The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/666058
COMMITMENT PROFILE name on the back of the jersey won't be the only thing familiar to Michigan fans. His style of play bears a striking similarity to his older brother's. That should be a perfect fit in Brown's at‑ tacking defense. "They have similarities, especially the instinctive play," St. Mary's head coach George Porritt said. "Josh can play a little bit more out of his range. I think Josh, from early on, made some great range plays dropping into cov‑ erage, intercepting the ball out of his zones and stuff like that. "He's a little bit ahead of James there. His instincts and toughness are a lot like what we saw out of James, though." Despite the similarities — or per‑ haps in part because of them — Ri‑ vals.com Midwest recruiting analyst Josh Helmholdt said Joshua has an even higher ceiling as a Wolverine than did James. "Even though they are actually rated very similarly, I just think Josh got a huge benefit in seeing what James went through," Helmholdt opined. "He had a chance to learn from his brother's career at Michigan and knows some of the missteps. "James had a very solid career at Michigan, but I think Josh can be bet‑ ter. Even though talent‑wise they are quite similar, Josh is going to benefit from James having walked the path before he did." Just as impressive as his play on the field is his demeanor off it. "He's a very humble kid that plays strictly for his team and teammates," Porritt explained. "That's what it's all about for him — the team. He's go‑ ing to do it right and not talk about himself. "He likes to lead by example. He communicates well with his team‑ mates and uses that for productive purposes. He's already been one of our leaders for a couple years, and he's not even a senior yet." The 6‑1, 215‑pound Ross has a little more height than his older brother (who measured in under 5‑11 at Mich‑ igan's pro day in March), and his ath‑ letic potential sees him earn a ranking as the No. 9 outside linebacker and No. 189 overall recruit nationally. Ross is also the No. 4 rising senior in Michigan, and joins unranked tight end Carter Dunaway, offensive lineman Ja'Raymond Hall (No. 13), and defensive lineman Phillip Paea (No. 8) as in‑state commitments for the Wolverines. — Tim Sullivan Rivals.com Midwest recruiting analyst Josh Helmholdt on the Ross brothers "James had a very solid career at Michigan, but I think Josh can be better. Even though talent-wise they are quite similar, Josh is going to benefit from James having walked the path before he did."