The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/544673
COMMITMENT PROFILE The recruiting battle for Hartland (Wis.) Arrowhead offensive lineman Ben Bredeson was a fierce one. That's no surprise, given his talent. The 6-4, 280-pounder is considered the No. 4 offensive tackle and No. 49 overall prospect in the nation, and the top rising-senior in Wisconsin by Rivals. He's a bully in the trenches, capable of playing either tackle or guard when he gets to the next level. "The 6-foot-4, 280-pounder was sharp throughout the position drills, but took a little time to settle in during the one-on-ones," Rivals.com Midwest recruiting analyst Josh Helmholdt said after the big man's appearance at the Rivals Camp Series in Chicago. "Arrowhead's left tackle last fall, Bredeson took all his reps at that spot, but probably would have fared better at guard where he could utilize his strength and quickness." That positional versatility is what made him so coveted by the likes of Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and the eventual winner, Michigan. Bredeson's pledge to the Maize and Blue makes him the top committed player in the 2016 class and gives the Wolverines an extremely strong group up front that also includes Erik Sw- enson of Downers Grove (Ill.) South (the No. 8 offensive tackle and No. 93 prospect nationally), Devery Hamilton of Baltimore Gilman (the No. 24 of- fensive tackle in the land) and Michael Onwenu of Detroit Cass Tech (the No. 9 offensive guard and No. 191 pros- pect in the country). It was his relationship with Michi- gan that won out in the end. Brede- son's older brother, Jack, signed to play baseball for U-M as a member of the 2015 class. While that wasn't the deciding factor, it certainly helped him grow comfortable on campus. "It's definitely not going to be a negative to have him there," Bredeson admitted. "I would be fine going my own way. I chose Michigan because I wanted to go there, too. I'm not go- ing to let him being there affect it too much, but if we're both at the same school playing two different sports, it will be really cool. We could go see each other's games, plus it will be easy on my parents." Wolverines Win Out For Ben Bredeson Bredeson is the highest ranked player cur- rently committed to Michigan. The offensive lineman from Wisconsin is Rivals' No. 49 prospect in the 2016 class, regardless of position. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM