Jakari Lipsey, Wolverine

 

Kalamazoo (MI) Loy Norrix OT Jakari Lipsey (center, image via X)

Kalamazoo (MI) Loy Norrix offensive tackle Jakari Lipsey committed to Michigan on. Lipsey picked the Wolverines over offers from LSU, Tennessee, UCLA, Wisconsin, and others.

Lipsey stands 6'5", 290 lbs.

RANKINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 80 grade, #28 OT, #265 overall
Rivals: 4-star, 91 grade, #11 OT, #129 overall
247 Sports: 4-star, 93 grade, #9 OT, #66 overall

Hit the jump for more.

Lipsey has long been a target of the Michigan coaching staff, but the relationship seems to have improved with the hiring of new offensive line coach Jim Harding, who has produced several top NFL draft picks from his time at Utah.

Lipsey is a big, athletic offensive tackle with legitimate three-sport experience. He’s a standout thrower in track and field and a solid basketball player who can even dunk at his size. Oh, and he can do a backflip. On the football field, he has nice athleticism and bend. He shows the ability to play with a wide base and mirror in pass protection, and he does a good job of not turning and opening the door for edge rushers. (Then again, not many of his opponents are quick enough to challenge him around the corner.) In the run game, he shows the ability to get low, churn his legs, and drive people off the ball.

On the negative side, Lipsey holds the s*** out of people in pass protection and judo throws them to the ground with frequency, so he needs to be more consistent with his footwork, hand placement, and effort. There are times where he looks gassed, so he could need conditioning work . . . or perhaps he's playing both ways a ton and needs a break.

Overall, Lipsey has the tools to develop into a high-level Big Ten tackle. With Harding as offensive line coach and the tradition that Michigan has established in the run game and on the offensive line, he should have as good of an opportunity in Ann Arbor as anywhere. His athleticism should help him play offensive line, but his upside really depends on how quickly he can add weight and take to Harding's coaching.

Lipsey is currently Michigan’s highest-rated commit in the 2027 class. Loy Norrix comes to mind as a Michigan State stronghold, mainly on the backs of running backs Tico Duckett and T.J. Duckett. Tico is one of Michigan State's all-time leading rushers, and T.J. was a 1st round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2002, scoring 44 career touchdowns over seven seasons with the Falcons, Redskins, Lions, and Seahawks.