Henry Poggi, Wolverine

Henry Poggi

Baltimore (MD) Gilman defensive lineman Henry Poggi committed to Michigan on Monday.  He picked the Wolverines over Alabama and Tennessee (the main competitors), along with many other schools.

Poggi is a 6'4", 260 lb. defensive tackle for his high school.  Poggi had 49 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks as a junior in 2011.  He claims a 4.7 forty.

Ratings:
ESPN: 4-star, 81 grade, #23 DT
Rivals: 4-star, #2 DT, #52 overall
Scout: 4-star, #15 DT, #135 overall
247 Sports: 4-star, 94 grade, #7 DT, #105 overall

Poggi is one of the more quiet recruits on the recruiting circuit, so it was hard to judge by his words where he was leaning.  However, it was clear for a while that Michigan and Alabama were toward the forefront, since those were places he visited.  Poggi was present for Michigan's victory over Purdue last October, and he visited again this past March.  His most recent visit was to Tuscaloosa, which had some Michigan fans worried when it was revealed that Poggi was ready to announce.  But Poggi's release on Monday morning was in favor of the Wolverines.

I scouted Poggi back in March, and there's not much to add to that evaluation.  He's a good player, but he appears to be somewhat limited athletically.  According to Poggi himself, the coaches want him to learn the 5-tech defensive end position before bulking up and eventually playing 3-tech defensive tackle.  No matter where he begins his career, I think he'll be a defensive tackle by the time he actually sees playing time on Saturdays.  The basic techniques are similar for both positions, so changing spots shouldn't hamper his development.

Poggi should have a solid career ahead of him at Michigan.  He is not the type of athlete who is likely to develop into a Ndamukong Suh or Nick Fairley-type college superstar, but he is a high character, hardworking, technical player with good athleticism.  After what is likely to be a redshirt year in 2013 (when Jibreel Black will probably still be starting at 3-tech), Poggi will compete with fellow freshman Maurice Hurst, Jr. and a host of 2012 kids for the 3-tech position.  If things go well, I could see him being a mid-round NFL draft pick in four or five years.

Along with Hurst, this gives Michigan two defensive tackles, three defensive linemen, and 20 total commitments in the 2013 class.  Technically, Michigan only has 20 spots open for the class of 2013, but coaches can typically count on a few guys not returning from year to year, so the class is expected to grow to 23-24 players.  Poggi is the seventh Michigan commit to be scheduled to participate in January's Under Armour All-American Game.

TTB Rating: 81 (ratings explanation)