Michigan Defensive Tackles: Gain One, Lose One

Michigan received its 19th verbal commitment to the class of 2009 from Defensive Tackle Pearlie Graves (6'3", 260) from Tulsa East Central High School in Oklahoma—which is good news because Michigan lost another player off the current roster, Jason Kates.

Jason is 6"2 and 336 pounds and has struggled with his weight. He didn't even sniff playing time this year, so with a good Freshman class coming in next year, Jason decided to pack it up and leave the team. Kates was a Sophomore and was rated four stars from Rivals and two from Scout.

Let's hope "Big Will" Campbell is part of that great Defensive Line class of 2009.

Now on to the particulars for Pearlie via Varsity Blue as always.

Player Notes

Graves plays primarily defensive end in high school, and that is where the recruiting sites list him. However, he has a big frame, and with a college-level strength and conditioning program, he will likely move to defensive tackle. He will likely end up as a penetrator who is more of a speedy defensive tackle than Big Ten fans are accustomed to.

Recruiting Notes

Graves was offered by Michigan in the summer, and the Wolverines immediately became one of his favorite schools. He took his visit to Ann Arbor this fall and went home raving about his time there, particularly the academic support.

Graves's stock has been rising lately, with several programs offering him scholarships recently. He picked Michigan over Oklahoma State and others.

Graves is rated a four-star prospect from Rivals.

Michigan's 2009 "great names" recruiting class includes:

• Shavodrick Beaver
• Fitzgerald Toussaint
• DeQuinta Jones
• Pearlie Graves