Mantrez Walker, Wolverine

 

Buford (GA) Buford linebacker Mantrez Walker

Buford (GA) Buford linebacker Mantrez Walker, a class of 2025 prospect, committed to Michigan on Saturday evening. He picked the Wolverines over offers from Florida, Florida State, Ohio State, Penn State, and Tennessee, among others.

Walker is listed at 6'1" and 215 lbs. He benches 305 and squats 405.

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Hit the jump for more on Walker's commitment.

Walker was offered by Michigan in December. He took a visit to Ann Arbor in mid-January. Shortly afterward, he set a commitment date, and the timing seemed to suggest that Michigan was a strong possibility. But with two years left before National Signing Day, I don't spend too much time doing mental gymnastics when it comes to commitments - especially from far away - because there are bound to be ups and downs before these guys sign.

Walker is a heavy-hitting inside linebacker who is probably headed for the middle linebacker position at the next level. He shows good discipline with his reads and plays downhill, sifting through linemen and lead blockers to find the ball. When he makes contact, he drives his feet with good technique and generally seems to finish his tackles rather than always looking for the big hit.

Walker is not the fastest player around, and he does occasionally go for the kill shot.

Overall, Walker has a chance to be a very good player in college, though he still has two years for his body and skills to develop. I like his chances of being an impact inside linebacker.

Michigan now has commitments from two players for 2025, along with cornerback Chris Ewald, Jr. (LINK). The last time Michigan signed a player from Buford was in 2018 with running back Christian Turner. However, they are also pursuing several other prospects from the high-profile football powerhouse, including five players in the 2024 class: safety K.J. Bolden, defensive end Martreece Dillard, tight end KingJoseph Edwards, defensive end Eddrick Houston, and safety TyShun White.

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