In his view, the NCAA has screwed the whole process up. So, he told Reeder to chase what he wanted. "This is your dream. Live your dream. You'll go there for five years, you're go- ing to get a Michigan education, which is phenomenal — I'm not saying Wis- consin's not because I've had kids play at Wisconsin, too — but this is your dream, pursue it." Michigan loves Reeder's aggressive play style. He recorded 3 tackles for loss during a recent playoff win. Specht ef- fusively praised the linebacker's ability as a pass rusher, saying he frequently talks to his staff about why they aren't blitzing him more. Reeder was a safety as sophomore and kept growing into a linebacker's frame at 6-foot-3, 210 pounds. He's now a captain for St. Xavier as a senior. "I'm going to miss him," Specht said. "Not just as a player, I'm going to miss him just as a kid." Jean-Mary watched from the side- lines as Reeder and St. Xavier continued their run through the Ohio state play- offs. The linebacker said seeing his fu- ture coach meant "everything" to him. He recorded a season-high 11 tackles while trying to make Jean-Mary and his family in the stands proud. Reeder is fired up about the chance to play for this Michigan coaching staff, and he has already heard from a few commits welcoming him to the class. The recruiting process is behind him now, and he's eager to start his college football at Michigan. "I'm ready to compete and work hard with them," Reeder said. "We're trying to go for a national title." ❑ Cincinnati Linebacker Aden Reeder Flips From Wisconsin PLAYER EVALUATION STRENGTHS: I think he's a good fit for the Big Ten style of play. This a guy who is going to be a plus run defender. He can add pass rush value as well. He has a good bit of versatility that he brings to the table. He's a guy who has been on that high three-star ranking for us for the majority of the cycle. He looks like a quality get for Michigan and fits their style of play with the ethos they like to have on defense. — Rivals director of scouting and rankings Charles Power AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT: On first watch, Reeder seems like a high-floor prospect who fits the Mike role in Michigan's scheme. He does a great job of recognizing pre-snap and filling gaps in a hurry. His film doesn't necessarily pop, but he's probably a safe take. — EJ Holland PLAYER COMPARISON: Reeder best projects as a Mike but his build should allow him to play some edge and Will. The same was said about former Michigan linebacker Hayden Moore, who was a tackling machine for Colorado power Regis Jesuit. Like Moore, Reeder is a late add for the Wolverines who plays quality competition. However, a lot will depend on development. Moore transferred to Washington, where he has found a home at edge and has played in every game this season. — Holland Reeder is ranked as the No. 33 linebacker nationally and No. 22 prospect in Ohio by Rivals. PHOTO BY ETHAN MCDOWELL