Argyle (TX) Liberty Christian linebacker Ndi Etta committed to Michigan on Sunday. He picked the Wolverines over offers from Austin Peay, Miami-OH, and UTEP.
Ndi Etta is listed at 6'1" or 6'2" and 215 lbs., and he played some defensive end and some linebacker in high school. He made 68 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 4 pass breakups as a senior in 2025.
RANKINGS
ESPN: N/A
Rivals: N/A
247 Sports: N/A
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Etta is the younger brother of Michigan defensive tackle Enow Etta, who was a part of Michigan's 2023 class. Ndi is a relatively recent offeree for the Wolverines and, in a way, may have been an enticement for Enow to stay at Michigan after he entered the transfer portal. Enow ended up re-committing to Michigan and will stick around for 2026.
His size suggests he'll be a linebacker, but he could be an edge defender if he puts on enough weight. Even at a relatively small size for an edge defender, he seems to lack great quickness off the edge. He would likely be a preferred walk-on type in years past, but sometimes you can find a diamond in the rough.
PWO. Any contribution would be welcome
ReplyDelete"Ndi Etta is listed at 6'1" or 6'2" and 215 lbs" ... and, "His size suggests he'll be a linebacker, but he could be an edge defender if he puts on enough weight"
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of edge defender, my mind usually thinks 250 pounds minimum, and some length to keep offensive tackles at a distance while he works around them. But maybe my vision of EDGE is antiquated; maybe we're in a time of quirky hybrid edge players are are half-LB, and half-EDGE.
I just struggle to see someone 6'2" and 215lb projecting to a B1G EDGE.
https://247sports.com/player/josh-uche-78986/high-school-137326/
Deletehttps://247sports.com/player/frank-clark-7072/high-school-12668/
https://247sports.com/player/josaiah-stewart-46093612/high-school-241904/
https://247sports.com/player/chase-winovich-26909/high-school-43796/
We've got UM examples of guys putting on 30, 40, 50 pounds between high school at senior year. The smaller guys might be more LB-flavored than DE-flavored EDGEs, but it's a viable path to the NFL, let alone playing in college.
Just to pile on to this, the Seahwaks two starting edges (Lawrence and Hall) are both listed at 6'3 254. Lawrence came out of high school more developed (listed at 240) but Hall was under 216.
Deletehttps://247sports.com/player/derick-hall-46050883/high-school-210611/
I think it's safe to assume he could put on the weight. Will he is a different question, but given his brother has added 60 pounds I wouldn't bet against it.
As Thunder notes, the key thing is going to be the quickness off the edge. Not saying Etta has it, given his rankings he probably does not, but his brother has been praised for his natural athleticism (albeit FOR A DT).
My take: worth a shot! Impact edges are so valuable. I like having some developmental low-cost options aka lotto tickets. Even if Etta maxes out as a little undersized (let's say 6'2 and 240-245) that can be effective in the B1G if he can rush the passer and hold up on the edge.
With 105 scholarships we should see many more players like this on the roster - projects who could be valuable down the line but if not -- SHRUG it was worth a try. They can contribute in practice and on special teams like walk-ons used to (but can't anymore).
ReplyDeleteAssuming the cost is not much more than the scholarship, room and board, etc (i.e., no big hit on NIL) a recruit like this may make more sense than your typical 4 star who costs straight out of high school.
The game has changed!
Superbowl MVP = running back
ReplyDelete#RBmatters