Devin Asiasi to Michigan: Wolverines Land 4-Star TE Prospect

Michigan added one of the most intriguing recruits in the 2016 class on Wednesday with a commitment from Devin Asiasi. While it may take some time before he makes a major impact for the Wolverines, he's got the tools to become a star.

Sean Merriman of the Big Ten Network passed along word of Asiasi's decision to join the Wolverines.  

Asiasi is a 4-star prospect who ranks as the 74th best prospect in the class of 2016, according to 247Sports' composite rankings. He's rated as the No. 3 tight end prospect in the country and is also the 12th-best prospect from California.

He's been viewed mostly as a tight end throughout the recruiting process, and it's probably where he'll begin his college career. That said, he's also gained experience at defensive end and possesses the physical tools to excel there if he were to commit to it.

There aren't many players in the class who can match Asiasi's combination of size (6'3", 270 lbs) and athleticism. He's tough to defend because he can expose a defense down the seams but is also strong enough to develop into a key target in the red zone.

While everyone is focused on his talent on the field, Asiasi is prouder of another aspect of the latest stop on his football journey, Bleacher Report's Damon Sayles noted.

"I'll be the first one in my family to go to college," Asiasi said. "That's my inspiration. That's what drives me every morning. Every time I see my cousins, they'll say, 'You're the one.' They say I'll be the one to show that you can do way more than what's being done."

That's certainly a major accomplishment, but it's still on the gridiron where he'll likely make a name for himself for the next handful of years. Jamie Uyeyama from Son of a Coach provided an overview of what he sees from Asiasi on the offensive side of the ball:

"

He's not explosive out of his breaks, but is a solid route runner that uses his body very well to gain separation. He has very good hands and catches the ball away from his body. He's a weapon over the middle of the field in short and intermediate areas. He's comfortable to line up in the slot as well as in-line. He's just so big that safeties and linebackers will struggle to cover him if used properly.

"

The last part is key. He's a prototypical modern tight end because he can split out wide or work from the line. Regardless of where he lines up, he's usually too strong for a safety or a corner but too quick for many linebackers.

His initial breaks need work, he can benefit from reading coverage schemes better, and he'll need to become a more consistent blocker before moving into an every-down role. At the outset, using him in select packages to utilize his offensive upside is the best move.

Heading to Michigan should put Asiasi in an ideal situation. He won't be counted on right away because of the presence of Jake Butt, but he should learn a lot from one of college football's top players at the position and then have a chance to significantly increase his role in his second year.

Butt racked up 51 catches for 654 yards and three touchdowns during the 2015 season. He's made major strides in his all-around game since joining the Wolverines and should be a top draft prospect after another year of seasoning in Ann Arbor.

Michigan's newest tight end will hope to follow a similar path.

Ultimately, Asiasi isn't a polished product quite yet. Once he gains experience and gets some more coaching, however, there's a good chance he'll become a nightmare to defend.