The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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COMMITMENT PROFILE gan State, Nebraska, North Carolina, Northwestern, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, TCU, Tennessee and more. He narrowed it down to Au- burn, Michigan, Michigan State and Oregon before he made his decision. "Everything they have there stood out — the coaches and education. And there was just that one thing that just felt right," Honigford said. "It felt like home." Honigford's home-state Ohio State Buckeyes showed interest in him early on, but never extended an of- fer. Plenty have speculated that if the Buckeyes were to offer, Honigford may flip, but he laid that notion to rest. With a chip on his shoulder, the big man is ready to meet the Buck- eyes in the last game of the season in November in college football's best rivalry. "If Ohio State offers, I will politely say 'Go Blue.' I'm looking forward to beating Ohio State," he said with a laugh. "I'm most excited about hav- ing the chance to play college foot- ball at a high level. I am just really blessed and excited." Like any Ohio prospect that picks Michigan, he has had Buckeye State natives question his college choice. "I know a lot of people think, 'He picked Michigan to get back at Ohio State,' but that's not true. I picked Michigan because it was best for me," he said. "People think 'Michigan was a backup plan,' but I would have picked Michigan, even if Ohio State offered. I am all in for Michigan." Rivals.com Midwest recruiting analyst Josh Helmholdt thinks the 6-5, 277-pound Honigford has a high ceiling, which could be why his offer list was so long and loaded. "Honigford does not lack for any physical tools, but will need some seasoning," Helmholdt said. "The appeal that drew scholarship offers from big-name programs across the country was about what he can be, more than about what he is right now." Honigford is not ranked nationally by Rivals.com, but the Ohio native is rated as the No. 21 player in Ohio and the No. 48 offensive tackle in the 2017 class by 247Sports. — Brandon Justice FILM EVALUATION Strengths: Joel Honigford has a huge upside and the right frame at 6‑5, 277 pounds for an offensive tackle. Areas Of Improvement: He needs to fill out more and improve his strength and technique, typical for any rising high school senior. If he continues to develop, he could earn that fourth star before the fall is over. Michigan Player Comparison: Honigford looks a lot like fifth‑ year senior Kyle Kalis, who stands 6‑5, 305 pounds. While Honigford is a form‑fit as a tackle, he fits Jim Harbaugh and his staff 's trend of recruiting prospects that can play any position on the line. Honigford could move to guard in college. — Analysis from TheWolverine.com