The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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50 THE WOLVERINE ❱ AUGUST 2026 ❱ COMMIT PROFILE BY ETHAN MCDOWELL T avares Harrington reached out to Michigan about a week before his decision. The Wolverines were surging in his recruitment, trying to land his pledge after four meetings this spring — two in Chicago and two in Ann Arbor. He hopped on the phone with the coaches, and they started explaining their goals for the 2027 cycle, outlining their plans to build a strong class after landing a series of commitments that rocketed the program up the national recruiting rankings. "That's why I'm calling you," Har- rington said. The staff was surprised and fired up. Harrington silently committed to the Wolverines that day and publicly an- nounced his pledge on May 22. Sur- rounded by his friends, teammates and family in a packed restaurant outside of Chicago, he made his decision official on the Rivals YouTube channel. "I feel great," Harrington told The Wolverine after the announcement. "I feel like this is the best decision I could have made. It was a hard deci- sion, but it's the best decision, and I feel like they're going to take me to the next level." Listed at 6-foot-3, 180 pounds, Har- rington racked up an elite offer list over the past year before narrowing his deci- sion down to Michigan, Ole Miss, Au- burn, Notre Dame and Alabama. His decision to pick the Wolverines came down to the coaching staff. Safeties coach Tyler Stockton was his primary recruiter. Defensive coor- dinator Jay Hill played a huge role in his recruitment as well, and the coveted defensive back also built a connection with head coach Kyle Whittingham. "The relationships I've got with them, it's unbreakable, and I feel like [they] are somebody I want to play for," Harrington said. "They treat me like I'm not just a player but like a son." Michigan offered Harrington last summer, and he always expressed inter- est in the program. He didn't visit Ann Arbor until April. The Wolverines really started to build momentum with him once the new staff took over. He said U-M separated itself with a recruiting pitch that focused on developing him as a person, not just a football player. "I always thought about them, but our relationship wasn't as strong as it got when Coach Stockton and Coach Hill got there," Harrington said. "I mean, Coach [LaMar] Morgan did a great job of re- cruiting, but when Coach Stockton and Coach Hill got there, it took off. They came to see me a lot, and they showed me that they actually want me." On the field, Michigan outlined a clear vision for how they see him fitting into the defense. Harrington could play in the slot and at safety for the Wolver- ines. "They feel like — and I feel like — I'm the most versatile DB in the nation," Harrington said. Alabama and Notre Dame held the momentum in his recruitment at one point, but his relationships with Michi- gan prevailed. He said his bond with Hill and Stockton surpassed any other staff. Harrington knows he can call them up and talk about anything. Michigan showed him a ton of love during his visits. He stopped by for a practice before returning to campus for the spring game. Harrington liked his role in the defense and, after spending time with the staff, has a lot of confi- dence in the next era of U-M football. "They've got a great defense, a great staff, and I think they're going to have great stability because they're going to win," Harrington said. He left campus impressed after visit- ing with close friend and Michigan star Jyaire Hill and some of his teammates, including Top 100 Wolverine receiver commit Quentin Burrell. The program was building steady momentum at that point, and Stockton didn't let up off the gas. "When I got back, Coach Stockton came right back to see me, and I was like, 'Oh, yeah, that's where I'm going,'" Stockton said. Harrington said his recruitment is shut down and that he's focusing on preparing for another state champion- ship run with Mount Carmel. "I'm definitely locked in," Harrington said. "Right now, it's just focusing on my team and trying to get this five- peat." ❑ Inside Michigan's Surge Past Notre Dame And Alabama For Tavares Harrington Harrington is a four-star safety ranked as the No. 15 player at his position nationally and the No. 169 overall prospect by Rivals. He is prep teammates with U-M receiver commit Quentin Burrell at Chicago powerhouse Mount Carmel High. PHOTO BY ETHAN MCDOWELL PLAYER EVALUATION STRENGTHS: Great size and length. Comes from a very good high school program and has experience in high-level 7-on-7 as well. Shows body control and plays the ball well in the air because of size, as well as body control. Does a great job of play recognition. Gets the jumps on screens and short routes, closes quickly and is a good tackler at corner. AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT: Will need to show he has the top-end speed and change of direction to stay at the corner long term at his size. Projects first as a big boundary corner but could certainly move into the slot or play a nickel-type role, potentially even getting safety looks in time. But well-schooled, physical, and will find a home to make an impact at one of those positions. PLAYER COMPARISON: Texas and NFL cornerback Ryan Watts — A big, outside corner who was physical as a tackler and was also looked at as a player who could play some safety. — Rivals national analyst Allen Trieu