The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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MAY 2026 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 61 ❱ COMMIT PROFILE BY ETHAN MCDOWELL M axwell Miles didn't need much time before he real- ized Michigan was the right fit for him. The three-star safety picked up offers from Vanderbilt, Min- nesota and Wake Forest early this year, but a trip to Ann Arbor changed the trajectory of his re- cruitment. Safeties coach Tyler Stock- ton locked in on Miles as a pri- ority target after arriving in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines watched him intercept 8 passes as a junior and then record the second-best long jump (23 feet, 3.25 inches) in Nevada so far this spring. Michi- gan brought him in for a visit and ended up extending a scholarship. Miles committed during the visit. "After I got offered by Coach Stockton, I knew Michigan was a place I wanted to be," Miles said. "Just building that relationship with the staff and being around the program made it feel like home. It was a great moment I got to experi- ence with my parents and the coaching staff — it meant a lot to me. It felt like everything I've worked for was starting to pay off, and I knew I was making the right decision." The 6-2, 195-pound safety from Las Vegas Centennial High loved everything he saw at the U-M practice. He clicked with Stockton and defensive coordi- nator Jay Hill during the visit, and the chance to wear the maize and blue is an opportunity he covets. "To be able to play for a rich culture like theirs and play under Coach Stock- ton and Coach Hill, it's just a blessing," Miles said. "I'm grateful." Michigan views him as a versatile de- fensive back who could play a few spots in the secondary. Miles wants to be coached hard. He thinks Stockton fits what he's looking for in a position coach after seeing just how much he knows about the game. "I love everything about Coach Stockton," Miles said. Miles will enroll early with the Wolverines. He likes that U-M creates a distraction-free envi- ronment where he can really lock in as a student-athlete. Michi- gan checked all of his boxes dur- ing his first trip to campus. "Everything that I've seen that I wanted in a coaching staff and a facility, it was there," Miles said. As his March visit wrapped up, the rising senior defensive back made up his mind and de- cided to share the good news with the coaching staff. "It was during one of our meetings towards the end of the day after I reviewed every- thing that I liked," Miles said. "I told Coach Jay Hill that this is the place I wanted to be, and he brought Coach Stockton in. I released the news to him, and he was ecstatic." To go along with his turnover- filled junior season, Miles re- corded 77 total tackles (6 for loss) and logged 10 passes defended. "Michigan loves my versatility and physicality," Miles said. "I can play sideline to sideline, come down and hit, cover in space, and make plays on the ball. I bring energy every snap, and I'm always around the football." The Wolverines viewed him as a pri- ority recruit and pushed hard to get him into the class quickly. He explained what will make him a successful safety at the next level. "A lot of people don't know how much I study the game," Miles said. "I take pride in film, understanding of- fenses, and putting myself in the best position to make plays. That, along with my mindset and work ethic, are what's going to separate me." Miles has already connected with fel- low safety pledge Darrell Mattison and plans on recruiting for the Wolverines behind the scenes. He already knows his pitch to prospects considering the program. "If you want to be developed and win and play for a rich tradition, Michigan's the place to be," Miles said. ❑ U-M Lands Versatile Defensive Back Maxwell Miles Miles is rated as a three-star prospect and the No. 60 safety in the country by Rivals. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS PLAYER EVALUATION STRENGTHS: Miles played free safety and also in the slot at times for his high school squad. The defensive back looks tall and long on tape, plays with strong instincts and reads the offense well in zone coverage. He also showcased some strong man coverage skills from the slot that could suggest nickel versatility in Ann Arbor as well. He's a very willing tackler who pursues the ball with intent, but his strengths are in coverage. Miles wins contested catch opportunities and closes gaps fast. He's already listed at 6-2, 195 pounds. If those measurements are accurate, he could develop into a physically imposing defender at the next level. AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT: Verified speed is the only box we really need to check with Miles. PLAYER COMPARISON: Rivals' Allen Trieu compared Miles to BYU safety Faletau Satuala, and we agree with that. Satuala is one of the best defensive backs in the nation and re- ceived second-team All-America honors last fall while playing under Jay Hill. Miles has that type of upside with his frame and explosive athleticism. — Ethan McDowell