Derrick Green, the No. 5 running back and No. 38 prospect in the ESPN 150, committed to Michigan
on Saturday over Tennessee
and Auburn.
In the end, it wasn't much of a surprise for the four-star recruit from Richmond (Va.) Hermitage.
Michigan seemed to make the most sense throughout his recruitment. The Wolverines needed a tailback and offered something Green was fond of -- a power running game that would showcase his skills. He often said that would be key in his recruitment. Michigan coaches seem dedicated to improving the team's ground attack, which was disappointing at times last season.
"I see myself, if I go to Michigan, starting right away," Green had said in the past.
Moreover, Michigan was the only finalist that didn't undergo a recent coaching change, unlike Auburn and Tennessee. Also, both SEC schools brought in head coaches who are more known for a spread attack than a power running game. Tennessee hired former Cincinnati coach Butch Jones, while Auburn hired former Arkansas State coach Gus Malzahn. The bond with the Wolverine coaches was significant.
"Just the history behind the program and their traditions," said Green at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl earlier this year. "[Running backs] coach [Fred] Jackson, coach [Brady] Hoke is a great coach. He's the best coach I've met so far."
Michigan didn't need Green to secure a strong 2013 class. It already had 26 commitments and 14 on the ESPN 300 list, including nine in the ESPN 150. However, Green is the Wolverines' highest-rated commit. Cornerback Jourdan Lewis from Detroit Cass Tech is the next-highest-rated prospect at No. 88, 50 spots behind Green.
