Defensive end Jibreel Black drops Cincinnati, commits to Michigan
Even Cincinnati Wyoming football coach Bernie Barre had to joke with one of his assistants Monday that, given Jibreel Black’s history, Black’s weekend commitment to Michigan was of the “loose” variety.
Last summer, Black verbally committed to Indiana, where his brother Larry plays defensive tackle, then switched his pledge to Cincinnati during the Bearcats’ undefeated regular season.
When Brian Kelly left for Notre Dame last month, Black scheduled an official visit to Michigan State. He stayed committed to Cincinnati through that trip, but went to Michigan on Friday and told coaches Sunday he wanted to be a Wolverine.
“I texted him this morning and I told him you got to call UC (Cincinnati) and he told me that he’s already talked to UC,” Barre said. “He told them. He had a visit to Indiana next week and he canceled it. So he’s canceled his visit to Indiana and he’s told UC that he’s not coming, so I think it’s a pretty firm commitment.”
If so, that’s good news for a Michigan team still searching for help on the defensive side of the ball.
Black was Ohio’s Division 3 co-Defensive Player of the Year last year, logging 9 ½ sacks as a pass-rushing defensive end and leading Wyoming to a 13-1 season that ended in the state semifinals.
The 6-foot-2, 260-pound Black projects as an end at Michigan, though some schools recruited him at tackle.
“He was great for us, I’ll tell you that,” Barre said. “He’s extremely quick, cat-like quickness I feel like, and he’ll get after the passer. He’s physical, strong, relentless, has got one of those motors that’s always going. I think they got a great player.”
Unlike recent linebacker commitments Jake Ryan and Davion Rogers, Michigan had been pursuing Black for some time.
Former linebackers coach Jay Hopson, now the defensive coordinator at Memphis, recruited Black during the season, but Black didn't waver on his Cincinnati commitment until after Kelly left.
He took an official visit under the Bearcats' new staff and impressed coaches with his personable nature, jumping to his feet to introduce himself to everyone who entered a recruiting hospitality suite at the downtown Westin.
Black returned from that visit firm in his commitment, but changed his mind after seeing the opportunities at Michigan on his trip to Ann Arbor.
"Jibreel told me that he was just blown away by the facilities both athletically and academically up at Michigan," Barre said. "He just thought it felt right, it was the right place for him, so he made the switch."
Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.
Comments
buzz
Fri, Jan 29, 2010 : 2:08 a.m.
I dunno i wat they mean either on black's size either, but i think RR was focusing on offense year 1-2 now hes focusing more on D now. Atleast here at UM he can recruit better players on D than in WV. I do belive Defenses win Championships, but if the D is ok and the offense is crazy that works too, but i have a feeling that UM's D will be beast in the near future. IDC wat other ppl say, they dont believe UM will be good then they can find a new team.
buzz
Fri, Jan 29, 2010 : 2:05 a.m.
I dunno i wat they mean either on black's size either, but i think RR was focusing on offense year 1-2 now hes focusing more on D now. Atleast here at UM he can recruit better players on D than in WV. I do belive Defenses win Championships, but if the D is ok and the offense is crazy that works too, but i have a feeling that UM's D will be beast in the near future. IDC wat other ppl say, they dont believe UM will be good then they can find a new team.
buzz
Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 8:33 a.m.
Kid looks very promising, description of him in espn says its lack of height and size thats preventing him of becoming a top-ranked DE which is why he a national-sleeper. And i love the national sleepers. WE had toussaint last year who was a national sleeper also and looked like a beast, i predict him to be like the next Mike hart but maybe with alot more speed an less power. When i looked at most of the All-BigTen many of the players were like 3-star some 4 and one 5. That one was Brandon Graham who was actually recruited as a LB. So many of u that say the players RR have recruited don't have size well thats something that proved u wrong. Although BG is beast and size does't matter wit him but im sure many of these guys could change positions and gan more weight. Bu BLack looks very promising and could hlp contribute to UM in the Future. IT will be hard without Graham and Warren but it'll take a group effort from the whole defense to help remind us that we don't need them and that many players can step-up in their place. Always happens every year with Every program. Future looks bright for Blue Nation. GO BLUE!!!!!
GoblueinNE_PA
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 7:22 p.m.
He needs work on technique (what kid doesn't?), but there is some potential with this guy. Either he's unblockable, or the competition in that part of Ohio stinks. His best play though was the hustle play where he made the tackle about 20 yds downfield. That says more about him than all the other plays put together. Of course his inability to stick to a committment says volumes as well. Let's hope he keeps it this time and makes the grade.
Lorain Steelmen
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 4:19 p.m.
This is a great pickup for UM. The kid sounds like he is mobile, agile, and hostile. I love it! As good as Coach Rodriguez is on the offensive side of the ball, in the end it will be his defensive team, that takes him all the way to the top. Now...if we can just pick up Knight, and/or Parker, this will be a great recruiting class! Go Blue!
survivor
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 4:14 p.m.
Thanx, Jibreel for choosing Maize and Blue. What, did you lead the world in TFL? Spectacular!
oldmanblue
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 2:01 p.m.
Devin Gardner plays quarterback. He will be a great fit this year learning the system behind Forcier. Don't cry too hard next week when Ghoulston de commits from State and goes to Alabama.
sikness
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 1:55 p.m.
Oh my garsh! Walmart here you are again! And with yet another intelligent statement I see! I like you cuz ur smert and must love UM football like me cuz you spend at least as much time as i do and probably more on these UM articles. Sure am glad to see such a smert feller pick a smert choice in his college team!
wersch213
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 12:55 p.m.
That is excellent news. The storm is brewing folks...hang on and enjoy the ride!