Michigan Football Recruiting: Predicting Where Jordan Diamond Lands

Jordan Diamond is an elite offensive tackle from Simeon High School in Chicago, Illinois. Diamond is one of the more highly sought-after recruits in the 2012 class with four schools remaining in the running for his services. Diamond plans to announce his college decision this coming Friday, February 3.

Diamond is set to decide between Arkansas, Auburn, Michigan and Wisconsin. He has taken official visits to all four schools, and each brings uniqueness to the table that makes this a tough decision for any recruit.

Diamond is a tough player who really shows his strength in run-blocking schemes. He has work to do with his mechanics and footwork, and he should also add a good bit of weight once he hits the college circuit.

Diamond has the opportunity to take his services to the SEC with both Auburn and Arkansas calling on his signature. He had good visits to both schools, but he isn’t likely to travel that far away for his college years.

The favorites for Diamond’s signature are Wisconsin and Michigan. Both teams are close to home and have a history of producing NFL-quality linemen. Both schools also have great academic programs and a record of excellence on the field. Diamond is likely down to these two, but what is the separator?

Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin is a grind-it-out type team. The Badgers love to run the football and gain big yards in the play-action game. One of Diamond’s biggest strengths is his run blocking. He has a nasty streak that is hard to find in linemen but one that is a necessity if a big man is to have success at this level.

Wisconsin does return a host of offensive linemen this season, including both starters at the offensive tackle position. Immediate playing time is not something that Diamond has stated to be important in his recruitment, but it is something to look at nonetheless.

The Badgers love a big bruiser on the offensive line who can shift the line of scrimmage and push defenders deep into the second level. Diamond has those traits and would fit well in a Badgers uniform.

Michigan Wolverines

The Wolverines have had a few changes in scenery the past few seasons, but this year the Big Blue appear to have found the right formula as they head toward success. The Wolverines are looking to return to the top of the Big Ten, and Jordan Diamond could help that charge.

Michigan has had a lot of success producing talented offensive linemen in the past. Most recently, the drafting of Jake Long with the first overall pick in 2008 is a sign that linemen can go to Michigan and develop on the national stage.

Michigan returns a host of offensive linemen this season, much like Wisconsin, but the Wolverines did lose two seniors off of last year’s line. Michigan does not have the depth that Wisconsin has at the line positions either, which should tip the hat in the Wolverines' favor. Michigan also focuses on the run, again a strength of Diamond’s.

Will Diamond Travel to the South?

Diamond has a big decision ahead of him. He has two of the top schools in the Big Ten pushing for his signature, as well as two of the elite programs in the SEC. Staying close to home is the most sure fit for Diamond, but in recruiting you never know the outcome until the letter is faxed.

Diamond would fit well in both Auburn and Arkansas’ scheme. Both teams will run the football, with Auburn taking a more traditional approach to run blocking. Both teams return some experience at the offensive line position, but Auburn has the least experience of all four of these teams.

Again, a redshirt season to add bulk to Diamond’s large frame is the best scenario, but if he is needed to make an impact early, he has the talent to do so. Expect Diamond to choose either Wisconsin or Michigan, but if he were to travel south for some sun, Auburn is his most likely destination.

Prediction: Michigan

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