Name: Devon Baxter
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 235 lbs.
High school: Clinton (MD) Gwynn Park
Position: Defensive end
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Last year: Baxter was a senior in high school (LINK). He made 55 tackles, 13 sacks, 9 pass breakups, and 3 fumble recoveries.
TTB Rating: 78
Baxter was a bit of an under-the-radar recruit until Michigan jumped into the ring. He took an official visit to Michigan in mid-June of 2023, and a few days later, he publicly committed to the Wolverines. He finished as a low-ish 4-star as the #26 edge player and #337 overall in the 247 Composite, but 247 itself is highest on him, ranking him all the way up at #182 overall in the class.
Personally, I like Baxter as an athlete to get into the program. I think he could be a standout receiving tight end, and he could also be an outstanding edge rusher. He has the length, burst, and change-of-direction skills to make an impact getting after the passer, perhaps more so than anyone in the pipeline right now. Very few people in Michigan's program have the length and quickness Baxter possesses. But he's also very light right now at 235 pounds, and his technique is lacking. He plays as a stand-up edge mostly, but sometimes he puts his hand in the dirt or even kicks inside sometimes, too. Michigan needs to get him in the weight room and see how quickly he can put on some much needed strength, because he could be a Taco Charlton-like player, and Michigan will need some natural pass rushers in the near future.
Prediction: Redshirt
Patience
ReplyDeleteHe reaches for the ball and plucks it out of the air with his hands.
ReplyDeleteIn his commitment post, you said his first step was not so great, which ... agreed. But the second through eighth steps are really good.
I hope he sticks around. I think he can play.
Curious why you lowered his TTB rating?
Roanman
Not saying it's Baxter because I have no idea about him vs all these other young Edge prospects, but I could see an athletic freshman or two get a shot at a pass rush specialist role. Taco Charlton being an example of such a kind of freshman.
ReplyDelete